Meet Mike Davis: Founder & Director of 1 Body Outreach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
At first, my work-life balance was terrible, basically non-existent. I have a wife and 2 sons. There were many times where I was unintentionally putting everything else ahead of them. This is a problem for many who start businesses, especially me being in the nonprofit sector. We are always in the frame of mind to be fundraising, promoting, or whatever is required to be successful. It takes an extremely high level of focus and commitment to be great. But it also takes that same commitment to the people who love you and care about you because if you’re like me, you don’t want to lose them as you ascend. You want them to ascend with you. So now, I’ve learned that balance is impossible to perfect. But I keep my priorities the same: God, wife, family, then the work I do. But I am fully aware that just because my priorities are intact, that doesn’t mean that my focus is the same each day. One day, my primary focus could be an event. Another day, my primary focus could be taking care of my yard, taking care of my wife, or relaxing. Focus can shift, but priorities never change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I may have built a brand with 1 Body Outreach, it actually perfectly collides with what I do for a living. I work full-time in sports ministry as a missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I love that I am allowed to seamlessly combine my platforms between 1 Body and FCA. Both involve sports, youth, and making a difference. Both also mean never-ending fundraising. My greatest challenge in what I do is constantly having to fundraise and always be “on” so to speak. Every conversation, every interaction could be a chance to fund my nonprofit, or to fund my work as a missionary. This is so much different from my prior career of 9 years working for a state agency. The security of a set salary and benefits of that are easy to just accept. However, I never felt fulfillment in doing that. I was never driven by any of that. I did take advantage of those 9 years to get my business management degree, gain hands-on management experience, and learn how the boardroom works. As for my brand, 1 Body is the embodiment of family. We are 100 percent about the kids and families we serve. Our calling card is that we provide an incredible sense of belonging for many who feel as though they need something to belong to that is bigger than themselves. We are all about the process and the journey of doing things the right way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well here in Florida, although I’m closer to Orlando, I think the best places that anyone can go to are the beaches. And there are so many to choose from, each one within a reasonable distance. I’m a little bit of a drive away from South Florida, but I would say the best beaches are Clearwater (for the views and the vibe), New Smyrna (for the peace and serenity) and if you’re a fan of the fast-paced, big city vibe, then nothing is going to top South Beach. Florida is unique in that it is a natural tourist attraction that doesn’t require much thought to find a place that suits whatever mood you are in. You really don’t have to go far to find a good beach, theme park, or resort. If you’re here for a week, you could do it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ first and foremost. Of course, 1 Body wouldn’t be where it is, or where it’s going without the faithful donors and tireless volunteers. I’d be crazy not to shoutout the parents and families that trust us with their most prized possession, their kids. But there is one person that I must thank… Without question, I have to shout out my amazing wife, Kertrina. This woman is the epitome of what it means to be supportive. I know that oftentimes in a relationship, one spouse’s dreams, ambition, or calling may not be what the other spouse had in mind. Things can become a whirlwind at home because it’s very easy to lose your own dreams in the dreams of someone you love. Our marriage has evolved so tremendously as 1 Body has grown alongside of us.

Website: 1bodyoutreach.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1bodyoutreach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1BodyOutreach

Image Credits
Shots by Jaz, Leslie Gray Photography, and Joe Watson Photography