Unchained

Strong sales and demand keep optimism alive, even as distributors come to terms with the new normal of outrageous delivery schedules. Meanwhile, major shipping concerns are deploying blockchain technology to manage global supply chains, despite the fastener industry’s apparent disinterest. AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin weighs in on the situation and discusses his company’s recent wave of acquisitions (1:47:16). Fresh off a merger of their own, Lindfast Solutions Group manager Jon Newman and Solution Industries GM Tim Vath share their thoughts on joining forces and moving ahead (22:17). On the Fastener News Report, industry newsman Mike McNulty welcomes Hayes Bolt VP Kelly Cole to assess the sagging FDI reading (55:59). Carmen Vertullo explains the mystery that is the jam nut, on the Fastener Training Minute (1:38:18). BONUS: Star spokesman Stainless Stan makes his debut appearance (49:53). Brian and Eric glimpse the future, and try to provide a missing link. Run time: 02:35:19

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.