CCTC alumnus owns small business in Sumter
Richard Davis, an alumnus of Central Carolina Technical College, graduated in 2013 with an associate degree in Business Management and is now the owner of Davis Marine Management in Sumter. Davis is a husband and new father to his nine-month old son. During the crisis of COVID-19, small businesses are facing new difficulties and strategies for keeping business running successfully during this time. Davis, on the other hand, is lucky to not be facing those difficulties right now with his business. “Davis Marine Management has fared pretty well so far. Once we had some nice weather, we noticed a pretty substantial increase in business. The coronavirus hasn’t slowed anyone down from wanting to buy a boat, so that’s always a good thing for us! My goal with Davis Marine Management is to make buying and selling a boat as pleasant as possible for my customers. I handle sea trials, negotiations, paperwork, closing, delivery and more,” says Davis. “Honestly, my business isn’t helping citizens specifically right now, but it’s definitely not hurting them either. If folks are laid off from work due to COVID-19, I can help them with selling their boat if they need to in order to hopefully bring in some extra cash during this tough time.”
The Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Certificate program at CCTC is designed to provide a foundation for those seeking to start, build or manage their own business. The program introduces students to a variety of topics such as assessing organizational strategies and practices, developing a business idea and plan, applying sound management principles to real-life business situations, and understanding key functions such as business law, customer service, e-commerce, small business operations and quality. Students work on their own business plan and are connected with coaches who can help with individual problems and next steps in their business development process.
When asked for words of encouragement for CCTC students to continue pushing forward during these unprecedented times Davis says, “I never thought that I would have a job that fit me perfectly but here I am loving every single minute of it! Make the most of your time, be nice to others and chase your dreams. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! Trust in God and do the best to serve those around you in this season of life you are in.” Visit https://www.davismarinemgmt.com/ to check out Davis Marine Management.