Testers and Jesters

Eric Dudas
135

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 (and hot out of the gate) enterprise, assisted by a little help from their friends, including a surprise industry legend (27:28). Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty speaks with Baird analyst David Manthey about shifting sentiment among FDI respondents during the Fastener News Report (56:51). On the Fastener Training Minute, learn to become aware of the nuances of specifying salt spray coating (1:18:55). ALSO: Is another major bridge project suffering from hydrogen embrittlement? With nary a chortle to be heard, from their non-palatial digs, Brian and Eric share a breaking story, and also review the annual Best Booth Awards in denouement of IFE 2018, and the current podcast season. Run time: 02:24:23

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.