Inspiring Conversations with Chris Demant of Grills by Demant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Demant.

Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
With a background as a stainless steel fabricator in Denmark, I came to the US a decade ago to look for the American Dream. My wife, Ann, and I started out making custom furniture for both residential and commercial spaces. About a year and half into my self-employment journey I was given the opportunity to make a stainless steel solid fuel grill for a well known Southern Chef. This perfectly aligned with my background in industrial food equipment and my passion for food, so I grabbed the opportunity. The grill venture took off and my team has since grown and we have gotten the opportunity to work with some of the world’s best Chefs to make their grill dreams come true.
As part of our growth strategy we have recently signed an exclusive OEM agreement with The Montague Company in Hayward, CA, a 168 year old commercial equipment company. This agreement will allow us to get even better at what we do – design, engineer and manufacture solid fuel grills and custom kitchens for Chefs all over the world.
Over the years we have managed to built a dedicated and highly skilled team that can solve any fabrication challenge we put in front of them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think any small business owner is going to say that their way to success was a smooth road, but some areas have been easier than others.
Building a team of skilled craftsmen has been the biggest challenge over the past decade. It is important for me that my team is passionate about their professional growth. Learning a trade and being able to build a project from A-Z requires dedication, patience and repetition. Lot’s of repetition. But once they get it, they become unstoppable. Finding the right team members that have both the desire to learn and that fits into the dynamics of a fast flowing workshop has been a challenge.
Ann and I come from a culture where it is OK to question your leader on their decisions and come with opposing views. It has been very hard to implement this with our team and for the team to trust that while we do have the last word, they as the team should bring their opinions and knowledge to the table.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Grills by Demant we design, engineer and fabricate solid fuel grills for commercial and high end residential use. We transform dreams into high quality, sturdy equipment that helps Chefs and passionate home cooks develop exclusive experiences for their diners.
Our solid fuel grills are build as a modular system, that like LEGOs, can be modulated into different settings based on the kitchens needs. Once you have the hearth (base) you can add and remove features based on your menu. The options are endless.
We offer a variety of fixed options, but also do custom units to ensure that Chefs are able to fulfill their menu dreams. Like Fares Kargar, Founder and Owner og Delbar once said: “I no longer have to make a menu that fits the equipment on the market. I can now make the menu I want and have equipment that will make it happen. It has been a game changer”.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business hard. But it is also fun.
Meet the obstacles and challenges with curiosity and learn from the mistakes you make. For every mistake you make, you learn what not to do next time.
Be humble and know that you do not know everything. And you cannot do everything yourself. You have to find people you trust to help you reach your goals.
And ask for help. It is amazing how many people with more experience than you, that will come forward and help if only you ask.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.grillsbydemant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grillsbydemant/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grillsbydemant