David Zamarin is not your average entrepreneur. As the Founder and CEO of DetraPel, an advanced materials company dedicated to creating PFAS-free protective coatings, David’s journey began with a drive to overcome the obstacles faced by his immigrant parents. What started as a mission to make a difference has grown into a multi-brand enterprise with a global impact.
DetraPel, the parent company of Impermea Materials, DetraPel Solutions, and Proof+, is at the forefront of manufacturing innovative protective coatings without the use of harmful fluorochemicals (PFAS). This vision of creating safe, effective products has earned the company notable recognition, including a feature on Shark Tank’s Season 9. But David’s success didn’t stop there—he’s also founded and exited two other companies, proving that his entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds.
Today, David is a recognized leader in the business world, with accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30, Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Boston’s 25 Under 25 by BostInno. In 2022, he was awarded the U.S. SBA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a testament to his impact and vision. His journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of progress, always striving for more and never satisfied with simply resting on his accomplishments.
From Shark Tank to the SBA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Proudest Moments Along the Way
For David, pinpointing a single proudest moment in his career is difficult. Each milestone has been a stepping stone toward something greater. Founding DetraPel and seeing it evolve into a cutting-edge materials company has been an incredible journey. Highlights like appearing on Shark Tank and receiving honors such as Forbes 30 Under 30 have certainly been rewarding. However, these achievements aren’t the finish line for David; they’re just part of the journey.
“I believe the best is yet to come,” he says. “I’m constantly looking forward, seeking new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact.” For David, the drive to create, innovate, and push boundaries fuels his journey. While he acknowledges the importance of celebrating accomplishments, he’s motivated by the promise of what’s next and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Inspired by Resilience: Lessons from Family and the Future
David’s inspiration is rooted deeply in the values instilled by his parents. Watching his family overcome the challenges of immigration taught him the importance of hard work, resilience, and dedication. His parents’ determination has been the foundation of his ambition, fueling his drive to build something meaningful and impactful. Their resilience has left a lasting impression, reminding him that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with perseverance.
But David’s inspiration doesn’t stop there. He’s also driven by the possibilities of what the future holds. For him, it’s not just about envisioning a better tomorrow—it’s about actively working to create it. This forward momentum, combined with the values he learned from his parents, keeps him moving, pushing boundaries, and striving for more.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Lessons Learned from David’s Journey
David’s journey to success has been filled with valuable lessons, and he’s eager to share his insights with aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some of his key pieces of advice:
Just Get Started – “The biggest risk in failure is not taking the chance to get started,” he says. For David, taking that first step is essential. He encourages entrepreneurs to dive in, even if they’re unsure of the path ahead.
Fail Quickly and Learn – David believes in learning from mistakes and adapting quickly. “Fail as quickly as possible,” he advises. Mistakes are inevitable, but each failure is an opportunity to learn, pivot, and improve.
Surround Yourself with Mentors – Success isn’t achieved in isolation. David stresses the importance of mentorship, surrounding yourself with people who have valuable experience and can provide guidance along the way.
These pieces of advice are straightforward, but they’ve been foundational in David’s own journey. Each has played a role in his success, helping him grow from a young entrepreneur with a dream to a leader in the advanced materials industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
David’s commitment to entrepreneurship goes beyond his own career. He’s passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators and actively participates in several youth entrepreneurship advisory boards. Through public speaking engagements and his role as an advisor on various boards, including the Entrepreneurial Advisory Board of FedEx, David works to empower young people to follow their passions and turn their ideas into reality.
He’s a sought-after speaker and mentor, and he hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can spark ambition and courage in young entrepreneurs. “My goal is to inspire others to build their paths,” he says. By showing that success is possible, even when the odds seem daunting, David aims to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial community.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Innovation
David Zamarin’s journey is far from over. With DetraPel continuing to innovate and expand, David is constantly pushing forward, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. His story is one of resilience, ambition, and relentless pursuit. And while he’s achieved more than most could dream of, he’s just getting started.
To learn more about DetraPel’s revolutionary PFAS-free products, or to keep up with David’s journey, visit DetraPel’s website or follow David on his public speaking and mentorship journey. His story is a testament to the power of determination, family values, and a vision for a better future—proof that, with the right mindset, anything is possible.