‘Industry veteran’ recognised for lifetime in demolition

David P Sinclair (centre) at the NDA Awards Banquet in California, with his son William (left), who is managing director of United Kingdom-based contractor Safedem, and European Demolition Association president Francisco Cobo. (Photo: NDA)

David, a third-generation member of a family that has been involved in the demolition and recycling industry since 1917, was honoured with the award at the NDA’s Annual Convention and Expo, Demolition San Diego, which recently took place in California as a live in-person event for the first time since the pandemic. 

“David Sinclair personifies leadership in the demolition industry,” said Jim Graham, NDA Awards committee chair.

“David addresses every dimension that is synonymous with leadership in the industry and there is not a more deserving individual that our organisation can recognise and pay tribute to for his accomplishments and contributions to the industry.”

He added: “The fibre of David is constantly communicated in his desire to place human capital above all else.

“And David’s commitment, passion and continued desire to increase the opportunity for education of every participant in the industry amplifies his character and selflessness.”

The NDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises members who have “demonstrated their leadership and commitment to the NDA’s organisational vision and mission”, and the betterment of their company, community and the wider demolition industry.

Described as a demolition industry veteran, David’s work with the NDA has seen him teach educational courses, donate an endowment for a scholarship in his name, and serve on the Board of Directors, providing leadership and dedication to the association.

Paying tribute to David, Jim Graham said: “For the NDA Awards Committee, it was a natural decision to recognise David for decades of service, success and a continued effort to make the demolition industry more respected, safe and successful.”

During the course of his career, David has also been the recipient of other industry honours.

In 2018 he was named an Honorary Fellow by the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) in the United Kingdom, and before that he became the honorary life vice president of both the European Demolition Association and the UK’s National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

The NDA Board of Directors wore kilts to the event in honour of David Sinclair, who is a native of Scotland. (Photo: NDA)