brad davis is no stranger to trident united way. whether launching workplace campaigns at area rick hendrick stores, serving as an ambassador for campaign cabinet or helping strategize TUW's investments in the community, davis has been heavily involved with the organization for nearly 20 years. this year he joins the board of directors as the chair of the community impact committee. he spoke with us on why he gives both his time time and money to trident united way:
How I Became Involved with Trident United Way: "Manly Eubank of Palmetto Ford brought me to a meeting and said 'You've gotta listen to these people.' I was impressed with what I saw. We took the campaign to the Rick Hendrick dealership. We'd have a luncheon for everyone and one of the speeches I'd always give was that it needed to come from your heart. 'You're not going to get an 'atta boy.' No one is getting a promotion because they give and nobody is going to get fired because they don't give. But I think if you'll listen to what's going on, hopefully you'll be inspired to give. And if everyone gave at some level, then, collectively, the whole dealership made an impact."
Brad Davis has been a Leadership Donor through Trident United Way since 1999.
Brad and his store, Rick Hendrick Imports, have been involved in every Day of Caring dating back from the beginning in 2000.
Favorite Day of Caring Memory: "Two years ago we did Day of Caring at Carolina Youth Development Center and we pulled people from all the stores to participate. One of the young men working with us from the Chevrolet store came over to me and said 'Thanks for organizing this project, it's really cool But it's more than just a cool project.' When I asked him what he meant he said 'That house over there - my two sisters and I stayed there for a week while we were looking for a new foster home when I was a kid.'
"I just melted and he let me share the story with the rest of the workers. At that point, it became a mission of love and not just a work day. That's the kind of thing that really happens with all the charities we are involved with through Trident United Way, whether it's through volunteering with Day of Caring or through our financial support. These charities are really out in the community doing things for people."
Brad serves on the Community Impact Committee and assumes the role of Chair of the committee this year.
Why I Support Collective Impact: "It's probably the most exciting thing I have seen happen at TUW. The proliferation of nonprofits is so that there are so many groups going off in splinter directions - all with wonderful hearts and meaning well - but there isn't any coordination between them. I've always seen Trident United Way as the one organization that can kind of be the convener and look over the whole landscape."
How I Spend My Free Time: "My escape is the racecar. When you put your helmet on, the whole rest of the world goes away. It's the best escape in the whole world and I've been blessed with tying that into my business because I made a lot of contacts, sold a ton of trucks and cars at the racetrack and have been racing cars since the '80s."
Why I Choose to Be Involved: "My mother was involved in the community and that's just kind of the way I grew up. And that's why it was such a perfect fit, working for Mr. Hendrick for 25 years. Being out in the community and doing the right thing, it's just the way I think things ought to be. A lot of other people feel the same way and together we make an impact."
Brad Davis recently retired from Rick Hendrick Automotive after 25 years. The Maryland native keeps busy with his daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren Wyatt (10), Ruthie (6) and Seth (3) who also reside in Summerville. In addition to his work with Trident United Way, Davis serves as the Chair of the Charleston Metro Chamber West and is an active member of Bethany United Methodist and Ashley Ridge Church.
