2025 Eastern Award winners

“Can innovative ideas make for safer workplaces?”

A purpose-driven corporate mission inspired Eric Naaman to acquire Damotech in 2010. As commercial photographer with no industry background, no third-party private capital backing and no fallback plan, Eric and a friend of his went all in on a warehouse rack safety component manufacturer and embarked on an entrepreneurial journey to unlock its full potential. 

Assuming full ownership in 2017, Eric invested his personal savings into the business. An amount exceeding the company’s annual revenue at the time was invested into a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility. This milestone decision signaled a new era for Damotech. Eric transitioned the business from a component manufacturer into a tech-enabled safety platform. In an industry first mindset, he integrated engineering services and proprietary software along with strategic partnerships in order to grow Damotech into North America’s leader in warehouse rack safety.  

Specialized in innovative repair, protection and inspection solutions, Damotech now serves hundreds of Fortune 500 clients, including Amazon, Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Collaborative, engaged and community-minded, Damotech’s recent $10 million automation upgrade tripled production capacity for repairs without expanding the plant’s environmental footprint. 

Employing safer racking systems to prevent warehouse accidents and protect lives, Eric has proven that purpose-driven growth can also be exponential.