Episode #132 – Outsiders

Eric Dudas

Sometimes an outside perspective is needed to make sense of things. Such is the case as erstwhile fastener journeyman Don Shan charges into the fray to share thoughts on the Lindstrom/Stelfast deal, the tariff situation, how Amazon could break in, and where opportunities still exist in the screw biz (1:23:38). Temporary sideliner, Dick Ripley speaks publicly for the first time in a long time, and offers a rare glimpse into his artistic pursuits (32:17). R. W. Baird analyst David Manthey joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to review the latest FDI results and speculate if this ride is nearing an end (53:51). Plus, Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time recommending a must-read book for fastener professionals (1:17:22). BONUS: Homegrown, barn-burning rock n roll written, performed, and produced by Dick Ripley (2:06:46). Brian reports on a field trip to Chicago’s Design Innovation Institute, and Eric juggles recursive technical issues and untimely fastener dog intrusions. Run time: 02:11:11

Sponsors

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.