The Call, the Click, and the Future of SAFETY

The Call, the Click, and the Future of SAFETY

What do jazz percussion and damage prevention data have in common? Turns out, quite a lot. In episode 68 of the Safety Moment Podcast by Utility Safety Partners, host Mike Sullivan reconnects with an industry legend—JD Maniscalco, former President and CEO of Colorado 811 and one of the brilliant minds behind the groundbreaking Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT). What follows is a compelling, funny, and thought-provoking conversation that spans decades of innovation, friendship, and a shared passion for making the world safer—one locate request at a time.

JD, affectionately dubbed “the dirt guy,” recounts the early days of DIRT’s creation—literally sketched out in his kitchen alongside two tech geniuses. With vision, collaboration, and sheer determination, JD and his team built a tool that changed the way the industry understands and responds to underground infrastructure damage. Today, DIRT is used across North America, a testament to its smart design and ability to evolve with changing needs.

But this episode isn’t all data. Mike and JD go deep into their shared love for music. From impromptu bands at safety conferences to hilarious stories like registering a friend under “Don Corleone” in Vegas, the two reflect on how creative outlets like drumming connect people just as powerfully as professional endeavors. JD talks candidly about stepping away from late-night gigs in favor of church performances, proving that rhythm never leaves you—it just changes venues.

Back in the world of utility safety, the duo discusses the ongoing challenge of encouraging damage reporting. JD shares how he managed to pass legislation in Colorado mandating reports to the one call center—a move that many thought impossible. He also reveals how he developed a county-by-county “report card” to distill complex data into simple, actionable insights. The result? Municipalities could quickly see where they were excelling and where improvement was needed. The idea caught fire and became a model for other jurisdictions.

As the conversation turns toward the future, JD emphasizes the potential of AI and machine learning in safety. He imagines a world where predictive analytics help pinpoint future risks before they happen—where data doesn’t just describe the past, but shapes better decisions for tomorrow.

This episode is a celebration of history, innovation, and the deep relationships that drive meaningful change. JD’s humility, humor, and vision make him a standout voice in the damage prevention community—and Mike Sullivan is the perfect host to bring those stories to light.

Whether you’re in the industry or simply love a good story about people doing work that matters, this episode offers a rich blend of nostalgia, insight, and inspiration. Tune in and discover how one click can save lives—and how one drummer helped change an industry.

Doug Downs – Stories and Strategies