A focused discussion with Fastener Technology International senior news editor and FTR contributor, Mike McNulty, tracking his unexpected journey from engineering school to the desk of the industry renowned Fastener News Report. Run time: 48:38

Fastener Fair USA floor interviews featuring Chris McAffrey, Michael White, Blanca Delgado, Jill Lewis, Anders Green, Robbie Gilchrist and many more. On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty of Fastener Technology International speaks with Baird senior analyst Dave Manthey to explain the ongoing surge in the Fastener Distributor Index (56:29). Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco introduces a new coalition designed to address tariffs impacting the fastener trade (46:35). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo fixes a mistake with grade 9 (1:36:37). PLUS: 5 tips for preserving margins during lease negotiations (42:31). Brian and Eric plan an airlift. Run time: 02:16:17

The well dressed Matt Delawder of SWD and fastener golf ace Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing discuss industry developments and the upcoming MWFA 80th anniversary extravaganza (12:01). Huyett CEO Tim O'Keeffe joins news editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to analyze skyrocketing FDI numbers (59:41). Feature: Dealing with tariff rebate questions using AI with Nick Pericle of Tenexity (1:45:12). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo discusses fastener straightness (1:36:01). Plus: How to find "invisible money" on the warehouse floor (48:48), and what happened to Claude on tax day? Brian and Eric order Mac Minis and more Vegemite. Run time: 02:21:37

Industry leader, educator, innovator and former introvert Dr. Salim Brahimi discusses his role at the IFI, including new career development programs and upcoming changes to some important standards. He also shares his family story of escaping revolution-era Iran, and how that experience shaped his life and world view. Bonus: Learn how there came to be a bull shark named Salim. Run time: 01:03:51

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 president 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.

Is there more than hot air behind the CBAM regulations now in full effect in the EU? How should the North American fastener industry view these new mandates? Braving conditions created by inevitable climate change, the gas loving Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside offers his views from the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe (1:42:54). Würth Industry USA compliance officer Danielle Riggs provides more sober commentary from the conventional setting of her office (14:52). On the Fastener News Report, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu joins senior news editor Mike McNulty with strong FDI numbers, and plenty of reaction from the market (44:40). Thread guru Carmen Vertullo presents options for meeting non-conformance situations on the Fastener Training Minute (1:32:28). BONUS: Where is the sweet spot in new warehouse space? (38:07) Brian and Eric look ahead to significant warming as they consider who vandalized the Sphynx. Run time: 02:43:50

Real estate advisor Marco Rodriguez has deep roots in the fastener industry. He reveals strategies for getting the upper hand in commercial leasing negotiations, showing why he has become the go to voice for advice on commercial real estate in the fastener industry. He also shares his thoughts on the impact of AI data centers on the commercial real estate leasing market. Run time: 33:52

Contact Marco Rodriguez of Cresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-rodriguez-51b8914/

WIFI Woman of the Year and world traveler Darlene Collis of LSG talks shop and shows why she is the Fastener Ninja (1:05:51). On the Fastener News Report, Birmingham Fastener VP Anthony Crawl joins thread newsman Mike McNulty to marvel at the latest FDI numbers (19:18). Volt Industrial Plastics maven Heidi Volltrauer announces a voyage of her own (10:05). Carmen Vertullo presents his takeaways from the recent bolted joint symposium on the Fastener Training Minute (56:38). PLUS: Is the party really over for industrial property landlords? Brian hangs out with Horus and Eric bids farewell to an icon.

Tariff news: Just ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court major announcement on tariffs, Canadian fastener men Jason Baines, of J. Lanfranco and Hans Fuller, of Fuller Metric, discuss bewildering new changes to Canada's steel tariffs that could cause serious disruptions.

The year concludes with mixed news from across the fastener industry, as veteran sales rep Rick Rudolph shares his recipe for seasonal cheer (1:40:39). Eurolink president, Craig Penland is bullish on the future, but keeps watch on European CBAM and other environmental regulations that complicate running a fastener business (23:25). On the Fastener News Report, Martin Inc. EVP Scott McDaniel joins news editor Mike McNulty to unpack the surprising shift of the FDI (57:53). Thread guru Carmen Vertullo explains B7 threaded rod markings on the Fastener Training Minute (1:30:26). PLUS: Zech Williams of Würth Industry explains the YFP approach to professional development (47:48) and Marco Rodriguez of Cresa drops more commercial real estate wisdom (42:49). Brian and Eric think deeply about the coming year as they take stock in the present moment.

Goebel Group CEO Marcel Goebel discusses his life in the fastener industry, expansion across Europe and entering the U.S. market, fastener fitness, finding the right people, and the World Rivet Congress.