The construction and renovation industry often involves navigating complex environmental challenges—particularly the safe removal of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and mold. These materials, once hailed as innovations, now present significant health risks and legal liabilities when disturbed. The process of safely identifying, removing, and disposing of such substances is heavily regulated, technically demanding, and often overwhelming for property owners and contractors alike. Rhino Demolition was born from this very challenge. With roots tracing back to the early 2000s, the company was created as a specialized branch of a water restoration firm. Founded by a father-son team who recognized a critical need for asbestos and mold removal services, Rhino quickly evolved into a standalone force in the environmental remediation industry. Over two decades later, Rhino continues to distinguish itself by offering a seamless, end-to-end solution that delivers safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

Rhino’s core strength lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hazardous material abatement services—everything from asbestos removal to mold mitigation, lead paint abatement, and selective demolition. They specialize in both small-scale residential work and large-scale institutional and commercial projects, including hospitals, schools, hotels, and government buildings. Their approach combines environmental expertise with deep construction knowledge, allowing them to manage projects holistically rather than piecemeal. Unlike many contractors that operate in silos, Rhino integrates every stage of the process, from initial hazard identification to final air clearance testing. Jake Smith, President of Rhino Demolition explains the advantage: “We can talk clients off the ledge. And explain this is what we’ve got to do—step one, step two, step three. This clarity, confidence, and structure bring calm to what is often a stressful and confusing experience for clients.”

Rhino takes safety and compliance as seriously as the work itself. The company strictly adheres to regulations set forth by federal bodies like OSHA, as well as state environmental departments—such as the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. Before any removal begins, third-party inspectors are brought in to test materials and write the removal protocol. Rhino’s team then executes the abatement within negative pressure containment zones, using HEPA filtration and specialized equipment to ensure no fibers or contaminants escape.

The final air clearance isn’t declared by Rhino, but by an independent laboratory that examines collected air samples under a microscope. Only once the lab certifies the space as clean does Rhino remove its containment systems and hand over the site. “Every box has to be checked,” Smith says, describing a process that is both tedious and essential. This level of thoroughness builds deep trust with clients, many of whom return for repeat projects or refer Rhino to others.

A key differentiator for Rhino Demolition is its extraordinary team continuity. Of its 21 employees, most have been with the company for over a decade, and several have worked there for 15+ years. One team member has been with Rhino since its inception 25 years ago. This collective experience translates into unmatched jobsite confidence and problem-solving ability. “There’s no job we can go on and feel intimidated by,” Smith notes. Younger hires with no experience benefit from direct mentorship, shadowing veteran workers and learning hands-on techniques that can’t be taught in a manual. This creates a strong internal culture of trust, resilience, and technical excellence. Rhino also embraces outside perspectives. For example, recent hires from New York introduced new tools and approaches to abatement, enriching Rhino’s methods and fostering continuous improvement. “Every site is a little different,” Smith says. “There’s never one way to do something.”

While asbestos abatement remains a signature service, Rhino’s expertise spans a wide array of hazardous materials management and dealing with emergency situations. The company handles lead removal, mold remediation, and select demolition work, often in buildings that are undergoing renovations or emergency repairs. Rhino has also become a trusted partner for military base work, where aging infrastructure frequently contains asbestos, lead, and mold. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, Rhino qualifies for government contracts that support veteran-led organizations. This status has opened doors to meaningful work across defense sites, where safety, precision, and regulatory compliance are paramount.

Over the years, Rhino has built a reputation not only for technical excellence but for professionalism, communication, and reliability. Clients consistently praise the team’s ability to simplify complex processes, meet regulatory standards, and deliver quality results without cutting corners. Even Rhino’s marketing efforts stand out. The company has produced videos that showcase their demolition work in a reality-TV-style format, attracting attention from media producers and potential clients alike. While primarily a marketing tool, these videos reflect the company’s openness, transparency, and commitment to educating the public about its essential work.

What sets Rhino Demolition apart is not just what they do, but how they do it. In an industry where shortcuts can be dangerous and confusion is common, Rhino provides clarity, control, and care. Their experienced team, commitment to compliance, and full-service approach make them a go-to partner for clients who want it done right the first time. From aging schools to military installations, Rhino helps uncover and eliminate the hidden dangers in our built environments—safely, responsibly, and professionally.