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Billy Harper is the Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank. Previously, Billy was the Vice President of Middle Market Commercial Banking at SunTrust Bank, where he worked with company revenues ranging from $20 million to $250 million. He's also held roles at BB&T Capital Markets, Trinity Capital, and Stern's Printing and Engraving Co. Billy earned his BA from Hampden-Sydney College and his MBA from William & Mary. Matt Riffe is a certified public accountant and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Fire, a company that offers fire protection inspection, testing, system design, and installation services. As the CFO, Matt is responsible for providing strategic leadership and establishing long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. Matt received his BS from Virginia Commonwealth University and his MA from Liberty University. He's a Certified Organized Professional through Dale Carnegie Digital. In this episode… There are certain relationships every business owner or manager needs to have — and this includes a partnership with a banker or financial officer. Why are these relationships so important, and how can you use them to your advantage? In a world where technology offers plenty of ease, it can be tempting to keep all of your transactions digital. But what if you find yourself in a tough financial situation and need some extra help? Forming a strong bond with a banker and bringing a financial expert to your team allows you to have the resources on hand when you need them most. Building these relationships early can also help you increase cash flow, improve the working capital, and navigate future growth. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Billy Harper, Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank, and Matt Riffe, Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Fire, to talk about the benefits of forming financial relationships. Together, they discuss the information you should be sharing with a banker, how to negotiate with vendors, important KPIs, and the significance of building trust with your financial mentors.
Anthony Chukumba covers Specialty Hardlines Retailers for Loop Capital Markets. Mr. Chukumba has covered Specialty Hardlines Retailers for over twelve years as a senior equity analyst most recently with BB&T Capital Markets and FTN Equity Capital Markets in New York. Mr. Chukumba was also previously an analyst with Morningstar, Inc. and a Business Finance Manager for Sears, Roebuck and Company in Apparel and Accessories. Earlier in his career, Mr. Chukumba was a Vice President in Investment Banking and an analyst in Mergers & Acquisitions with Merrill Lynch & Co. Mr. Chukumba holds a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Kirk Du Plessis is a full-time options trader, real estate investor, and stay-at-home Dad. A former Mergers and Acquisitions Investment Banker for Deutsche Bank in New York and REIT Analyst for BB&T Capital Markets in Washington D.C., he founded Option Alpha in 2007 and currently serves as the Head Trader. What started as a small personal blog has quickly grown into one of the industry's most respected authorities on options trading with more than 6.4 million visitors each year and 35,000 active members representing 42 different countries. Kirk's been interviewed on dozens of investing websites/podcasts and was recently featured in Barron’s Magazine as a contributor to their Annual Broker’s Review. When he's not helping thousands of people turn options trading into a passion and income stream they love, you'll find him spending time with his beautiful wife and two girls or working on his 1974 Pontiac GTO in their home state of Pennsylvania. Welcome to the Expert Trading Systems Podcast with your host Steven Cawiezell. Steven has established TheTradersPlan.com as a distinctively unique ETF & Growth stock newsletter that focuses on trends in the market indices. Being a former Financial Advisor at a large broker dealer (and watching portfolios crash in 2008) forced Steven to create a Simple, Powerful Market Timing Strategy That Consistently Outperforms the Market Indicies that anyone can follow" To watch a free training webinar where Steven shares with you the secrets to his easy to follow ETF trading system simply go to TheTradersPlan.com On the Podcast Steven brings together trading systems experts, Professional Traders, and financial authorities to share with you how they help their clients make profitable trades and you can too.
