By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
February 6, 2013

For nearly 20 years, Sam Davis has worked in the insurance industry, and it all began because of a friend’s recommendation.

Davis knew it was time for a career change. For 10 years, he worked as a route salesman for Pepsi-Cola, delivering their products to businesses.

“I didn’t want to be a real estate agent because they’re starving one day and filthy rich the next,” Davis said.

The automobile sales industry didn’t appeal to him, either.

“A friend said, ‘Sam, why don’t you try the insurance business? I can recommend you,'” Davis said. “And the rest is history. I started (insurance) school on my 40th birthday.

“It’s been a blessing. It’s been a phenomenal career.”

As an agent with Shelter Insurance, Davis offers homeowners, auto and life insurance policies. When Davis hands out a business card, customers may notice something a little odd. Each card is punched with exactly two holes, symbolizing his dedication to helping customers fill in any holes in their insurance coverage.

“I like taking care of people,” Davis said.

He also likes bettering the community.

For years, he was actively involved in the Blue Valley Kiwanis Club and coached girls’ 12 and under fast-pitch softball for 22 years. He joined the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s and later served on the chamber’s board of directors. During an Oct. 23, 2012, chamber luncheon, Chamber President Bobbi Baker-Hughes presented Davis with a Certificate of Appreciation for his “valuable investment of time, knowledge, energy and resources to promote the growth, development and betterment of Northeast Kansas City.”

He currently serves as the watchdog coordinator for Westridge Elementary in Raytown, Mo., where he now resides.

Davis called Historic Northeast home for 10 years before moving to Raytown and continues to make house calls in the Northeast area. What initially attracted Davis to Northeast was the variety of historical housing stock and how it felt like a true neighborhood where people cared.

“I’ve always liked the area,” he said of Northeast.

Asked how the insurance industry has changed over the years, the Texas native said a growing number of people are bargain shopping for insurance instead of remaining loyal to the same company for years.

“Nowadays they’re not worried about company loyalty. They’re just worried about the price,” he said.

Asked about the need for homeowners insurance, Davis said, “That’s probably about the most important and biggest investment they’ll make in their life.”

When it comes to insurance, Davis finds out all the facts, so he can ensure his clients receive the best coverage possible for their individual needs.

“I try to educate people and make sure they’re making the right choice,” he said.

In addition to selling insurance, Davis gives back to Lamar Court assisted living in Overland Park, Kan., and Cross-Lines Retirement Center in Kansas City, Kan. Davis, who has a masters from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Mo., became a Christian later in life and felt called to the ministry. Leading a Sunday school class and Bible study at the retirement centers are his way of fulfilling that calling, he said.

“When people go to a retirement center, they still want somebody to come and teach the word to them and just come on a regular basis and see them,” Davis said. “I’m not a full-time minister, but I feel this has become my ministry. I like meeting the people and getting to know them, and knowing I’m meeting their needs and serving them.”

As for hobbies, Davis said he enjoys hunting with his “two brown dogs” and traveling with his wife, Clara.

“We’ve been to every Hard Rock (Cafe) in the 48 and Canada,” he said. “We travel as much as we can.”

When asked to reflect back on his nearly 20 years of service in the insurance industry, Davis said, “It’s been a real blessing to help people. It’s just really been exciting to know I’ve helped people to protect their assets.”