Damarius Pollard’s grandfather, Thomas, knew that neighbor and family friend Frances Kenyear would lead Damarius Pollard in the right direction at Rappahannock Community College (RCC).
In true fashion, Kenyear, a longtime RCC recruiter, took Damarius Pollard under her wing and helped him enroll in RCC’s welding program. “These classes helped me refine my skills and focus on how I could use them outside of the classroom,” he said.
Pollard was only 28 years old when he took over his grandfather’s business, Pollard Earthmoving, and soon expanded his clientele, fleet of hauling trucks, and services. “As a tractor-trailer driver I noticed some truckers earn more money carrying riprap rock and pulling demolition trailers,” he said. “This inspired me to develop a means to cover and protect the floor of my aluminum-body trailer.”
Using the knowledge gained in RCC’s welding program, Damarius devised an ingenious temperature resistant, shock absorbing and portable cargo liner that can be used in cargo trailers and vehicles of varying sizes. Damarius knew his invention could help other truck hauling companies and hired a patent attorney to get his cargo liner patented and manufactured.
Patent Number 11396169 was approved on July 26, 2022, and inventor Damarius Pollard’s cargo liner has already gotten the attention of three manufacturers who will be producing the product.