In the battle for fastener industry success, it's important to make the right choices, which are sometimes not the same for everyone. Reluctant industry legend and 2016 Fastener Hall of Fame inductee, Bruce Wheeler of Star Stainless makes this case during a landmark interview (1:12:42). The FDI ticks up, and Mike McNulty explores the reasons why, along with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Charles Redding on the Fastener News Report (50:54). The MWFA table top show and golf outing were great successes again this year, as described by Bob "GQ" Baer, Nancy Rich, Ruth Dowling, Steve Greenberg and more (14:12). Plus, Beacon Fasteners sales manager, Kameron Dorsey drops in with updates from the FIC (39:43). Also, fastener guru Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute (103:43). Brian and Eric discuss a glitch with FCH SourceFinder and 3-D printed airplane parts, then choose to spend the rest of the month on the lake. Run time: 01:47:28
Things could be worse, but the FTR boys aren't quite sure. Helping them sort out the methods and meaning of the Fastener Distributor Index, inquisitive index observer and proponent, Bob “GQ” Baer, of Abbott-Interfast speaks with senior BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Charles Redding (15:55). Industry blogger, Traveling Salesman, shares his thoughts on the big news about NIFS (38:54). Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty has screw biz headlines on the Fastener News Report (47:48), and fastener consultant, Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute (1:01:09). And despite possible storm clouds, legendary Stelfast founder Mr. Surinder Sakhuja reminds us all to smile, during a revealing conversation with Dan Zehnder, of Trinity Logstics (1:07:19). Brian and Eric aren't sure they're ready for their refrigerators to spy on them, but decide to continue innovating the Scrubber anyway. Run time: 01:47:50
During a virtual shore lunch of fastener industry news and information, Jay Queenin and Kelly Cole, of Specialty Bolt & Screw, explain their new partnership and plans to expand internationally (1:01:06). MWFA president, Rich Cavoto, recaps this year's table top and golf event (17:21). Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report and is joined by Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets with the June FDI report (37:50). Hosts Brian and Eric lament missing some of the fun at the summer fastener events, but fondly remember the fillets and rollers they enjoyed instead. Run time: 01:41:36
The analysts speak of slow but steady growth (21:19). Meanwhile, the mood is tentatively positive as the summer’s largest fastener event comes to a successful conclusion, but evidence suggests earth-shattering changes on the horizon. New NFDA president, and Hodell-Natco chief, Mr. Kevin Reidl, presents his vision for the year ahead (1:03:49). BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to review the May FDI numbers (34:39). Plus, Joe Greenslade makes a cameo appearance during the NFDA panel discussion. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas recap Fastener Tech ’13 and their breakout session, which described the potential effects of exponential growth on technology and manufacturing. They also consider a post-singularity future in which you could leave your hamburger anywhere and not worry about anybody eating it. Run time: 01:37:46
From meager beginnings, superior situations sometimes arise. Such is the case as hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas return from their wide-ranging travels to welcome Jackie Hunter and Jim Overlin, of Stelfast, who see improving conditions and make an exciting announcement about a new product line for the industry's most trustworthy master distributor (1:11:18). On the Fastener News Report, industry anchorman, Mike McNulty presents fastener industry headlines and discusses April FDI results with analyst, Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets (39:49). Plus, reports on the NCFA Distributor Social, All American Fastener Show, and Pac-West’s 4th Mel Kirsner Memorial Golf Tournament (14:43). Dramatically, Solution Man crashes onto the scene, making his fastener radio debut, just as others crash into the panel discussion arena. Run time: 01:39:26
As a brave new fastener world emerges, Mr. Dan Zehnder, of Trinity Hardware Headquarters, reunites legendary industry brothers, Jim and John Zehnder, during a historic interview covering the origins and times of Earnest Machine and life in the “bolt business” (69:29). Mike McNulty, of Fastener Technology International, and BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, discuss industry headlines and the sinking October FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (44:31). Industry veteran, Heidi Voltrauer, of Volt Industrial Plastics, describes the recent 20th anniversary and expansion of her company, and also details the upcoming 2013 All-American Fastener Show (20:10). Plus, find out what happened at the NFDA fall conference and who will be leading the Pac-West during the coming year. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas vote for their favorite BBQ city, and voice their staunch support for sage grouse despite the pesky oil shale conflict. Run time: 02:00:47
