Professional Q&A: Justin DeMoss

Justin DeMoss has lived in cities across the country, but Edmond takes the top spot as his favorite. Not only did he move his family here, but he also recently opened a business here. After many years of experience in fundraising, he decided to support people in his own way—helping them get better sleep as the owner of Factory Direct Mattress Edmond.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: My family moved to Edmond 4 years ago when I accepted a fundraising position with Hough Ear Institute. This past year we opened our mattress business here in Edmond.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in Lenexa, KS, where I attended public schools. After graduating, I went on to college. I enjoyed my college experience a little too much but eventually graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, with degrees in psychology and theology in 2006. I graduated with my master’s in philanthropy and development in 2017 from the University of Mary of Minnesota.

Q: What did you do prior to owning your own business?

A: I’ve had a very successful fundraising career for the last 15 years, raising over 65 million dollars. I’ve worked with faith-based groups, medical research, and social service organizations all over the US. I enjoyed getting to know the supporters of my organization and learning a great deal from them. My appreciation for getting involved and helping people at the local level deepened significantly. That helped prepare me to open my own business.

Q: How did you decide to start your business?

A: A friend we did mission work with encouraged me to take the leap of faith and offered to mentor me. I’ve always wanted to start my own business. However, I’m not that smart and could never figure out what problem I would solve. Then after two back surgeries, dealing with pain, and buying crazy expensive mattresses, I jumped off the cliff. I started Factory Direct Mattress – Edmond.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The people. I love being able to serve them and confound their expectations. I love that my customers have called and texted me about how they no longer dread going to sleep but rather enjoy it. They actually feel rested and appreciate not having to break the bank to get good sleep. It is rewarding to help educate them on mattresses and the industry and allow them to make the best decision for their sleep needs.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: Besides being a husband and father of eight kids? I love coaching kids in baseball. There are a lot of great life lessons to be learned in sports. Seeing these kids grow and mature in their skills, relationships, and faith is one of the most fulfilling things I get to be a part of.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I’ve lived all over the country, and Edmond is my favorite. We live in one of the best cities in the country. Starting a business here was more accessible than in virtually any other place. The cost of living is excellent. The opportunities for entertainment, food, sports, etc., are fantastic. However, the best part of Edmond is the people who live here. People know their neighbors, talk to strangers, and wave to each other on the road. The people of Edmond value community more than I have seen elsewhere in the US.

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: We often hear that a company’s best assets are its employees. While this is true, I think it is a little short-sighted. I think people are a company’s best assets—employees and customers. If you take care of your employees and free them up to do extraordinary things for your customers, absolutely amazing things will happen.