Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt – Episode 400

Guests: Michelle & Mike O’Rourke, O’Rourke Wrecking
Host: Aaron Witt
Release Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this landmark 400th episode of Dirt Talk, Aaron Witt sits down with Michelle and Mike O’Rourke, the husband-and-wife team at the helm of Cincinnati-based O’Rourke Wrecking Company. The conversation spans the company’s roots, their succession story, the dynamics of leading a demolition business as a couple, evolving roles, the underestimated power of women in construction, workforce development, and the art and business of demolition. The O’Rourkes speak candidly about challenges, lessons learned, and the significance of grit, adaptability, and mentorship in the Dirt World.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Company Origins and Demolition Roots

• Founding Story:
  • O’Rourke Wrecking was founded in 1962 by Mike’s father, Pat, at age 20.
    • “He founded the company in 1962 at the ripe old age of 20.” — Mike (01:14)
  • Pat’s impetus: hardship after the family homebuilding business failed. He left school at 16 to support his siblings, eventually buying a front-end loader and starting out charging $11/hour for excavation work.
  • Transitioned from residential excavation to demolition after seeing opportunity in the redevelopment of Cincinnati’s riverfront.

2. Taking Over the Business: A Season of Crisis and Adaptation

• Sudden Succession:

  • Pat O’Rourke passed away unexpectedly in 1994 at age 52.
  • Mike (age 26) had always worked at the family company; Michelle was in pharmaceutical sales.
  • No succession plan existed, and the couple was suddenly running the business together, newly married and under pressure.
    • “We were fighting for our life, so to speak, because my dad had a lot of other business interests... we divested... except for the construction and demolition business.” — Mike (08:21)
    • “I saw the writing on the wall with Mike... either we were going to be divorced or this man needs help.” — Michelle (11:06)

• Michelle’s Transition:

  • Left her sales career, brought analytical and sales skills to the firm, and quickly took over billing and collections—a crucial need.
    • “They weren’t collecting money... I can do this. And so I just took it over.” — Michelle (13:23)

3. Leadership & Evolving Roles: Partnership in Life and Business

• Division of Labor & Respect:

  • Michelle gradually became an indispensable operational leader, especially managing cash flow and administration in tough years following Pat’s death.
  • She faced challenges being the “new wife” in a traditional business setting; respect was earned by doing “whatever it took” and learning on the job.
  • The couple worked side-by-side, with Michelle handling the “back of the house” and Mike focusing on bidding and operations.
    • “That's how you earn respect.” — Michelle (16:29)

• Rising to Leadership:

  • Michelle formally took on the CEO role in 2019, though she had already shouldered many responsibilities.
  • Title change increased visibility and influence, allowing her to join external boards and advocate for industry causes.
    • “Internally, all we said was, hey, we're gonna make this little tweak... You are now the face of the business.” — Mike (28:16)
    • “By having a title, allowed me to get on boards and I'm a big advocate for workforce development and community service.” — Michelle (27:51)

4. Women in Demolition and Construction

• Breaking Barriers:

  • Michelle notes the industry’s slow pace accepting women, especially in leadership—even in administrative or client-facing roles.
    • “There’s a need for strong mentorship of women. There's just not a lot of women C-suite leaders.” — Michelle (33:10)
  • Michelle mentors younger women, stressing authenticity and leveraging being underestimated:
    • “Being underestimated is a good thing... Use it to your advantage.” — Michelle (38:55)
  • Discussion of the evolving culture: from openly sexist environments to gradual acceptance and the importance of representation.

• Workforce Diversity:

  • O’Rourke Wrecking has mentored and advanced female project managers and co-ops.
  • Women bring vital detail orientation and emotional intelligence to the office and workplace.
    • “The social intelligence of Michelle and the other women we have is just different.” — Mike (20:26)

5. Sustainability & Community Impact

• Sustainable Demolition Practices:

  • Michelle described community service tied to demolition projects, such as tire amnesty days in under-served neighborhoods.
    • “We removed 2,500 tires… The biggest thing was a grassroots organization called and said, ‘How did you do that? Can you help us?’” — Michelle (46:22)
  • Spillover effects: O’Rourke’s efforts inspired monthly community clean-up events and broadened impact beyond traditional fundraising.