The fastener industry rebounds amid news of new alliances and free flowing beverages. John Wachman, of Desert Distribution, describes his experience working with members of the fastener “rat pack” during his quest for fastener nerdhood certification (74:15). Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets, joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to announce better than expected numbers from the most recent FDI survey (48:45). Perhaps most significantly, Larry Kelly, of Buckeye Fasteners, drops a frosty malted bombshell, sure to stagger the halls of the upcoming Vegas show (28:08). Plus, NCFA golf outing coverage. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas revel at the thought of the forthcoming bounty, and plan their imminent iPhone upgrade path, despite a dubious luminary's befuddling difficulties. Run time: 01:59:12
Has the effect of a sizzling hot summer been to cool the outlook for the fastener industry? Where can you go to find hard to get fasteners when you don’t know where to go? And exactly who built the successful businesses that make up the fastener industry? Don “Solution Man” Shan, of Solution Industries, chimes in and describes how a business about nothing is actually something you should know about (71:30). BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, discusses the chilly July FDI results along with Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (45:49). Plus, Specialty Bolt & Screw and NFDA president, Mr. Jay Queenin, describes his view of business conditions abroad, and also exciting developments at the largest national fastener trade organization (24:20). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas celebrate a couple of important milestone birthdays, as they gratefully build their own successful business, one thread at a time. Run time: 01:54:51
Brian and Eric encounter a large mammal swimming across the lake during their latest northwoods adventure. Was it a foreshadowing of softening markets, or of the recent droll headline out of Moscow? Despite lackluster GPS performance, the boys navigate out of the bush to discuss these and other subjects and welcome Mr. Harry Moser, of the Reshoring Intitiative, and Mr. Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt. An in-depth examination of the reshoring movement and related issues ensues (56:41). Mike McNulty breaks industry headlines on the Fastener News Report and presents details of the slipping FDI numbers from June, along with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis (30:58). Also, extended interviews from the MWFA Expo and golf outing featuring Rich Cavoto, John Butler, Vic LaPoma, Jackie Ventura, Matt Delawder, Kameron Dorsey, Don Shan and more (18:18). Like America’s new healthcare system, this episode of FTR is absolutely free. Just don’t expect it to address all your issues in a timely or effective manner. Run time: 01:45:38
Industry consolidation, successful association events, and rising industry index numbers point to a sector that’s doing fine. Or is it? Mr. Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, discusses his view of the fastener world and beyond, just after his recent appearance at the NCFA Distributor Social panel discussion (69:59). Industry blogger, Traveling Salesman, provides further details on the event, and notes the presence of a very special fastener brew (19:49). Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report, featuring a discussion with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, that explores the May FDI numbers and some new trends that seem to be emerging (43:55). It’s a veritable celebration of the private sector, as hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider counter-rotation and spinnerbaits in advance of their annual pilgrimage to the Canadian Shield. Run time: 01:55:07
Perhaps 2012 will bring the end of history, but it's only the beginning for the Fastener Distributor's Index. Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets, joins Mike McNulty on an extended edition of the Fastener News Report to discuss this exciting new industry benchmark (38:26). Greg Wiener, of QuickScrews International, returns to FTR just as the political climate begins to heat up, and mentions his company's entrance into the solar field before setting the bar for his forthcoming punditry on the show this season (61:05). Plus, from Exact Industries, the captivating and effervescent Rebecca Day explains her introduction to the world of roller derby, as well as her experience with the new FCH Sourcing Network association program (21:45). Bonus redux: Nylok's Nilo Urbani entertains the NFDA (58:55). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas convince themselves that the Mayans had it all wrong, dismissing all harbingers of doom in light of brisk fastener sales. Run time: 01:38:30
What happened at NIFS '11? Which big stories electrified the show floor, and which after parties created other kinds of buzz? Did the new HTI make its hoped for big splash? And what caused Andy Pels to cancel his show visit this year after his last minute Twitter post that rocked the industry? Discover the answers to these and other questions as Rich Cavoto and Traveling Salesman provide complete show coverage (65:55). Also, show floor interviews with Vickie Lester, Bob Wegner, Jim Derry, Deb Douglas, Nancy Rich, Andy Graham, plus many others round out this all-star NIFS wrap up (50:42). Mike McNulty delivers industry headlines including comments from show manager, Susan Hurley (20:34). Plus, BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, comments on industrial distribution conditions in light of the EU situation, and introduces the forthcoming Fastener Distributor's Index (36:54). As for the FTR boys, Brian wears just the right tie for the occasion while Eric pilfers coffee from the GOP. Run time: 01:51:02
