Born: I was born Dec. 22, 1981, in Fort Smith, Ark.
Education: After graduating from high school in Longview, Texas, I attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where I earned a Bachelor of Finance and Accounting degree in 2004 and a Master’s of Accounting in 2005.
Family: I’ve been married to my husband John for 10 years, and we have a 6-year-old daughter (Charlotte), a 4-year-old son (Davis), and one spoiled rotten dog.
When and how did you enter the recycling industry? My dad [Carl Davis] bought this scrapyard in 1979, three years before I was born, and I spent a lot of time here with him when I was a child. As I got older I worked summers in the front office of the scrapyard. After graduating from college, I lived in Dallas and worked for an accounting firm, then in Charlotte, N.C., as a financial analyst for a grocery store chain. In 2010, after getting married and wanting to be closer to home, I returned to Fort Smith and the scrapyard.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? This industry is familiar to me and feels like home. I like being involved with all walks of life—from someone bringing in $2 of copper to conversations with a CEO. Although I spend a lot of time at a desk, it’s great to be a part of the action in the yard too. I love the relationships I’ve formed in the industry, whether it be people at ISRI or local customers. The scrap industry is unlike any other, and I like being part of the niche. There’s always something to learn and excitement around here!
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Personal achievements? On the professional front, I grew up going to ISRI conventions with my family, and it has been rewarding to be part of them as an adult now. I enjoy serving on the Gulf Coast Chapter board of directors as Scholarship Chair and am hoping to become more involved in ISRI’s Women in Recycling Council. I have also enjoyed being involved in the Arkansas Recyclers Association.
In terms of personal achievements, my children are my pride and joy. I couldn’t be prouder to be their mom. I’m also involved in the local community through the Reynolds Cancer Support House, Bonneville House, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and my church—St. John’s Episcopal Church.
What are you passionate about? The answer to that question has changed quite a bit over the years, but my children and family are my current passion. I also enjoy working in my yard, cooking for and entertaining friends and family, playing golf, and listening to country music.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? I wish I were more assertive and stuck up for myself more. I also wish I were less anxious and able to leave work stresses at work.
What do you like to do in your free time? Most of my free time is spent with my husband and kids, family, and friends. And if I had it my way, I’d travel a lot more!
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the Gulf Coast Chapter? If Davis Iron & Metal didn’t join the association and chapter when it started in 1979, it definitely did so shortly afterward. My dad even served on the board of the Gulf Coast Chapter in his younger years. Many of us in the company have learned so much from listening to other ISRI members. That’s a large part of why our company has remained a member of ISRI and the Gulf Coast Chapter. The relationships that are built through ISRI transform you in your everyday work life.
What motivated you to become a leader as GCC’s Scholarship Chair? Getting to know others in the Gulf Coast Chapter leadership over the years showed me the great people I have the opportunity to work with and inspired me to get more involved. It’s also nice for our company to have a presence and know we have resources if needed.
What benefits have you received from your GCC involvement? Being part of the Gulf Coast Chapter helps me see the big picture in our industry and helps me step out of my day-to-day box. I’ve met some wonderful people that I know I can call if I ever need advice. I think it helps for everyone to be around others in the industry and see how strong and valuable our industry really is. Our company also takes advantage of ISRI’s safety training programs and seminars on various topics.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling industry today? One challenge is the pricing structure of imports compared to domestic shipments. We’re also experiencing erratic markets, primarily due to COVID-19. It’s hard to sell metal right now—especially at a decent price! And in the current U.S. labor force, it’s hard to find people who want to invest in a long-term commitment and put in the effort to work hard.
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The Gulf Coast Chapter is committed to being a conduit for more communication with its members. Going forward you will receive communications via email in the areas of:
■ Regional and National Industry News/Information
■ Member Q&A Interviews
■ Safety
■ New Member Introductions
■ Community Involvement/Advocacy … and more!
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For more information on the Gulf Coast Chapter, visit gulfisri.com or contact a chapter officer:
CMC Recycling Liberty
