Episode 5: From Scrap Yard to CEO: Richard Miller’s Demolition Journey

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.

You can listen to Episode 5: From Scrap Yard to CEO: Richard Miller’s Demolition Journey online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 5: From Scrap Yard to CEO: Richard Miller’s Demolition Journey is an episode from Demolition NOW by NDA.

This episode is 00:34:16 long.

This episode was published on Mar 16, 2026.

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