Episode 10: Demolition Is More Than Tearing Things Down

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 (0:07): Alexa Schlosser, editor of NDA’s publications, highlights four demolition projects featured in the latest issue of DEMOLITION magazine, including the dismantling of a historic aggregate processing facility in California, demolition work at an active hospital campus in Utah, emergency stabilization of a waste-to-energy facility in New York and the removal of a landmark waterfront hotel in Florida. Plus, a reminder that registration is open for NDA's 2027 Annual Convention & Expo in Fort Worth, Texas. From the Field (1:56): Doug Thomas of Independence Demolition discusses the importance of ongoing training at every stage of a demolition professional’s career. He explores opportunities ranging from OSHA safety courses and equipment-specific instruction to apprenticeships, industry certifications and management development. Thomas also highlights NDA’s educational programs and encourages both employers and employees to take an active role in identifying training opportunities that improve safety, efficiency and career advancement. Member Conversation (8:23): Sherri Manning, newly appointed president of Terra Technical Services, shares her unexpected path into the demolition industry, from answering phones while pursuing a career in education to holding leadership roles in finance, operations and business development. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a career in a male-dominated industry, the relationships that have shaped her professional journey and a particularly meaningful demolition project connected to her late father. Manning also discusses the personal experiences that have influenced her approach to leadership, the importance of earning clients' trust and her plans to guide Terra through its next chapter as the company prepares for a new generation of family ownership.

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 (: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.