In this episode, Billy Duren chats with Bert Thornton, former president and COO of Waffle House, about his journey from manager trainee to the top of an iconic restaurant chain. Bert Thornton shares how Waffle House became known for “good food fast” and how the company grew from a single diner to over 2,000 locations.
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with financial consultant Darryl Bryant about the importance of financial planning, especially for young leaders. Darryl Bryant shares how starting small and staying consistent with savings, like in a 401(k) or ESOP, can make a huge difference over time, thanks to the magic of compounding.
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Chris Adee and Lynnette Fritz from OwnersEdge, an employee-owned company in Wisconsin. They talk about how Owner’s Edge grew from a single business into a family of diverse operating companies, all united under one ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
We’re excited to announce that Threaded Fasteners Inc. has acquired TSA Manufacturing Inc., a respected fastener manufacturing operation based in Omaha, Nebraska. The transaction closed January 5, 2026, marking our tenth acquisition since 2012.
Our 2025 has been an incredibly successful year. Records broken month after month and bells ringing from Orlando to Lewisville and everywhere in between. So as we close out the year, I want to say THANK YOU. Without your commitment to create value in and for the people we serve, the growth, wins, milestones, and moments of 2025 would not have been possible. We didn’t just hit goals, we raised the standards.
This Thanksgiving, I want each of you to hear my heart: I am truly grateful for you. For how you show up. For how you care for each other. For how you serve our employee-owners, our customers, and our communities. And for the way you embody the spirit of gratitude in the midst of both joy and sorrow.
In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren welcomes Dr. Endel Lee, a Marine Corps veteran and retired Navy chaplain, to discuss leading with gratitude, even in the face of life’s challenges. Endel
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with Alberto Aguilar, President and CEO of Carris Reels, and Erick Ramos, Senior VP of Business Development at Threaded Fasteners. Alberto shares his journey from General Manager
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, Billy Duren welcomes Lynn Bruns, CEO of ISG Architect and Engineering Services. Lynn shares his journey from engineer to leader and the importance of recognizing leadership potential in others early on.
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Ray Brown, CEO and board chair of Scintilla EG holding company, which leads the Esco Group. Ray shares how the company’s three unique business units,
On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Jason Bader, principal of the Distribution Team and an expert in strategic business coaching for wholesale distribution companies. Jason talks about his journey from
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Dr. Stacy Wellborn, a serial entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and professor at Spring Hill College. Stacy shares how her real-world business experience shapes her teaching, making
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Jimmy Messer, Head of School at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Jimmy shares how his background in basketball coaching shaped his approach to leading
In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Don Monistere, CEO and President of General Informatics, to talk all things artificial intelligence (AI) in the business world. Don explains how fast AI
On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren welcomes Shelby Sledge, co-founder of Strategic Mixtape, to discuss the power of authentic communication inside organizations and with customers. Shelby breaks down how her team helps companies
This Friday, July 4th, we will celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This historic document declared the thirteen American colonies as independent from British rule, marking the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.
In this special 50th episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership podcast, host Billy Duren talks with Alex Moss, co-founding principal at Praxis, to explore real-world leadership and governance for employee-owned companies. Alex shares his expertise on what truly makes
In this special milestone episode of Nuts & Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren turns the spotlight on longtime co-host and producer Hali Gibson as she steps into a new leadership role beyond Threaded Fasteners. Hali reflects on her
With an anchor cage in place, construction projects can gain the essential foundation necessary for success, ensuring longevity and strength for years to come.
With an anchor cage in place, construction projects can gain the essential foundation necessary for success, ensuring longevity and strength for years to come.
Do you actually give yourself time to think? In this episode, Billy and Hali sit down with Rick Scruggs, CEO of Financial Designs and author of What’s Wrong With My Thinking, to break down why setting aside time to think is one of the most powerful
