Demo Dispatch

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.