Episode #104 – Eagles & Beagles

Eric Dudas

The bulls and bears disagree on what they see ahead. Meanwhile, the high fliers joining the latest edition of fastener talk radio dispel some of the confusion with their mile high view of the screw business. Just returned from Taiwan, Würth EVP, Marc Strandquist describes the Global Fastener Leaders Summit and notes the tenor of conversation during the event (21:57). NFDA president, Casey McIlhon, and Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty, assess the uptick of the most recent Fastener Distributor Index reading, during the Fastener News Report (43:07). John Bilton, marketing VP at Utah based distributor THB, Inc. explains how cutting edge ERP technology is helping his company thrive in an uncertain environment, even as some suppliers seem to be adding to the challenge (1:07:31). Also, Carmen Vertullo presents materials every fastener reference shelf must include, on the Fastener Training Minute (1:00:58). Bonus: Link Magazine publishes a rare Venn diagram explaining the hydrogen embrittlement nexus of risk. Brian and Eric reflect on the fragility of life, and consider soaring eagles and skunk seeking canine companions, concluding it’s best to have as many of each around as possible. Run time: 01:44:17

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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.