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 Technology International editor, Mike McNulty to dissect the latest uptick in the FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (45:12). Mack Brooks show producer, Jessica Boweak reviews the recent Fastener Fair Mexico, and sets the stage for next year’s exhibition in Detroit (32:23). Plus, Carmen Vertullo talks dip spinning on the Fastener Training Minute (1:08:24). Brian and Eric react to the latest announcement from VUCA-inducing Amazon, and try not to act afraid. Run time: 02:17:03

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.