Meet Zach Damon

We recently connected with Zach Damon and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Zach with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic, above all, comes from my faith and family. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who exemplified discipline, hard work, and resilience. They set a strong example for me, instilling the importance of doing something every single day to move closer to my goals.

I also had the chance to participate in extracurricular activities that demanded commitment and discipline, shaping me further. In academics, Scouting, and sports, I learned the value of perseverance and consistency. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout taught me responsibility, while wrestling taught me the power of determination—I was a Varsity Letterwinner and received the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Sportsmanship Award. Both experiences showed me the value of pushing through challenges to succeed.

As James Watkins said, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” That persistence is what I strive for every day, shaped by the lessons from my family and experiences that taught me to work hard and stay consistent, no matter what.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the owner of Zach Damon Productions, LLC, a company dedicated to producing local television, radio, and web-based media content for distribution. Since the early 1990s, I’ve been a passionate advocate for disability issues, using public speaking and media to inspire change and foster inclusion.

In 2012, I launched Ann Arbor Tonight, a program that spotlights leaders, entertainers, and comedians making a difference in our community. Over the years, the show has earned seven Philo Media Awards across categories such as Arts & Cultural Awareness, Empowerment & Inspiration, Underserved Voices, and Best in Entertainment.

A decade into production, Ann Arbor Tonight transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to expand its impact. This evolution supports our mission of providing media production training and opportunities for individuals of all abilities, empowering the next generation of creators and ensuring greater accessibility in Michigan’s arts and entertainment sector.

Beyond the nonprofit, Zach Damon Productions, LLC has expanded to include public speaking services. I’m available for speaking engagements, hosting, and special events at colleges, universities, corporations, nonprofits, and public charities.

Booking inquiries:
Email: zachdamon1@gmail.com
Phone: (734)-355-9068

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were:

Overcoming Fear.
Fear is something we all experience, but pushing through it allows us to grow and come out stronger on the other side. My advice: embrace discomfort and take calculated risks — growth lives just beyond fear.

Balancing Knowledge with Action.
It’s important to research, read, and expand your knowledge base. But it’s equally vital to get your hands dirty and actually do the work. You learn the most by applying what you’ve studied in real-world situations.

Staying Humble and Grounded.
No matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to learn. Surround yourself with people who are smarter, more experienced, or differently skilled than you. Have gratitude for them, learn from them, and be a team player. Success isn’t an individual achievement; it’s a collective effort.

For those early in their journey, I’d say: face your fears with courage, pair study with action, and never stop being a student of life. Stay grounded, stay grateful, and stay open to collaboration.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that I have read and continue to go back to frequently is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The book outlines a code of conduct based on Toltec teachings that purport to improve one’s life. I highly recommend the book to anyone reading this article now.

A few nuggets of wisdom from the book that resonate deeply with readers:

Be Impeccable With Your Word:
Words have immense power. They can create or destroy, depending on how they are used. Ruiz encourages speaking with integrity and using words in a way that aligns with truth and love.

Don’t Take Anything Personally:
People’s actions and words are often reflections of their own reality, not yours. Learning not to internalize others’ opinions can free you from unnecessary suffering.

Don’t Make Assumptions:
Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings. By asking questions and seeking clarity, we avoid unnecessary conflict and pain.

It’s amazing how a relatively short book can have such a profound and lasting impact.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Image provided by: Zach Damon Productions, LLC

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