Staff Spotlight – Kristin Davis

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1. Where are you from originally? — Chesterfield, Virginia.

2. What is your employment background? — I started working at the age of 13 doing demolition work for my parents who owned a construction and trucking company.  I found that I preferred to work in-office where there were no snakes or spiders (story for another day!).  So, I became their office assistant in 1998 while in high school.  During my junior year of high school, through a legal administration program, I was offered a position at PennStuart. I worked with Lisa Frisina (Clement) and JoAnne Nolte.  In 2002, I left PennStuart to complete a required internship through the criminal justice department at VCU (go Rams!).  I worked very briefly at Richmond Criminal Law as a marketing assistant. In 2003, I got a call from JoAnne Nolte who was working with John Conrad at The Conrad Firm, and they were looking for help.  I started working for John and found that I really enjoyed litigation/insurance defense; it’s very entertaining and I appreciate the chance to help defend small business owners.  I worked for John for almost 15 years and learned a lot from him, Abbigale Fredrick (now at Allen & Allen) and Saemi Murphy.  In 2014, John had to cut back staff, but I was able to work part time with him and grow my family.  In 2018, John approached retirement and this led me to a new beginning at HCCW (thanks David & Deita!). Working is part of my family culture.  It is a freedom that some take for granted.  I am extremely grateful for the experience and friendships I have gained along the way. 

3. What is at the top of your bucket list? — To write a book or two.

4. What is your definition of success? — I’ve seen people kill themselves, their families or relationships for what they think is success.  I believe success is learning to balance all that you need to do, with all that you love to do.  Success requires one to say ‘no’ at times, so that whatever you do is done with a cheerful heart.

5. What advice would you give your younger self? — Don’t sweat the small stuff! 

6. Years down the road, how would you like to be remembered? — I’d like to be remembered for my faith, work ethic, grace and being the epitome of a balanced life.

7. What’s something surprising/fun that not many people know about you? — I played basketball in middle and high school.  I was the shortest on the team but once scored 18 points in a game against Petersburg High School (probably because they kept ignoring the short girl)!

8. When have you felt the proudest and why? — When my kids work and play hard and live out the morals we have taught them. 

9. What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far? — My faith, my marriage (married 19 years and 25 together!), and my children Kamrin (15) and Andrew (10).

10. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years? — Ask the hard questions, talk about the hard stuff and say what’s really on your mind.  Then, you can serve with a happy heart.  And it’s faster.

11. You’re happiest when… — I’m eating.

12. Do you have a motto or personal mantra? — Be a fountain, not a drain.

13. Do you have any pets? — We have a pittador (pittie + lab mix).  She is five months old and teaching my kids about responsibility.

14. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? — Tahiti (without having to fly to get there).

15. What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why? — Besides our annual family vacations, I would have to say Aruba for seclusion, Grand Turk for the history or Montana for the skiing!

16. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? — Reading with coffee, hiking, the beach, a puzzle, our pool, a New York Sour, going to any of our kids’ activities (soccer & dance) and anything Christmas.

17. What’s a cause you are passionate about? — Jobs for Life through STEP Richmond.  I am a resume coach and mentor/volunteer with this program.  I absolutely love it!