In All Fairness

The fastener industry converged on Cleveland amid ongoing supply and pricing pressures, a tight labor market and new acquisitions. Despite the challenges, Fastener Fair USA saw good attendance and an abundance of fun. Stelfast president O.J. Simpson announces a new product category and explains the origin of the legendary Monkey (22:54). On the Fastener News Report, Earnest Machine CEO Kirk Zehnder joins screw biz journo Mike McNulty to break down the latest FDI reading (43:49). Industry educator Carmen Vertullo considers bolted joint tightness on the Fastener Training Minute (1:15:38). From the show floor, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey takes the pulse of show attendees Tom Massar, Steve Rogalla, Rich Cavoto, T.J. Munson, Heidi Volltrauer, London Penland, Chris McCaffrey, GHIII, Maryann Waltz, Bernie Longen and many more (1:25:25). BONUS DEBUT: Hall of Fame rep Marty Nolan performs his “Ode to Old Rusty Bolt” (2:12:16). Ever pragmatic, Brian and Eric discover the upside of severe port congestion. Run time: 02:15:30

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.