Pass the Chips

Fastener industry legend and chip shot artist Mr. Robbie Gilchrist describes current market conditions, the future of the rep business, and how the NFDA found its way (18:28/1:30:25). AIM Testing Labs partner Rob LaPointe explains how hydrogen embrittlement is like an M&M (42:29). On the Fastener News Report, Fastener Technology International managing editor Mike McNulty hosts S.W. Anderson Company senior manager Jim Costello to unpack the latest mixed FDI numbers (53:28). Carmen Vertullo explains that blind rivets have a wider range of applications than you might think on the Fastener Training Minute (1:21:06). PLUS: Todd McRoberts has a new cold heading home! Connoisseurs of both snack foods and liberty, Brian and Eric note examples of the stifling results of bureaucratic overreach. Run time: 02:17:11

About the Hosts

Brian Musker

Brian Musker

Known as the “hardest working man in the online thread game”, Brian Musker earned his advanced engineering degree with a thesis on fastening technology many years before entering the fastener industry with the launch of the FCH Sourcing Network in 2006. Today, he is known as the developer of the industry renowned “FCH Scrubber” software that cleans and cross-matches fastener inventory for distributors across the industry. He is also a strong advocate for his beloved breakfast spread, Vegemite.

Eric Dudas

Eric Dudas

Eric Dudas got the idea of launching Fully Threaded Radio in the early days of podcasting as he pondered how to promote the FCH Sourcing Network to an industry that wasn’t doing much with traditional social media. Fifteen years later, the show has a life of its own and has opened more doors than he could have imagined. More recently, he’s been working to build the NFBBQA (National Fastener BBQ Association) to help fastener professionals better enjoy cooking meat over fire. He also enjoys chicken ranching at his small farm in semi-rural northeast Ohio.