Damaris Coles, Office Pride Owner

For Women’s History Month, CleanLink interviewed Damaris Coles about how she’s writing her own history as the franchise owner of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services in San Antonio-Helotes.

Damaris is the “face” of the business — dealing with clients, calls, contracts and sales. Her husband and business partner, Phillip, helps her and continues to work as an engineer and paramedic with the San Antonio Fire Department. Before opening her Office Pride business in 2021, Damaris worked in management at a $12 billion retailer, including as vice president of service and experience.

Last year, Damaris was awarded Office Pride’s prestigious Beverly McQueen Brand Ambassador Award, which recognizes an individual who positively and enthusiastically represents Office Pride. In April, she will have a chance to flex her ambassador muscles when Office Pride’s annual franchisee retreat comes to her hometown, San Antonio.

Question: Why did you choose the commercial cleaning industry and Office Pride?

Answer: I was in a transition from my former career, and my husband and I were seeking a business opportunity that we both could work on. I spent 28 years in service with my former company, so I understand the connection between service and customer loyalty, and my husband is a public servant. So, we both wanted to work in a business where we could be in service to others.

And with us being strong in our faith, and Office Pride being a faith-based company, Office Pride was the perfect choice for us.

Q: Have you experienced struggles as a female leader, and how have you grown from them?

A: Commercial cleaning is a traditionally male-dominated field, and you don’t see many women in this particular industry in leadership or ownership roles. When I’m working on bids for prospects, I know it’s very important to be highly prepared and do my research. At the same time, I don’t want to seem less approachable. I work to build rapport with the prospect and to show that I’m knowledgeable and can help them.

There have been times that I’ve shown potential clients things that could help them — whether they hire us or not. I’m willing to share those tips just out of caring for that business and business owner, and for my community. I don’t worry about whether we will get the business. I believe the right customers for us will come to us, through the grace of God.

Q: Have you encountered advantages as a female leader in this industry?

A: Some days, frankly, it’s an uphill battle. As an individual and a woman, however, I have a lot of emotional intelligence. I am adept at reading the room and try to react quickly. I try to answer questions with confidence and authenticity. People sense if you’re just being a salesperson or if you genuinely care about them. I care and I want them to know that.

Q: How do you help women within your organization, or the industry, see their potential and grow to be strong leaders?

A: We have a strong representation of women within our local business and within this community. I believe being a leader means keeping your skills sharp, making sure you are seeking out different perspectives to make the best decision and being around other people from whom you can learn.

I also believe strongly in the power of mentorship. I have a mentor and love to help other people look for ways to grow. And I look for ways in which I can support them.

It’s also exciting to have the opportunity to participate in activities like this Q&A. I hope that something I say can be inspiring to other women business leaders.

Q: What does it mean to be named a brand ambassador for Office Pride?

A: It’s a very special award within the Office Pride system because of the person it was named after. I was very honored and humbled to be named as the brand ambassador, and I want to continue to represent Office Pride well.