🌀Episode 31 : From CUSTOMERS to EMPLOYEES?!

The Shocking Truth Behind Owner's Pride | FT. Damon Gray

Guest : DAMON GRAY | OWNER’S PRIDE

🎙️Hosted by ANDREW & ERCAN

👋INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Episode 31st of the SudstoSuccess Podcast! This week, Andrew and Ercan sit down with Damon Gray, the visionary behind Owner’s Pride Coatings and Owner’s Pride Omaha.

Damon’s story is nothing short of inspiring—he went from working in the back of his detailing shop to building a nationwide brand that thrives on installer-focused products and employee-driven culture.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a thriving business culture, treat employees like true assets, or build a company that runs without you, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

🛠️ THE EVOLUTION OF OWNER’S PRIDE

Damon takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, showing how focus, adaptability, and the right mindset can transform a local shop into a national powerhouse.

From Back of the Shop to Remote Leadership:

Damon started hands-on but eventually transitioned to managing his Omaha shop remotely from South Carolina. His shop became the testing ground for Owner’s Pride products, proving their durability and effectiveness in extreme conditions.

Launching Owner’s Pride Coatings:

In February 2020—just before the pandemic—Damon and his son launched Owner’s Pride Coatings. By prioritizing installer needs and collaborating directly with chemists, they built a line of coatings that are forgiving, easy to use, and reliable. Their secret? R&D first, marketing second.

🌟 WHY OWNER’S PRIDE STANDS OUT

Andrew and Ercan reflect on their own experiences with Owner’s Pride products and highlight why detailers across the country trust them.

Installer-Focused Design:

Damon’s coatings are user-friendly, helping even beginner installers avoid stress over high spots or rushed applications. This allows detailers to focus on what matters most: customer experience.

A Warranty That Works:

Owner’s Pride goes above and beyond with their warranties. Andrew recalls when a customer’s car was damaged by a pipe burst—Owner’s Pride covered the issue within 24 hours, compensating him for both time and materials. That kind of support is rare in the industry.

💼 OWNER’S PRIDE OMAHA:

A Behemoth Shop Damon’s Omaha shop serves as proof of what’s possible with the right systems and culture.

Shop Stats:

• 5,000 sq. ft. facility with four straight-in/out bays and a semi-enclosed PPF bay.

• Offers coatings, PPF, tint, washes, and details.

• Averages 250 appointments per month, including 40–50 ceramic coatings.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Damon emphasizes educating customers, making invisible products like ceramic coatings feel tangible. The focus isn’t just on cars—it’s on building relationships

👩‍💼 From Customers to Employees: Building a Culture of Trust

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Owner’s Pride Omaha is its ability to transform loyal customers into dedicated employees.

How It Happens:

Damon treats customers with respect, creating an atmosphere so welcoming that many wanted to become part of the team. Today, several staff members—including his shop manager and detailers—were once customers.

Employee Highlights:

`~ SARAH : Frontline guide for customer services.

`~ DAVIS : Shop manager and partner, driving operations with deep expertise.

`~ BOB & RYAN : Former ceramic coating customers turned team members.

`~ TANNER : The cultural “Thermostat,” whose leadership has grown alongside the business for 8 years.

Creating a Positive Work Environment:

Damon prioritizes team harmony, hiring for attitude over skill, and ensuring every employee feels like an asset. Growth and leadership opportunities are woven into the culture

🔑 LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Damon’s leadership philosophy centers on respect, reflection, and building systems that empower employees.

Respect Your Employees:

Treat employees as people first, assets second. Damon ensures departures happen on good terms, often celebrating contributions with farewell parties.

Adapt and Reflect:

Instead of blaming individuals when challenges arise, Damon reevaluates systems and improves them. Detailed checklists, structured processes, and strong communication fuel consistency.

Build Around People, Not Profits:

Damon stresses that happy employees naturally lead to satisfied customers. A people-first business is a profitable business

🚀 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR DETAILER

1. Focus on Customer Experience:

Educating and valuing customers builds loyalty beyond one-time services.

2. Empower Your Employees:

Invest in team growth, create culture, and give them tools to succeed.

3. Simplify with Systems:

Processes and checklists ensure consistency and make scaling possible.

4. Be Installer-Focused:

Design products with the end user in mind, just like Owner’s Pride Coatings.

5. Adapt and Learn:

Challenges are opportunities to refine systems and grow stronger.

🎙️ FINAL THOUGHTS

Episode 31 of the SUDSTOSUCCESS PODCAST is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and sustainable growth. Damon Gray’s evolution—from working in the back of a shop to running multiple enterprises and a respected coating brand—demonstrates the power of respect, trust, and vision in business. If you’re a detailer looking to scale, improve your team, or build a resilient business, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply today .

🔗 Check Out Damon Gray @ Owner's Pride !

🌐 Website: https://www.ownerspride.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpgray72/?hl=en

📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damon.gray.73/

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✨ Until We Meet Again - Stay Brilliant and Remember * Success Blooms When People Do *

Catch you soon and Take Care! 🚗