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, as top industry expert, Dr. Salim Brahimi joins Aim Test Labs founder, Carmen Vertullo for a closer look at this persistent and costly problem (1:29:27). Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson to discuss flat January FDI numbers, on the Fastener News Report (58:33). During the Fastener Training Minute, learn how to submit sample test material to a lab for accurate testing (1:23:57). Plus, Fastener Fair USA manager, Jessica Boweak presents the latest updates for the upcoming show in Detroit (51:24). You can never tell who you’ll see searching the FCH Sourcing Network, so Brian and Eric discuss a recent survey of network users, and go on to describe a real Opportunity lost. Run time: 02:26:28

 

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.