• Wellbeing Initiatives:

  • Proactive health measures, like placing a blood pressure kiosk on projects, have directly affected workers’ lives (identifying high blood pressure, connecting employees to doctors).
    • “We've helped five trades people identified with high blood pressure and they're getting help.” — Michelle (51:06)
  • Commitment to holistic sustainability—physical health, mental health, and community engagement.
    • “If you want to sustain your workforce, you got [to]… biggest asset.” — Michelle (55:06)

6. Changing Industry and Company Culture

• Demolition as Both Art and Science:

  • Every site is unique, with unknowns and constraints, requiring creative problem-solving—what the O’Rourkes call “demolition as art.”
    • “It's more of an art than a science. That's what makes it so interesting and challenging every day.” — Mike (43:01)
  • Projects highlighted: Demolition of Riverfront Stadium and the upcoming Crossley Tower project.

• Labor, Mentorship, and Generational Shift:

  • Emphasis on mentorship for new employees (“the O’Rourke way”), teaching reliability and work ethic.
    • “When you mentor someone that's teaching them a skill set, teaching them a trade.” — Mike (77:05)
  • Labor market is more competitive; treating teams exceptionally well and building camaraderie are priorities.
    • “I don't want to be known as the guy who treats people fair. I want to be known as the guy who treats people well.” — Mike (71:54)

• Adapting to Technology and Market Change:

  • Rise of rental equipment and new tech has lowered barriers to entry, which the O’Rourkes feel has “watered down the talent pool” and posed insurance and quality concerns.
    • “The invention of the High Reach excavator has watered down the talent pool because… it is much safer... But… now all of a sudden, you get people who are chasing projects.” — Mike (70:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On sudden responsibility:

  • "When my dad passed away, it was obviously a pretty tough time. I was 26 years old. There was no succession planning." — Mike (06:29; 07:22)

• On grit and humility:

  • "There was nothing that we wouldn't do... That's how you build respect with people. And, quite frankly, that's how you get the job done." — Mike (16:26)

• On being underestimated as a woman:

  • "Being underestimated is a good thing. Don't get insulted. Use it to your advantage." — Michelle (38:55)

• On mentorship:

  • "When you mentor someone, that's teaching them a skill set, teaching them a trade... And they have to be coachable." — Mike (77:05)

• On leadership transition:

  • “Internally, all we said was, hey, we're gonna make this little tweak... You are now the face of the business... she did so much behind the scenes.” — Mike (28:16)

• On couple dynamics in business:

  • “It grew organically... we've known each other… since we were kids and we've been through a ton together.” — Mike (63:20, 67:34)
  • "We're really best friends. I know that's a cliché, but we really are." — Mike (67:11)
  • "We couldn't have children. So, you know, we wound up burying ourselves in work." — Mike (63:17)

• On the evolving role of demolition:

  • "It's more of an art than a science... Every project is different." — Mike (43:01)

• On workforce challenges:

  • "If you don't have the people, you are going nowhere... you can buy all the equipment in the world." — Mike (72:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:11] – Founding of O'Rourke Wrecking, family history
• [06:23] – Pat O'Rourke's passing; succession crisis
• [08:49] – Michelle’s entry into the business
• [13:36] – Michelle’s transition and initial challenges
• [24:36] – Riverfront Stadium implosion, company milestone
• [26:02] – Michelle's growing leadership role (2012, then 2019, CEO)
• [32:10] – Mentorship, women in demolition and evolving industry
• [38:39] – The power of being underestimated
• [46:19] – Community sustainability efforts (Tire Amnesty event)
• [51:06] – Health initiatives on demolition sites
• [55:06] – Prioritizing and sustaining the workforce
• [61:11] – Working together as a couple: challenges and rewards
• [69:16] – Sacrifice and competitiveness in the demolition business
• [70:03] – Technology’s impact on the industry
• [71:54] – Culture: treating people well, not just fairly
• [74:15] – Mentorship and generational integration
• [81:17] – Upcoming project: Crossley Tower at UC

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, direct, and often humorous, trading stories with authenticity and a clear sense of teamwork and humility. Both O’Rourkes emphasize resilience, ethics, and continual learning—while openly acknowledging ongoing challenges in both business and culture. Aaron’s tone is curious and affirming, drawing out advice and insight to benefit leaders and young professionals alike in the Dirt World.

Conclusion

This episode offers a detailed, human perspective on family business transition, leadership, and advancing diversity in construction. The O’Rourkes embody grit and adaptability, showing that strong partnership, adaptability, transparency, and humility are essential—in demolition, in business, and in life. From surviving sudden tragedy to reshaping a legacy company for the future, their story is a template and inspiration for the next generation.

Listen to the full episode for rich stories of the Dirt World, the art of demolition, and how true partnership makes all the difference.