Demolition industry legend and longtime CEO of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors and National Demolition Training Group, Howard Button has announced he will retire in December 2023.
Button has been in the demolition industry for 50 years, having been at the helm of both Button Demolition and then the NFDC & NDTG. Even before starting formal employment in demolition Howard was involved in the industry and recalls helping on his grandfather’s yard, de-nailing reclaimed wood for re-use at the age of just eight years old.
As an NFDC member, Howard swiftly rose through the Federation under the mentorship of another legend in demolition, Sidney Hunt Snr. Howard attended his first NFDC National Council meeting as a Regional Chairman in 1990, before going on to hold the office of President from 1996 – 1999.
In 1999 Howard was awarded the title of Honorary Life Vice-President of the NFDC and also took on the role of President of the Institute of Demolition Engineers. Following this, in 2004 he also became President of the European Demolition Association and took on the newly-created role of NFDC CEO.
No other individual has ever served as President of the NFDC, IDE, and EDA. It is a feat that is testament to Howard’s dedication to the demolition industry, and one that is unlikely to ever be matched.
Since he took the role of CEO, Howard has been integral in driving major developments for the industry, including introducing CCDO Smart cards, and the development of the NFDC accredited site audit scheme – seen as a mark of quality throughout the construction industry to this day.
It goes without saying that the NFDC would not be where it is today without Button’s influence over the past 30+ years. The NFDC and NDTG have unending gratitude to Howard for the years of tireless dedication and leadership he has given.
It will be difficult for anybody to match Button’s contribution to the industry, and it will be difficult for the industry to ever truly express the depths of its appreciation for a true icon of demolition.
Howard Button will retire on the 31st December 2023.
Originally published Jun 26, 2023 2:11:06 PM, updated April 24 2024.