Do What You Love, and You'll Never Work a Day in Your Life

Janet Davis is the Vice President of Business Development for Coldwell Banker West Shell. Coldwell Banker West Shell has 8 offices serving the greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana area. 

I am often amazed at how community-service focused the city of Cincinnati has become over the years.  As a longtime resident of Cincinnati and a 36-year veteran of the real estate industry, giving back to and strengthening our local communities has been a high priority for me.  There’s a saying that I heard many years ago that resonated with me and I never forgot, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."  I am happy to say that I am one of the lucky ones to have been able to blend one of my greatest passions with my career. 

My first major endeavor came to fruition in 1971 when I became a founding member of Kindervelt, the largest auxiliary of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC).  With over $15 million raised to date, the CCHMC is now recognized as one of Greater Cincinnati's outstanding volunteer organizations.  The overwhelming pride that I felt to witness the selflessness of others contributing to the hospital from day one was an indicator that this was just the beginning for me in the world of community service.

When it was time for me to explore career opportunities, becoming a Realtor was a no brainer.  In many ways it allowed me to continue to help people by achieving their goals or moving on to a new phase of life.  What was even better was that I aligned myself with a company that believes in giving back and gave me the opportunity to become involved with the Coldwell Banker West Shell Charitable Foundation. I’ve held many positions throughout my 35 years on the job, starting as a sales associate and then management and training and eventually evolving into my current role in business development. I was given the opportunity to bring together two very different worlds – real estate and community service – and form meaningful partnerships that have led to unbelievable outcomes.  What has been most fulfilling for me is recognizing how willing our network of agents and the community at large has been to lend a hand and give back to causes in need.  

Cincinnati offers so many worthy programs and opportunities for involvement and volunteer work.  One partnership that is close to my heart is with the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund, which works to improve lives of local youth by leveraging the tradition of the Cincinnati Reds and the game of baseball.  I am so proud of our participation with the Match Program that brings youth baseball teams from the suburbs and the inner city together in the spirit of diversity and friendly competition.  And I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming Redlegs Run race at the Great American Ballpark that will also benefit the Reds Community Fund. Events like this are the perfect way to be an active part of the community and have fun all at the same time! Plus, who doesn’t love baseball right?  

I love what I do and am proud to be able to work with some of the greatest charitable organizations in the area.  Seeing people from all different walks of life working together to make our city a better place to live is what makes me proud to be a Cincinnatian!