__________________________________________________________________________________________ Main interview we were able to recycle 98 percent of all the demolition materials during the process . “ Similarly , we had a tricky project in Ohio , where we had to take down a 22-foot tower located above a two-story building and right on a street corner ,” he recalls . “ So , we had the pressure of bringing the building down while keeping everything underneath it entirely safe . It was also in the heart of the city , which , as you can imagine , made the process much harder .”
Frank explains : “ The process starts with a team of people , usually an estimator , project manager , superintendent , equipment supervisor , and labor foreman spending two-to-three days on the site . They walk the entirety of the site and address every potential issue or problem before we even get started . The team then agree on the most appropriate , efficient method , and start writing up work plans , which then must be approved by the client and the supervisors .
“ We pride ourselves on quality , integrity , and safety ,” he states . “ At the top of this triangle is safety , with quality and integrity forming the pillars at the bottom .” With these characteristics at its heart , it ’ s no surprise that Total Wrecking is experiencing continued success .
Frank details : “ Our repeat clients are testament to our hard work , our people , and our integrity . We did a project on a large power plant for Louisiana Gas and Electric some time ago , for example , and shortly after , they contacted us with two further projects wanting us specifically to take them on . We ’ ve also completed repeat work for General Electric , and we ’ re currently working on our fourth project for Georgia Pacific .”
Working in collaboration
Having been present in the demolition industry for decades , whether working for his father as a teenager , sitting on the NDA Board , or completing jobs for his own company , Frank has witnessed myriad market changes and developments .
“ The biggest change is definitely around safety ,” Frank states . “ When I first started with my father ’ s company , people worked without masks or hard hats . We ’ re in an entirely different place with safety now , and Total Wrecking takes it to an even higher level , going beyond Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) standards .
“ My grandfather used to say , ‘ the fish stinks from the head ,’ meaning , in other words , if the person at the top is doing something , the rest of the team will follow ,” he explains . “ In this case , if the person at the top , so the CEO or owner , for example , is safety conscious , then the rest of the team will follow suit .
“ At Total Wrecking , we have an all-stop policy , which means that if anyone on site , regardless of rank , suspects a safety issue , our entire operation stops entirely ,” Frank details . “ It might stop work for a fiveminute conversation to fix a minor issue , or it could be a serious problem that shuts the project down for a week , but you never know if someone has spotted something that no one else thought to check !”
Through Frank ’ s involvement in the NDA , his work on relevant safety committees , and the foundation of his own demolition company , it is evident that he is passionate about collaboration . “ I feel that the demolition industry has learned important lessons over the years , and by working together , we can spread these teachings even further to ensure that above all , companies keep their employees safe ,” he proposes .
“ I don ’ t look at other companies or individuals in the industry as competitors ; in fact , I want to teach and support others ,” Frank concludes . “ If I can help younger generations like folks did for me , then that will be my job well done .” ■
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