When do the AI job losses hit? Distribution Strategy Group chief strategy officer Ian Heller describes the advance of new tech impacting every level of the thread game (1:46:33). Meanwhile, the fastener industry faces a raft of other pressures, including tariff uncertainty and global conflict. The affable Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco offers perspective (23:38). On the Fastener News Report, Würth Industry USA director Chapman Revercomb joins newsman Mike McNulty to explain an unusual alignment in the latest FDI reading (59:57). Industry guru Carmen Vertullo looks at rigging and lifting hardware, on the Fastener Training Minute (1:35:00). Also, Fastener Fair USA show manager Blanca Delgado previews the upcoming conference in Charlotte (52:14). PLUS: A surprising retirement announcement, and when is it NOT good to locate near a shipping hub? Brian and Eric try getting a bot to draw a pentahead. Run time: 02:36:18
Show Links:
Fastener Fair USA May 5-6, 2026
Something Big is Happening essay by Matt Shumer
Here’s a rebuttal to Shumer’s essay
AI for Distributors Conference by Distribution Strategy Group June 23-25, 2026
