2024 40 Under 40: Jared Davis

Engineer Jared Davis says his industry tends to save its respect for those with gray hair. What separates him from other young professionals, he says, is confidence in what he can do. It’s an attitude the land development director for Own Inc. tries to instill in his staff.

“Projecting that confidence towards my employees and clients gives them comfort that we are going in the right direction,” he says.

Davis, 34, notes that he always tries to challenge himself and those around him.

“I’ve committed to myself to always remain uncomfortable,” he says. “Not in a way that doesn’t let me sleep at night, but in a way that gives myself permission to try new things and push personal boundaries.”

Your proudest moment? Pushing myself to lead a remarkable team of employee owners and earning their trust.

Best celebrity meeting/sighting story? Running into Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus at Top of the Rock was quite the scene. Jack seemed to have eyes for my wife, and who could blame him? Meanwhile, Mr. Player decided to play pacifier thief with my son (who was barely a year old), asking him if he still needed it. Spoiler alert: He definitely did.

Favorite hobby or creative outlet? Being naturally competitive and having played various sports since childhood, golf has become a favorite pastime where I can engage in friendly competition with friends and clients.