Marci Davis

When I look back over my 27-year career, I’m reminded that growth often begins in unexpected places. I started humbly, sweeping floors at the company I now help lead, after relocating as a single mother in search of stability and opportunity. What began as a temporary job became a lifelong passion for leadership, innovation, and building high-performing teams. Over the years, I transitioned from managing tools to implementing computerized inventory systems, then moved into rentals, parts, and service, with each role teaching me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Today, as Vice President of Sales, I lead a dedicated team across the Americas, focusing on removing obstacles so others can do their best work. My leadership philosophy is grounded in listening deeply, solving problems collaboratively, and connecting people with the right experts to achieve success. I’m especially proud of building a cohesive team that has remained intact for more than five years, a reflection of the culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose we’ve created. I believe true leadership lies not in being the loudest voice but in being an expert listener to both customers and colleagues, ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to excel.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is not to let the little things bother me. Learning to let go of what’s beyond my control has allowed me to stay focused on what truly matters. I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding myself with good people—those who are supportive, like-minded, and share the same values and drive for success. Having the right team and environment makes all the difference in achieving both personal and professional growth.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to start where you are and give it your best. No job is too small to teach you something valuable because excellence in the little things builds trust, and trust opens doors. Lead with empathy, not ego, because true leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about listening, removing obstacles, and helping others succeed. Commit to lifelong learning by asking questions, observing, and staying curious, because every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Build the kind of team people don’t want to leave by creating a culture rooted in respect, accountability, and purpose. Stay authentic, especially in male-dominated spaces; your confidence and perspective are your greatest strengths. And finally, balance resilience with grace, knowing that setbacks will happen, but what defines you is how you rise and how you treat others along the way.

One of the biggest challenges in my field has been navigating a male-dominated industry where I often felt I had to work twice as hard to prove my capability. There were moments when my voice wasn’t the loudest in the room, but rather than adapting to fit in, I chose to lead authentically. I focused on bringing empathy, clarity, and collaboration into spaces that sometimes lacked them. That authenticity has become my greatest strength, transforming what was once a challenge into an opportunity to redefine leadership and inspire others to lead with purpose and confidence.

The values most important to me, both personally and professionally, are integrity, perseverance, empathy, and community. My path has been shaped by both ambition and life experience. Earning my associate’s degree in business psychology from Portland State University laid the foundation, but it was real-world challenges that truly defined me. As a single parent who once faced significant hardship, even living out of my car for a time, I’ve always been driven to set a high standard for my children and my colleagues. That determination to do better and be better continues to guide me in every aspect of my life. Outside of work, I stay deeply connected to my community. Before relocating from Oregon to Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, I ran children’s sports programs and was recently invited to collaborate with a nonprofit supporting pregnant and single mothers, a cause that’s especially meaningful to me. In my free time, I find balance and renewal in nature, whether paddleboarding, fishing, or hiking, which helps me stay grounded and grateful.