Damon Industries Inc.
As a valued member of ISSA for 75 years, Damon Industries Incorporated is a stellar example of a company that succeeds because of its people.
In an industry often dominated by corporate giants, Damon Industries stands out as a shining example of the power of family-owned businesses. Established in 1938, it has provided innovative solutions for its customers’ cleaning and sanitation needs.
Damon Industries has grown from a small, basement-based operation into a formidable player in the chemical manufacturing sector. This Member Spotlight explores the rich history, unique business practices, and people behind this remarkable company.
Family roots
Amy Damon, the CEO of Damon Industries, traces the company’s origins back to the humble beginnings of her father, Jack Damon. “My father was in college when he started making cleaning products in his parent’s basement,” Damon recalled. “He began with just a few products, selling them to local stores. As demand grew, so did the business, eventually moving into larger facilities.”
What started as a small operation has now expanded into a 65,000-square-foot facility, manufacturing around 100 chemical products. Damon’s early involvement in the business, though sometimes a bit too enthusiastic—like working around forklifts at an early age—gave her a deep understanding of the industry. After her father’s passing in 1989, just as the company reached US$10 million in annual revenues, Damon took the reins as president, guiding the company through decades of growth and change.
The evolution of a company
Scott Butterfield, the current president of Damon Industries, joined the company 28 years ago, bringing valuable experience from the food industry. His transition from grocery distribution to chemical manufacturing was seamless, thanks to the strong relationship between the two sectors. “Damon Industries was already known as the Cadillac of the industry,” Butterfield noted. “Joining the company was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Under Butterfield’s leadership, the company has continued to evolve. From the early days of heavy, manual floor scrubbers to today’s robotic cleaning machines, Damon Industries has embraced technological advancements while staying true to its core customer service and product quality values.
A commitment to service
One of the key factors that sets Damon Industries apart from its competitors is its unwavering commitment to customer service. “From the beginning, we’ve always focused on providing exceptional service,” Damon explained. “We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our products and stand by that promise.”
From its manufacturing plant in Alliance, Ohio, products flow directly and through a network of market-specific distributors to customers across the country and to many areas of the world. The mission of Damon Industries is to enhance their customers’ businesses through innovative, user-friendly products and services, while being responsible to the global community.
This dedication to service extends beyond just selling products. Damon Industries takes pride in offering comprehensive training and support to its customers, ensuring they have all the necessary tools and knowledge to use their products effectively and safely. “Our success is built on follow-up, follow-up, and more follow-up,” Damon emphasized. “It’s not complicated, but it’s something many companies overlook.”
The importance of people
Throughout the conversation, one theme repeatedly emerged: the importance of people. From the dedicated employees who have spent decades with the company to the loyal customers who trust Damon Industries with their business, people are at the heart of everything they do.
“Our staff is like family,” Butterfield said. “They go above and beyond to care for our customers, and that’s something you just can’t put a price on.”
Damon agrees, expressing her deep appreciation for the team that has helped build the company into what it is today. “I won’t retire until I know this company has a future,” she said with determination. “It’s not just about the products we make; it’s about the relationships we’ve built and the legacy we leave behind.”
Butterfield highlighted the importance of their staff in maintaining this level of service. “Our employees are the backbone of our company,” he said. “Many of them have been with us for decades, and they truly care about our customers. It’s not just a job for them; it’s a commitment.”
Lessons learned
Like any business, Damon Industries has faced its share of challenges. Damon recalls a challenging period when the company lost a significant portion of its revenue due to the loss of major contracts in the fast-food industry. “We had to downsize and pull through some tough years,” she admitted. “But we survived, and we’re stronger for it.”
Having worked in more giant corporations before joining Damon Industries, Butterfield noted family-owned businesses’ unique challenges. “In a small company, everyone has to care,” he said. “Our customers’ needs are always the top priority, and our ability to adapt and evolve has been key to our success.”
Embracing change
Looking ahead, Damon and Butterfield are both excited about the future of Damon Industries. The company is exploring new marketing avenues, including the potential of expanding its online presence. “We’ve always relied on personal relationships and service, but we’re also looking at how we can compete in the digital space,” Damon said. “It’s a new challenge, but we’re up for it.”
Despite the uncertainty of change, Damon Industries remains committed to its core values. “We’re not afraid to learn and adapt,” Butterfield added. “Whether it’s new technology or new ways of reaching customers, we’re always looking for ways to improve.”
A model of success
Damon Industries is more than just a chemical manufacturing company. It’s a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Through decades of change and challenges, the company has remained true to its roots while continuously evolving to meet the needs of its customers. As they look to the future, Amy Damon and Scott Butterfield are confident that Damon Industries will continue to thrive, driven by the same principles that have guided it since 1938.
Images/captions
Damon Industries relies on seasoned sales veterans who know how to care for their customers. Pictured (left to right) are sales pros Alex Powers, Ken Cebulko, Ryan Potenzini, Chad King, Kelly Krantz, Bill Clair, Brandon Morrow, Ted Gillespie, Steve Sahagian, and Ken Hacker, Jr.
Leading Damon Industries is Scott Butterfield, president, and Amy Damon, CEO. Pictured on the wall is founder Jack Damon.
On the corporate manager team are (left to right) Ken Hacker, Jake Ebersole, James Culler, and Taylor Konyk.
Running an effective office at Damon Industries is the team of (left to right) Terrie Ware, Kim Gallina, Kayla Gibbons, Addison Craven, Diane Hall, and Melissa Eberling.