D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. Makes Way for the Big Power Switch

"David is sort of one of [our] industry heroes," he says. "Over the period of a couple of weeks, he evolved into the go-to guy at the WTC site."

Family Tradition

Still, much of the company's reputation originates from CEO David Griffin Sr.—called "D.H." by those close to him—who founded the company in 1959, when he was just 19. Now 74, D.H. still puts in about 60 hours a week.

Recently, he was scouting out the demolition of a church in downtown Charlotte—which will mark the third time his firm has cleared the site, he says. D.H.'s outlook is straightforward.

"We've always tried to keep everybody we work for happy, and keep the employees happy," he says. "I keep it simple: Keep working hard and keep it going!"

ENR Southeast congratulates D.H. Griffin Wrecking Co. for being recognized as this year's Specialty Contractor of the Year.

Scott Judy is Deputy Editor for Regions, and editor of ENR Southeast, one of Engineering News-Record's 10 Regional publications. His roughly 27 years as a construction journalist began with an 11-year stint covering Midwest construction projects. In 2000, Judy helped launch the publication now known as ENR Southeast. He often delves into controversial aspects of the construction industry such as bankruptcies and fatal accidents, and wishes he would never have to cover another accident but suspects that he might.