Welcome to the latest episode of Demo Dispatch! This monthly podcast from the National Demolition Association brings you timely updates, safety lessons from the field and real-world conversations with the professionals shaping the future of demolition.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:27): NDA President Ben Hayden previews the latest issue of DEMOLITION magazine and looks at several trends affecting demolition contractors, including mixed signals in the construction market, continued workforce challenges, growing investment in automation and robotics, and the complexities surrounding office-to-residential conversions and other adaptive reuse projects.

From the Field (3:02): Kerry Nazario, corporate health and safety director at Target Contractors, shares an experience from early in her career that changed how she thinks about stop work authority. She explains why signing a policy isn't the same as knowing how to use it and makes the case for practicing stop work interventions just as crews practice fire and man-down drills. She also shares practical steps for helping employees recognize hazards, speak up with confidence and know they'll be supported when they do.

Member Conversation (9:24): Butch Fiore, president of NDA member Fiore & Sons, traces the company’s evolution from celery farming and trucking to a nearly 500-person civil construction business with more than 40 years of demolition experience. He shares stories of growing up in the family business, nearly losing the company during a difficult period in the Colorado economy and learning to stay nimble as markets changed. The conversation also explores Fiore & Sons’ transition to employee ownership, the growth of its demolition and abatement capabilities, the engineering behind complex demolition projects, the origins of the Fiore Cares nonprofit and the importance of maintaining a culture where people care for one another as the company continues to grow.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:30): NDA Board Member Adam Robles shares the latest from NDA, including the call for 2027 board of directors nominations, registration for the Fall Quarterly Member Meeting in Savannah, and opportunities to recognize outstanding demolition projects and industry leaders through the 2027 NDA Awards.

From the Field (2:40): Chet Bryant of Triple S Metals shares a memorable story about identifying radioactive contamination during a power plant demolition project and explains why early collaboration between demolition contractors and scrap recyclers can prevent costly delays, improve safety and maximize material value.

Member Conversation (8:16): Caleb Towns and Bryce Christensen of NDA member Grant Mackay Demolition Company discuss the demolition of the University of Utah School of Medicine and why complex projects begin long before the first structure comes down. They explore the value of involving demolition contractors early in the planning process, coordinating work around active hospitals, engineering safe demolition sequences, recycling and material recovery, common misconceptions about the industry and what it takes to attract the next generation of demolition professionals.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:32): David Evans, president of Target Contractors and a member of the NDA Board of Directors, shares an update on current market conditions across the demolition industry. He discusses strong scrap pricing trends, growing federal project opportunities and why owners are increasingly prioritizing safety, regulatory compliance and proven experience over the lowest bid. Evans also reminds members about the Sept. 15 deadlines for NDA Awards and Scholarship applications and highlights OSHA’s updated Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) guidance for contractors pursuing or maintaining VPP status.

Member Conversation (4:36): Florida Chapter President Karen Soricelli of D.H. Griffin and Secretary/Treasurer Kala Kephart of AlliedBean Demolition share their journeys into the demolition industry and reflect on the mentors, experiences and values that shaped their careers. They discuss the importance of mentorship, attracting the next generation of skilled workers, the opportunities available for women in demolition and why professionalism, integrity and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success. The conversation also explores how involvement in the NDA and local chapters helps members build meaningful relationships, strengthen the industry and support one another beyond competition.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:27): Logan Marcicki of North American Dismantling and a member of the NDA Board of Directors shares important updates for demolition professionals. He reminds members that NDA memberships expire June 30 and highlights the value of staying connected through advocacy, training and peer networking opportunities. Marcicki also discusses upcoming certification deadlines for the Certified Demolition Supervisor (CDS) and Certified Demolition Technician (CDT) programs, including a group discount available for companies investing in workforce development. He closes with an update on evolving EPA guidance related to PFAS disposal and why demolition contractors should continue monitoring potential regulatory changes surrounding contaminated materials.

Member Conversation (3:01): In a conversation with NDA’s director of content, Alexa Schlosser, Yeye Rosales, corporate safety director at MILBURN Demolition, reflects on his journey into the demolition industry as a second-generation demolition professional and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. Rosales shares why he pursued the Certified Demolition Supervisor designation, the challenges he encountered during the certification process and how the experience reshaped his perspective on professional growth. He also discusses the importance of meaningful training, the need to attract and prepare the next generation of workers and why industry-recognized credentials help demonstrate the expertise required to perform demolition work safely and effectively.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:50): Michael Gilmartin of Company Wrench and a member of the NDA Board of Directors shares the latest updates from NDA, including registration for the Demolition Methods, Planning and Design course taking place May 28 in Washington, D.C. He also highlights recent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, including NDA’s push to reauthorize and strengthen the EPA brownfields program and ensure continued, long-term federal infrastructure funding. The updates emphasize the importance of workforce development, project planning and policy stability in supporting the demolition industry.

Member Conversation (3:02): In a conversation with NDA’s director of content, Alexa Schlosser, Sarah Powers of Melching Demolition shares her experience entering the industry from a marketing background. She discusses the learning curve of stepping into the trades, how she approached building Melching’s marketing presence from the ground up and what makes marketing in demolition unique. Powers also explores the role of storytelling in attracting talent, the importance of defining a company’s voice and how documenting real jobsite experiences can help humanize the business and connect with both employees and clients.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:36): Drew Earnest of D.H. Griffin and a member of the NDA Board of Directors opens with a safety moment recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week and the importance of vigilance in active work zones. He highlights upcoming NDA education opportunities in Washington, D.C., including the Foundations of Demolition Project Management and Job Cost Tracking courses in April and the Demolition Methods, Planning and Design course in May. He also shares updates on NDA advocacy efforts, including requests to OSHA and EPA for regulatory clarity on silica dust controls in freezing conditions and PCB bulk product waste disposal, along with a look at infrastructure funding priorities and current scrap market trends.

