VIADA’s 2008

Quality Dealer
Gail Davis
Davis Auto Sales
Richmond, Virginia

Gail Davis has a strong work ethic modeled by her parents. Together her parents worked multiple jobs in order to provide a better life for their children. So to Gail, working multiple jobs was the norm. She has virtually worked two parallel careers her entire life and raised 3 sons who all work in the business today. In 1976, Gail and Jimmy organized and opened Davis Auto Sales. Gail went to night school and took 2 years of accounting with business law and business taxes so she could become the accountant and tax agent. For 37 years, Gail was employed in a full time position that afforded her the ability to support the family with salary and benefits should the economy of the automobile business falter. As a full time employee with Philip Morris USA, Gail climbed the corporate ladder to Lead Systems Analyst and continued her education and completed a 4 year degree in Information Systems at Virginia Commonwealth University graduating magna cum laude. Because of flex time at Philip Morris, she was able to go in at the earliest time permitted, which allowed her to leave earlier every day and come into Davis Auto Sales to handle all the necessary duties. Gail utilized her computer career continuing to develop the latest technology for Davis Auto Sales. Davis Auto Sales had a website before many individual dealers even had computers or understood the importance of the web. This gave them an advantage in the marketplace early on and is paying off big to this day. They have an average of 4000-5000 unique visitors each month on their website, www.davisautosales.com. Window stickers for their vehicles were produced at least 10 years prior to any in the industry. Davis Auto Sales was also computerized long before personal computers were even thought about in homes or small businesses.

For 35 years, Gail and husband, Jimmy have put their emphasis on improving their family, dealership, community, and the industry. In 2005, Gail retired from Philip Morris USA. She now devotes her days to Davis Auto Sales. Davis Auto Sales has grown to 9 employees with a reputation for fairness and professionalism.

She attributes having the advantage of working for a Fortune 100 Company, as well as, working for a small family owned business as enhancing her marketability. Lending big company ideas across the board to small company plans, she brings to the table proven skills with attention to detail, research and implementing innovative ideas. She is working full time in retirement at Davis Auto Sales because she likes to work and enjoys being around the entire family. The legacy provided to her offspring begins with the Golden Rule — do what’s right for your fellowman and build a life and business through hard work and dedication. This gives her the opportunity to model for her children honesty, integrity, superior customer service, organization and communication skills. In measuring her success, she believes in setting the bar high. Gail prides her success with having a supportive and loving husband, a devoted family and a professional team of employees. She believes success is measured in helping others in need and putting God and family 1st in your life. She believes if you follow that, then everything else will fall into place. She also believes that a Company’s success is attributed to the team effort of all employees and not just the owner. Davis Auto Sales strives to be a good company and a good community citizen.

VIADA Involvement In the past 4 years, Gail’s valued membership with VIADA provided her the opportunity to serve at the district level as their secretary and three years as President. She is currently serving at the district level as Chairman of the Board, in addition to serving in her third year as State Vice President. She has been awarded two NIADA Eagle Awards, the District President’s award and the President’s award for membership recruitment. She doesn’t want to just have a position; she wants to make a difference to improve and move the Association forward. She is always anxious to dive in on projects and get them completed. Gail has worked with others to implement the new Auction card, the Frequently Asked Questions section on the VIADA website, and written job descriptions for the State Committee Chairmen. Gail and Jimmy have attended 15 VIADA State conventions and 8 NIADA National conventions.

Community Involvement Gail’s community involvement focuses on her passion for her church and its efforts with regards to seniors. She is Vice-Chairman of the Deacons, serves on various other committees, and is editor for the monthly newsletter. She organized the Lucy Corr Nursing Home Christmas Shopping Spree. This service allows the seniors to select gifts for free for their family and have them wrapped and waiting for their family to visit them on Christmas. In addition, Gail is an honorary faculty member of Richmond City and Chesterfield County high schools providing years of volunteered instruction to students in the workplace.