Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis is a seasoned Senior Sales Consultant at Acorn Distributors, Inc., where she has built an exceptional career spanning more than three decades. After graduating with a degree in radio, television, and film, Lisa briefly pursued opportunities at Walt Disney World before returning to Ohio and joining Acorn in 1990. What began as a role in customer support and inside sales quickly evolved into leadership, as she advanced to inside sales manager within just two years. Over time, her deep connection to the company, its people, and its mission solidified her long-term commitment and success.
Throughout her career, Lisa has developed a reputation as a results-driven professional who prioritizes relationships over traditional sales tactics. Transitioning into a sales role in 2013, she has since focused on building trust, solving problems, and delivering meaningful solutions for her clients. Her day-to-day work reflects a dynamic blend of responsibilities—from managing client needs and driving business development to representing the company at trade shows and serving on multiple industry boards. Rather than “selling” in the conventional sense, Lisa emphasizes consistency, reliability, and genuine connection, ensuring her clients know they can depend on her.
A passionate mentor and industry leader, Lisa is deeply committed to giving back and shaping the future of her field. She actively mentors professionals both within Acorn and through organizations like BOMA, where she also serves in a leadership capacity. Guided by the principle of “paying it forward,” she takes pride in supporting the next generation, especially as the industry faces the challenge of attracting new talent. Known for her authenticity, strong work ethic, and dedication to others, Lisa continues to make a lasting impact not only on her clients and colleagues, but on the industry as a whole.
• Bowling Green State University BA in Communications, Communications
• Salesman of the Year (4 times since 2018)
• BOMA Member of the Year (twice)
• BOMA Volunteer of the Year
• IFMA Member of the Year (2023)
• BOMA Columbus (Building Owners and Managers Association)
• IFMA Central Ohio (International Facility Management Association)
• Pilot Dogs Board
• Pilot Dogs (President of the Board)
• BOMA Columbus Mentoring
• Fisher Business School Job Fairs
What do you attribute your success to?
I really attribute my success to the mentors who have mentored me, not being willing to give up, and doing what I say I will do - that's a huge thing for me. Just always working hard and being consistent is a huge thing. I had two amazing mentors, Barb York, who is a property manager, and Bill Gibb, who was a sales rep. They both changed my career completely. They gave me really amazing advice, helped pull me out of situations when I thought I got in things that I shouldn't be in. I always wanted to thank them and asked what I could do to repay them, and they always said, pay it forward. When you get to where we are, pay it forward. That's one of the reasons that I do mentoring now. But as I've done it, I find that I just truly enjoy it. I've talked to both of them since, and they're like, see, we knew you would love it too, which is amazing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my two mentors, Barb York and Bill Gibb. I always wanted to thank them for everything they did for me, and I would ask them, what can I do to thank you? How can I repay you? And they always said the same thing: pay it forward. When you get to where we are, pay it forward. That advice has shaped my entire approach to mentoring and giving back to the industry. As I've done it, I find that I just truly enjoy it, and I've talked to both of them since, and they're like, see, we knew you would love it too.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say be strong and stand in your convictions. Do what you say you're gonna do. Don't commit to something if you can't do it - it's okay to say you can't do something. I think a lot of people coming up feel like they have to say they're gonna do everything, and I think that's the worst thing you can do, because if you can't commit to it, it looks worse not showing up. It's better to just say, I can't do that at this time, and then hit it the next time around. But if you can commit to it, do it and give it the best of your ability, and then people know that they can count on you. Be consistent, and just be authentic, be yourself. Show up for people. I think the more that you show up, and consistently show up, and they know that they can count on you, they're gonna call you when they need you. It's not really hard - just do the right thing, be a good person, treat people the way you want to be treated. Use common sense, and you need to know how to read the room and read people.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The state of the world's a little scary right now, so there's a lot of price increases and uncertainty. I sell trash can liners, which is all fuel-based, so there's just a lot of ups and downs, and I think people are very scared. The biggest challenge is trying to set people's mind at ease as much as you can, telling them that you'll help them as much as you can, and just be there and be a resource. Everybody doesn't know what's going on, so you can only be as good as you can be, because you don't know what's going on either. It's about making people feel as comfortable as they can feel, educating people as much as you can, telling them what you do know, and giving them the information that you have. Being as upfront and honest, and being as authentic as you can be - I think people really appreciate that. People appreciate people that are genuine and authentic, and show up real and raw. People hate salespeople - nobody wants to be sold to. I never really sell, I build relationships and offer solutions. The biggest challenge right now is making people feel comfortable with what's going on.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are authenticity, consistency, reliability, and honesty. I believe in doing what you say you will do - that's huge for me. I think it's important to be genuine and authentic, to show up real and raw, and not put on an act. People appreciate people that are genuine and authentic. I believe in just doing the right thing - it's not rocket science. Be a good person, treat people the way you want to be treated. Use common sense. If you're having a bad day, don't be a jerk. I want people to know that they can count on me, that I'll be there for them. Outside of work, I'm obsessed with Pilates - I found a great community there and made a whole community of friends at the studio. I love to read and spend time with family and friends. I also spend a lot of time with people in our industry because we've become really good friends, especially the BOMA group - we've become really, really close.