Today we’d like to introduce you to Damon Stinger, Sr..
Hi Damon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I retired from the U.S. Army in July 2013 with a vision to start my own non-emergency medical transportation company. However, I quickly realized that I lacked the capital, resources, and mentorship needed to bring that vision to life. Discouraged but determined to keep moving forward, I took a position as a defense contractor.
In 2018, a friend told me about Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. After researching it, I knew it was right up my alley. My military background had instilled in me the leadership, discipline, and operational skills that this opportunity required. I prayed about it, completed the application, and after going through Amazon’s selection process, I was officially accepted into the program in 2019.
On April 1, 2020, we launched Connection Central Transport in Hanover, MD, starting with just five vehicles and 14 employees. Today, we’ve grown to 52 delivery vans, 137 employees (and counting), and average 37 routes per day. Since that first day on the road, we’ve delivered more than 15 million packages, completed over 55,000 routes, and provided job opportunities to more than 1,050 individuals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every new business goes through three phases: form, storm, and perform. And we certainly experienced all three.
We launched on April 1, 2020 — right at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a new company was already a challenge, but doing it during a global crisis took things to another level. As an essential business, we kept America moving while most storefronts were closed. Yet, we faced major obstacles: limited training, restrictions that prevented two drivers from riding together, and apartment complexes that wouldn’t allow entry for deliveries. Drivers often had to return undelivered packages because mailrooms were closed.
On top of that, I hadn’t yet established a strong company culture — no clear mission, vision, or defined values — which led to high turnover early on. There were moments I questioned whether I had made the right decision. For the first nine months, it felt like we were stuck in the “storm.” But in month ten, something clicked. We found our rhythm, our purpose, and our identity as a team.
Those early struggles didn’t break us — they built us. They forced us to grow, to lead better, and to perform at a higher standard.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Connection Central Transport, LLC.?
Connection Central Transport (CCET) is a proud Veteran-Owned Amazon Delivery Service Partner located in Glen Burnie, MD. We provide last-mile delivery services for Amazon’s rapidly expanding e-commerce network.
Since launching in 2020 with five routes, we’ve grown to 52 delivery vehicles, 137 employees, and an average of 37 routes daily during the low-volume season. To date, we’ve delivered more than 15 million packages, completed over 55,000 routes, and created over 1,050 jobs. Our single-day delivery record is 17,408 packages — a true testament to our team’s dedication and efficiency.
What sets us apart is our commitment to people and performance. CCET has built a reputation as one of the most reliable DSPs in the region by consistently meeting Amazon’s highest standards for safety, compliance, and quality. Our culture emphasizes recognition, growth, and accountability — creating an environment where employees are valued and motivated to succeed. We celebrate our team daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, because we know success starts with them.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the culture and reputation we’ve built. Our brand stands for excellence, reliability, and genuine connection — not just in how we deliver for Amazon, but in how we serve and support our people. From day one, I’ve been intentional about building a team rooted in pride, integrity, and accountability. That mindset defines who we are and drives everything we do.
What I want readers to know is that Connection Central Transport is more than a delivery company — we’re a people-centered organization delivering excellence with purpose. As a proud veteran-owned business, we’re committed to developing leaders from within, providing stable and growth-oriented careers, and building a culture grounded in pride, integrity, and loyalty.
Looking ahead, our vision for 2030 is to become a top-tier veteran-owned DSP — operating over 100 vans, managing 70+ daily routes, and employing 150+ dedicated team members who embody our standard of excellence.
At Connection Central Transport, we don’t just deliver packages — we deliver opportunity, connection, and trust.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I consider myself a risk-taker because I always bet on myself. Not every risk pays off, but every one of them teaches me something valuable. I tend to avoid unnecessary financial risks, but I embrace the kind of calculated risks that push growth and opportunity.
When I first launched my company, we operated out of a delivery station in Hanover, MD — just four miles from my home. But after several challenging months, I was offered the opportunity to move to a brand-new station in Glen Burnie, MD. It was a risky move — new leadership, new routes, and the possibility of losing employees who didn’t want a longer commute. Public transportation in that area was limited, and I knew it could affect retention.
But I trusted my instincts and took the leap. Not one driver left because of the move — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The new station gave us a stronger delivery zone, better alignment, and more opportunity. Since relocating, we’ve been recognized as the top-performing DSP in our station and across the Mid-Atlantic region.
As a business owner, I believe every decision involves risk — whether it’s hiring, firing, or expanding. Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you have a vision and a product that solves a real problem, bet on yourself. Take the risk.
There’s a verse in Isaiah 54:17 that says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” I always remind people not to be the weapon forming against themselves — don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your purpose. Take the leap. You only live once.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.connectioncentraltransport.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damon.stingersr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-stinger-sr-0a432149/
