DOYLESTOWN, PA, JUNE 2, 2010 – Sheldon J. “Red” Mandell, Chicago demolition industry veteran and first president of the National Demolition Association, received the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the influential role he played in the growth of the Association.  He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of National Wrecking Company, a family-owned business he has managed since 1952.

 “Red helped launch the National Demolition Association (then called the National Association of Demolition Contractors) 37 years ago when it was then a small group of member companies looking to raise the professionalism and image of our industry,” said Michael R. Taylor, CAE, executive director of the Association.  “Today, the Association has grown to 1,000 member companies in North America and around the world involved in a highly sophisticated industry requiring knowledge in engineering, mechanical and electrical systems, and environmental regulations.” The NDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented recently at the Association’s 37th Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Mandell held the position of NDA president from 1973 through 1975 and also served on the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors for five years.  At the same time, he was shepherding the National Wrecking Company into the national spotlight as a premier demolition services organization.  Over the years, his firm has demolished in excess of 100,000 structures for more than 1,500 clients.  Its experience includes the demolition of heavy industrial buildings, skyscrapers, large commercial structures, bridges, refineries, smokestacks, towers, and residential properties.  In addition to the full range of demolition activities, the company also handles environmental remediation services.

A Skokie, IL, resident, Mandell is also involved in his community and served as past president of Congregation Kol Emeth in Skokie.