Progress in Motion: Project Manager Adam DeJonge on What Drives Melching Forward

At Melching, the difference isn’t just in what we do, it’s in how we do it. Every project, from high-profile industrial teardowns to community site cleanups, relies on one thing above all: people who know how to get the job done the right way.

For Project Manager Adam DeJonge, that means leading with experience, trust, and a “no excuses” approach that keeps jobs moving safely and efficiently from start to finish.

Problem Solvers, Not Excuse Makers

“I deal with everything from the first call to the final sign-off,” Adam says. “When a bid comes in, I go out to the site, gather information, work with Brandon to put a number on it, and make sure all the permits and paperwork are ready so we can start the day we’re supposed to. Once we’re rolling, it’s all about keeping things on track and handling whatever comes our way.” That readiness and the ability to adapt and overcome defines the Melching way.

“There’s nothing that really stops us. If there’s a problem, we fix it. We don’t waste time pointing fingers or waiting for someone else to figure it out.”— Adam DeJonge, Project Manager

With decades of combined field experience, Melching’s crews bring calm and capability to every site. “Little things don’t turn into big problems,” Adam explains. “We come together, fix it, and keep going.”

Built on Trust and Self-Performance

Melching’s ability to self-perform nearly every phase of a project is a major advantage. “We handle almost everything in-house,” Adam says. “That makes things easier because we know our people. We trust them. We’re not waiting on subs or juggling other schedules. If something needs to get done, our crews are ready.”

That trust runs deep. Melching’s foremen are empowered to make decisions on-site without waiting for sign-offs from layers of management. “They know what needs to happen and they make it happen,” Adam says. “That’s how you stay efficient and keep things moving.”

And while Melching’s speed and responsiveness are a competitive edge, safety always comes first. “Everybody here knows that. We all have families. We all want to go home at the end of the day. It’s just part of who we are.”

That mindset has earned Melching top industry safety rankings, including a leading Compass score and strong EMR ratings that reflect the company’s commitment to doing dangerous work the right way — without shortcuts.

Culture, Commitment, and the Road Ahead

Adam’s experience also speaks to something deeper, Melching’s culture of loyalty and respect. “It feels like a family here,” he says. “People care about each other. Mistakes aren’t the end of the world; they’re a chance to learn. There’s not a lot of negativity. It’s a good culture. Everyone just does their job, works together, and gets it done.”

That culture drives performance and builds retention. “We’ve got a great crew, and a lot of them have been here 15, 18 years,” Adam notes. “That’s what drew me here. When people stick around that long, it tells you everything you need to know.”

Looking ahead, Adam sees continued opportunity in full-scope redevelopment and decommissioning projects, the kind that take Melching’s complete capabilities from demolition to site readiness and beyond. “If we keep investing in our people, training them, and giving them the experience they need, we’ll keep getting stronger.”

For Adam, progress isn’t just about clearing what’s old — it’s about preparing for what’s next. “We leave every site better than we found it,” he says. “That’s what it’s about — doing it right, even when it’s hard, and making way for what’s next.”