Excavation industry mourns loss of NAXSA founder and trench safety pioneer Dave Nicoli

The excavation and trench safety community is mourning the passing of Dave Nicoli, CEO of DP Nicoli, Inc. and a founding member of the North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA). Nicoli, 70, leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to trench safety practices that have saved countless lives across the industry. 

Nicoli dedicated more than three decades to growing DP Nicoli into one of the Northwest’s most trusted trench safety and shoring providers. In 2022, he guided the company into a new chapter by transitioning it to a 100% employee-owned model, a move that underscored his lifelong belief in people and shared success.

Industry colleagues say Nicoli’s leadership extended far beyond business. He was instrumental in shaping trench safety standards and training through his role at NAXSA, helping ensure contractors and crews across North America had access to the resources and knowledge needed to work safely.

“Dave’s commitment to trench safety can’t be overstated. The skills and awareness he promoted have undoubtedly saved lives and will continue to do so,” said NAXSA President Ryan Jaffe, who credited Nicoli’s steady leadership and personal dedication as central to the organization’s mission.

Nicoli’s influence will live on through his family, the employee-owners of DP Nicoli, and the wider excavation community he helped shape. Colleagues remember him not only as a leader and innovator but also as a mentor and friend who embodied his own motto: “People do business with people.”

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