Company and Management Background

The Company
The Damon Company was started in 1964 by Wayne Herkness, II, and incorporated in the state of Virginia on September 21, 1979. The offices and machine shop were relocated from 2158 Industrial Drive to a 13,000 square foot building on 2117 Industrial Drive in September of 1992.  During the fall of 1999 an additional 18,000 square feet was added to incorporate both the tag division and machine shop under one roof, to bring the total square feet up to 31,000.  In April 1998 the entire Damon Company became ISO 9002 certified to ensure our continuous commitment to quality. 

Wayne Herkness II, Chairman of the Board
Born 1917. 1958-1962 president of Greenbrier Instrument in Ronceverte, WV. In 1962 that corporation was sold to Bendix Corp and he continued as president until 1963. 1952-1957 he was vice-president and division head of United Carbon Co., Charleston, WV. 1950-1951 executive assistant of Charles Ewne John Co., Philadelphia, PA. Graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1939 and served in United States Navy resigning naval commission as Commander in 1950.

Samuel B. Newsom, President / CEO
Born 1955. 1996-present with Damon Co. 1980-1996 CEO of SBN Commercial and Residential Construction Company.

James A.(Tucker) Harvey, Vice President
Born 1946. 1977-present with Damon Co. 1967-1977 Mechanical Development Corp, Salem, VA. Graduated Danville Community College in 1966.

Oliver B.(Chum) White, Vice President - Engineering
Born 1945. 1987-present with Damon Co. 1979-1987 vice president of Kessler Coals, Inc. in Beckley, WV. 1978-1979 employed by Gates Engineering in Beckley, WV. 1970-1978 employed by Armco Inc in West Virginia. 1967-1970 in the United States Army. Prior to 1967 graduated from University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA with a BS in Engineering. 

Carl M. Rydell, Office Manager
Born 1947. Nov. 1999 to present with Damon Co. 1993-1999 AF JROTC Instructor @ Patrick Henry H.S. Rke, VA., 1969-1993 Served in USAF as Navigator and Staff Officer in various locations around the world. Graduated from American International College, Springfield, MA; BS in General Business, 1969. Received MS in Systems Management, Univ of Southern California, 1978.

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