From the Field (6:11): Doug Thomas of Independence Demolition makes the case for treating engineering and structural analysis as a core part of every demolition project — not an afterthought. He walks through the key questions contractors should ask before starting work, from identifying structural strengths and weaknesses to understanding load capacities, ground conditions and sequencing. He also emphasizes the role of planning, engineering surveys and contract requirements in reducing risk and improving efficiency, reinforcing a simple idea: better planning leads to safer, more controlled demolition.

Member Conversation (13:09): In a conversation with NDA’s director of content, Alexa Schlosser, Geordie Stewart of Connect Work Tools shares his path into the demolition industry — from teaching high school economics to building a career in attachments and equipment. Now serving as president of NDA’s newly formed Rocky Mountain Chapter, he discusses how the chapter came together, the value of local engagement within a national organization and what attendees can expect from the group’s upcoming event in Centennial, Colorado. Stewart underscores the role of chapters in lowering barriers to entry, fostering relationships and creating accessible opportunities for learning and collaboration across the industry.

In this episode:

The Rundown (:35): Editor of NDA’s publications Alexa Schlosser shares upcoming NDA education opportunities in Washington, D.C., including the Foundations of Demolition Project Management and Job Cost Tracking courses in April, as well as the Demolition Methods, Planning and Design course in May. She also outlines NDA’s recent advocacy efforts, including formal requests to OSHA and EPA seeking regulatory clarity on silica dust controls in freezing conditions and torch cutting of PCB bulk product waste.

From the Field (4:24): Doug Thomas of Independence Demolition shares why “lessons learned” shouldn’t be an afterthought; they should be a system. From safety and near misses to estimating, contracts and client management, Doug explains how documenting and sharing lessons across teams drives continuous improvement. He outlines how Independence uses a formal database, monthly reviews and toolbox talks to reinforce both the good practices worth repeating and the mistakes worth avoiding. His challenge to listeners: Every job has a lesson if you’re willing to look for it.

Member Conversation (9:21): In a conversation with Brandenburg’s vice president of sales, Dennis McGarel, Richard Miller, CEO of Resource Environmental Inc., traces his path from working in his father’s scrap yard in Los Angeles to leading a $50 million demolition and environmental firm. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the risks of entrepreneurship, the realities of bonding and public work, and the discipline required to grow sustainably. At the center of his story is a clear theme: Success in demolition isn’t just about equipment or contracts; it’s about relationships, culture and investing in the people who power the business.

In this episode:

The Rundown (00:36): NDA Executive Director Jeff Lambert recaps Demolition Phoenix, which drew more than 1,200 attendees, 83 indoor exhibitors, 20 outdoor exhibitors and over 750 attendees at the Live DEMOlition Event featuring 90-plus pieces of equipment. He highlights strong participation in workforce development and training sessions, celebrates D.H. Griffin as the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and reminds members about upcoming certification windows and April’s Foundations of Demolition Management Training Series in Washington, D.C.

Member Conversation (3:16): Connie Clearwater of Priestly Demolition sits down with Tom Greiwe, president of Dem-Tech, to talk about where blasting fits into modern demolition. Drawing on nearly four decades in construction and blasting, Greiwe addresses common misconceptions — including cost, safety and environmental concerns — and explains why today’s explosives are far more refined and controlled than many assume.

He walks through what early collaboration should look like, why communication between contractor and blaster is critical and how planning, engineering and clear final expectations determine success. The conversation also explores real-world constraints shaping the industry, including explosives supply shortages, long lead times and tariff pressures — and what contractors need to understand before scheduling a blast.

In this episode:

The Rundown (00:38): Dane Zumbahlen returns with NDA updates and key reminders — Demolition Phoenix (Feb. 4-7) and the Summer 2026 Quarterly Member Meeting (June 5-6). He then breaks down what’s driving early-2026 scrap conditions: nonferrous strength led by record-setting copper, quietly firm aluminum, steady ferrous pricing — and the volatility to watch as tariffs, demand and logistics shape the next quarter.

From the Field (7:28): Dan Bolster of Homrich (and the NDA Safety Committee) shares two simple routines that pay off big: morning huddles and stretch-and-flex. He explains how a quick, intentional reset — covering today’s plan, hazards, controls and what changed since yesterday — helps crewscommunicate better, stay focused and reduce strains, sprains and preventable incidents.

Member Conversation (14:37): Jake Lindamood of LindamoodDemolition walks through the high-stakes Parkland Hospital project in Dallas: a 1.6-million-square-foot teardown in a tight medical district, with multiple active hospitals connected to the work. He details how engineering-led planning, disciplined communication with stakeholders and the right high-reach equipment helped the team separate structures safely, protect the public and finish ahead of schedule — with safety and execution driving the result.

In this episode of Demo Dispatch, host Alexa Schlosser is joined by NDA volunteers who are helping shape the future of demolition. First, Dane Zumbahlen from the Member Growth Committee presents The Rundown (00:25), spotlighting NDA news, Demolition Phoenix 2026 fundraising events and Demo Dialogues, plus a clear-eyed snapshot of the current scrap metal market and what contractors should watch over the next 30-60 days.

In From the Field (6:00), Roni Szigeti of FieldFlo shares a hard lesson from a major project that went off the rails—and how better communication loops, real-time data and right-sized technology can prevent schedule slips, budget blowouts and damaged client relationships.

Finally, in the Member Conversation (18:49), NDA board member Blake Svendsen walks through the new Workforce Development Toolbox — including standardized job descriptions, pre-apprenticeship guidance, mentoring frameworks, education pathways and certification — plus how NDA is working toward career mapping and future company accreditation to raise professionalism across the industry.