FCH News

Episode #139 – The Vegemite Files

Although it required a Texas-sized helping of dubious sandwich spread to pull off, industry veteran and conversationalist, Marty Nolan of R. L. English turns the table on FTR host Mr. Brian Musker during a highly anticipated, landmark interview. Regional association board members Kevin Chavis, of Star Stainless, and George Hunt III, of Brighton Best International, […]

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Episode #138 – Direct Connections

When precision fastener manufacturer and conversationalist, Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, crashes onto the scene, the discussion topics carom from the master distribution model to blockchain to baseball (13:03). Then, in their direct fashion, Bob and Rob Reynolds of INxSQL Software explain how they connect fastener distributors to an array of business solutions that every […]

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Episode #137 – Opportunity Lost

Apple says it can’t source the tiny screws it needs from U.S. manufacturers, but some domestic suppliers disagree. Could it be a case of missed opportunity? Fastener industry veteran Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt, explains from the perspective of an importer who watched production move offshore (23:07). Structural bolt failure is the second main topic, […]

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Episode #135 – Testers and Jesters

The fastener industry knows how to laugh, but bolts and nuts are serious business. NFDA president, Kelly Cole clearly grasps this as he surveys industry operating conditions, previews an upcoming landmark association meeting, and explains his unique wardrobe selection (1:26:42). Rob LaPointe and Carmen Vertullo of AIM Testing Laboratory share the genesis of their new […]

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Episode #134 – Got Zarf?

The fastener industry reacts to the news and events of this year’s International Fastener Expo, featuring perennial expo observers Jake Davis, of BTM Manufacturing, and Rosa “The Riveter” Hearn, of Brighton Best International (1:07:51). Also, from the show floor, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey speaks with Fastener Industry Hall of Fame award winners Robbie […]

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Episode #133 – Failure to Communicate

The message is clear: What we have here is the latest installment of predominantly fastener-related talk radio, as Solution Industries’ Frank “Balboa” Devito succinctly communicates about his thinking on recent industry developments, his newest team member, and his long time source of inspiration (58:40). Mr. Marc Strandquist shares his reasons for the big move at […]

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Episode #131 – Get the Lead Out

During a 100% lead-free episode of fastener talk radio, industry consultant Carmen Vertullo revisits the topic of Prop 65 in the wake of his recent webinar, with the latest developments and thinking on the subject (17:35). Innovative Components founder and president, Mike O’Connor describes the right way to “near-shore” and how to make a better […]

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Episode #130 – Don’t Be Scared

Disruptive technology and competition present volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) to the fastener industry, even as the screw biz surges. But fear not, George Hunt III of BBI discusses ways of bringing stability and success to a life in fasteners, with work and family in simple equilibrium (1:16:09). NFDA president, Kelly Cole joins Fastener […]

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