It's a veritable deluge of fastener industry insight as Mike McNulty's Fastener News Report covers the Grainger / Fabory deal, including insider observations by BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis (15:17). Russ Doran, of Timberline Fasteners, describes the industry from the Rocky Mountain region point of view, and previews the upcoming Pac-West fall conference (38:35). Industry sage, Bruce Darling, wraps up his summary of market conditions in the second of a two part series (64:47). Plus, Beacon Fasteners and Components quality manager, Jerry Stoczanskyj, discusses his recent elevation to three ASME standards committees (34:13). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas welcome title sponsor, Stelfast, and think there should be a replacement for the descriptor flash mob. They also explain the stormy demise of a mislaid and moistened iPhone. Run time: 01:40:18
Who is bullish on wind energy, and who is regrouping after a run through the proverbial mill? Are there holes in the supply chain after the collapse of Heads? Is LIFO going away? Dokka Fasteners CEO, Marc Strandquist (43:43), and Rob Lucas of Fidelis Fasteners (65:26) join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas and share their perspectives. Mike McNulty's Fastener News Report discusses the chapter 11 filing of Cardinal Fastener, along with the latest industry headlines (15:13). BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, presents a snapshot of current industrial trends and offers his insights on the wind market (28:25). In the most long winded edition to date, Brian and Eric contemplate fastener flash mobs and the blue screen of death, tilting at windmills through a fastener industry blow torch of their own design. Run time: 01:40:58
As the clock ticks toward an uncertain fiscal future, the fastener industry surges ahead. Who is expanding to meet whatever the future might bring? What's the best thing distributors can do to protect margins? Who is gunning for the title currently held by Team Porteous? Listen in as John Gaudette of Metric & Multistandard Components (34:55), Jim Derry of Field Fastener Supply (53:05) and Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets (22:29) offer their views on these and other subjects. Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report and unveils his plan to offset runaway government spending (12:48). Plus, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider stashing gold bars and discover a new reality now that they can be tracked by their iPhones. Run time: (01:23:08)
What happened to Heads, and what does it mean to the fastener industry? Which of the latest dramatic headlines will impact distributors the most? What is the NFDA doing in Germany? Join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas as they welcome Rob Lucas of Fidelis Fasteners (54:45) and Tom Buddenbohn of Technology Components Southwest (38:26) to discuss these questions and more. Mike McNulty congratulates Rotor Clip on the Fastener News Report (13:44). Plus, BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, reports on the numbers and suggests what to watch for in the coming months (26:40). Watson the computer prepares to take over the world, and the FTR boys take note with mixed feelings and ruminations. Run time: 01:37:01
The distribution wave that transformed the industry is itself shifting, as competition, new technologies, and tumultuous economic conditions present new challenges for fastener distributors. Guests Leo Coar, of Distributor's LINK Magazine (32:49) and Rob Lucas, of Fidelis Fasteners (59:47), examine some of the contributing forces, both past and present, behind these changes. Mike McNulty of Fastener Technology International (11:26) and Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets (23:38) present news and analysis. Also, hosts Brian and Eric consider world travel and agree that self-writing software would make life much easier. Run time: 01:29:59
Will fastener importers soon receive good news about shipping rates? How do successful fastener companies achieve top search engine rankings? Why are the world’s hottest cars burning up the highways for real these days? Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas are joined by Allan Weitzman, of Jay-Cee Sales & Rivet (28:08), Chris Donnell, of Scanwell Logistics (56:47), and analyst Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets (11:46), as they examine the answers and engage in desultory fastener-related conversation. Run time: 01:31:40
What do smart phones, golf clubs and trade shows have in common? They can all be powerful networking tools! Be a networking machine and listen to the voice of the FCH Sourcing Network as Janice Ceresa of Anixter describes the Fasteners Industry group on networking website LinkedIn (36:18), and fastener blogger Traveling Salesman reviews NIFS East 2010 from Columbus (57:47). Pac-West and MWFA golf outing previews, with Matt Delawder of SWD Inc (28:18). Also, Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets explains current market conditions (10:08). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas discuss pirates, Thomas Jefferson and buried treasure. Run time: 01:16:54
NFDA Spring Conference coverage part 1, featuring Geoff Hopwood (24:00) and Steven Fang (51:27) discussing views on fair trade and Asian markets. Analyst Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets describes the current business climate (11:51), and Nilo Urbani of Nylok presents the lighter side of contract bidding. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas discuss LinkedIn and fast trains. Run time: 01:10:40