Demo Dispatch

In this episode we talk with author, speaker, and consultant Claudia St. John with NDA Partner, Affinity HR Group as she discusses the recently published 2021 Labor Market Summary. The report details labor market trends and informs companies on how they stay ahead of the curve on hiring. Next we hear from Executive Director Jeff Lambert as he provides an update on association benefits and services. Finally we hear from NDA Director of Government Affairs as provides an update on government affairs and infrastructure.

On this episode, DEMOLITION Magazine Editor, Alexa Schlosser interviews Past President Chris Godek, President Scott Homrich and former Awards Committee Chair, Rich Adamo. Former President Godek discusses accomplishments from his term, President Scott Homrich talks about upcoming NDA initiatives for his term and Rich Adamo reviews NDA 2021 awards. All three offer their take on the on the 2021 NDA Virtual Industry Update and Awards Celebration. Next we interview the British National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) President, Holly Price as she offers listeners an industry update from across the pond and well wishes for 2021. Finally, we hear from NDA Director of Government Affairs on recent government affairs activity.

NDA Membership & Operations Associate, Eric DeVos, interviews NDA President, Chris Godek, and NDA Safety Committee Chair, Kyle Maddox, regarding demolition industry best-practices and work safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also share some insight into how their own companies are operating in order to meet local safety guidelines, and what they are doing to keeping their employees healthy. Later NDA Director of Government Affairs, Kevin McKenney, gives a regulatory and legislative update.

NDA’s Director of Government Affairs, Kevin McKenney, explains the final rule set in place by the Department of Labor, set to go into effect on March 16, 2020. Later, Kevin reviews NDA advocacy wins from 2019.

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.

Welcome to the launch episode of Demo Dispatch! This new 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 (00:42): NDA President Ben Hayden introduces the podcast relaunch, highlights the association’s latest legislative wins, and shares updates on upcoming events and certification programs.From the Field (4:45): Safety Committee Chair Nick McGarel (Brandenburg) recounts a high-risk utility verification failure at a chemical plant — and how early field action prevented a serious incident.Member Conversation (15:11): David Griffin Jr., president of D.H. Griffin Companies, joins NDA’s Jim Graham to talk about running a multigenerational business, adapting to workforce challenges, and why “AI will never replace the craft worker.”Read the Q3 issue of DEMOLITION magazine featuring member job stories from Lindamood, East Coast Demolition, Alpine Demolition Services, and Trifecta Services Company.Want to share your story or get involved in a future episode? Email aschlosser@demolitionassociation.org to express your interest.

In this episode we are joined by Simone Bruni, Principal, Demo Diva as we discuss how she started in the industry, workforce development and how she has leveraged her relationships in her community and her membership in NDA to the benefit of her company and the industry. As a woman owned company she imparts words of wisdom not just for aspiring young women considering a career in demolition but is applicable to all up and coming professionals. Next we hear from past NDA scholarship recipient Joseph Hampel as he discusses what his NDA scholarship has meant to him and his career. Finally we hear from NDA’s Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney as he discusses progress on the proposed infrastructure legislation.

On this episode of Demolition NOW, NDA Director of Government Affairs, Kevin McKenney, speaks to Ohio EPA’s  Dan Sowry about the Ohio Materials Market Place and the Ohio Grant Program. Then, NDA Executive Director, Jeff Lambert, discusses the exciting opportunities that will be available at Demolition Austin in February with NDA Convention Committee Chair, Tim Ramon.

On this episode, NDA’s Executive Director Jeff Lambert speaks with Christina Kelly, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Revitalization at the Genesee County Land Bank Authority, about the role of demolition in federally funded community development.  Later NDA’s Kevin McKenney will speak with Brian McKinney of Gayanga Co. about his Detroit based company and their role in the community, NDA education courses, and the future of workforce development in the industry.

In this episode, NDA Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney speaks with Greg Menen about Demolition Rockies.  Kevin and Greg go over the exciting educational and social events taking place in Colorado March 22-25.  Later, Kevin provides an update on some important regulatory developments and discusses the upcoming Washington Fly-In. 

In this episode, NDA Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney speaks with David O’Connor from OSHA’s Directorate of Standards and Guidance about the crystalline silica rule about compliance and what to expect moving forward.  Later, Kevin discusses the federal government shutdown including a background, what the issues are and how we get a resolution moving forward. 

In this Episode, NDA Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney will speak with Spencer Chretien of Citizens Against Government Waste about the recent midterm elections and explore Congress’s plans for 2019. In addition, this episode will provide updates on important OSHA regulations, along with an interview with Jeff Lambert about the World Demolition Summit in Dublin.

In this episode, NDA Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney will speak with Walt Reeves of Volvo Construction Equipment about the company and the World Demolition Summit in Dublin. In addition, this episode will update you on the status of the crystalline silica rule, OSHA record-keeping requirements, and the political climate in Washington.

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.

In this episode, Chris Williams, Executive Director of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants Association (VPPPA), joins us to discuss a new memorandum of understanding between VPPPA and the National Demolition Association (NDA) (01:34). This partnership is set to enhance collaboration on safety training, education, and information sharing through co-hosted webinars, podcasts, and joint conference presentations. Next, we sit down with representatives from Spiritas Worldwide, winners of the 2025 NDA Excellence in Demolition Award, to explore their innovative approach to the Oxford House Demolition project (50:04). We close the episode with NDA Director of Government Affairs, Alex McIntyre, who provides an inside look at activity on Capitol Hill and the Trump Administration—and what it all means for the demolition industry(01:15:30).

Episode 37 (November 22, 2024): Demolition New Orleans, Certified Demolition Supervisor, and Government Affairs Update

In this episode, NDA Safety Committee Chair John Satterwhite, ROMCO Equipment, highlights NDA’s safety resources for Safe + Sound Week (02:10-16:05). NDA Membership and Marketing Committee member Connie Clearwater sits down with Ryan Priestly, CEO of Priestly Demolition, and Danial Thomas, President of Green City Demolition, on how the two companies joined together (16:26-46:44). Lastly, conclude with a federal and legislative update from NDA Director of Government Affairs Alex McIntyre (47:14-54:12).

In this episode, we feature our year-long series, Women in Demo, with Connie Clearwater of Priestly Demolition. Connie sits down with Kayla Lindamood, CEO and President of Lindamood Demolition, to talk about her experience in the industry, her challenges and success, and the future of women in demolition (01:031-22:04). Lastly, we cap things off with a federal and legislative update from NDA Director of Government Affairs Alex McIntyre (22:22-33:00).