From Onion Fields to Business Success
Compiled by Mr. Downing’s A3 Marketing Advanced Studies Class
Damon Kreizenbeck’s journey to success started in an unexpected place — an onion field. Growing up in Bakersfield, California, he spent summers working alongside his family, where his father experimented with crossbreeding onions to improve crops. Watching his dad’s dedication and creativity taught Damon the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons that shaped his future in business.
After college, Damon got a job with a wine and spirits distributor. He quickly noticed that smaller wine brands were struggling to compete against bigger companies. Seeing an opportunity, he started his own marketing company to help those brands stand out, which eventually grew into his own distribution business. But not everything went smoothly. A difficult business partnership tested him in ways he never expected. On the day his twin daughters were born, as they lay under heat lamps in the hospital, Damon learned that his business bank account had been drained to zero. The betrayal was devastating, but instead of letting it break him, he used the lesson to rebuild smarter and stronger.
“The best part of his work isn’t just running successful restaurants — it’s watching the people around him grow.”
Damon’s next big step came from an unexpected source — his father-in-law, a retired software entrepreneur. He suggested they invest in a franchise, and they chose Firehouse Subs, a company that values family and community. Their first location in Carson City was just the beginning. Over time, Damon expanded his business to include multiple Firehouse Subs restaurants and later joined Big Chicken, a franchise backed by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. Franchising comes with a roadmap for success, but Damon explains that it still takes execution, adaptability, and effort. Every day, he’s involved in hiring, training, and making sure everything runs smoothly. He also believes in giving back, whether it’s mentoring employees, supporting local schools, or helping first responders through Firehouse’s charity foundation
For Damon, the best part of his work isn’t just running successful restaurants — it’s watching the people around him grow. He’s proud when an entry-level employee works their way up to manager or when his businesses make a real impact in the community.
Even though the food industry is challenging, Damon stays focused on growth — both for his businesses and the people around him. Whether it’s opening new locations, mentoring employees, or finding new ways to give back, he knows that success isn’t just about where you start — it’s about the impact you make along the way.
