David Alan Davis '81

David Davis

David Alan Davis '81

Majors: Sociology and Government

Where do you currently live? Los Angeles, CA. The day after I finished my last exam, I took the Green Tortoise Bus from Boston to San Francisco which took 10 days. I wanted to live in California and be involved in the film or music business. I loved Northern California and only came to Los Angeles in 1987 for two years to get my MBA at UCLA. I'm still here 15+ years later.

What is your current occupation? Please describe what you do. I am a Senior Vice President for an Investment Bank called Houlihan Lokey Howard and Zukin, where I oversee our Advisory practice in Entertainment & Media. I have the best job in the world as I spend all day thinking about and working with very interesting issues involving film, TV, music and the forces that are impacting these industries.

Why did you choose this work? Because it's fun.

What did you do after graduation? I worked first at an independent record store in Berkeley, CA, played chess (almost a master not quite, but I did lose once to former world champion Boris Spassky), and played in a folk-rock-punk band called the Dave Davis Trio. In 1987, I went to grad school and in 1989 I worked for a media research and consulting company where I wrote expert reports about the movie and TV businesses.

What is the most worthwhile academic/professional experience you have had? Please explain. Well... Pick from: Going first to Andover for 2 years and Bowdoin for 3.5 years. Having teachers like Craig McEwen, Johnny Donovan, Randy Stakeman and Matilda White Riley. Starring in a Harvard Business School Case. Being the expert witness on the Disney-Katzenberg lawsuit. Meeting Senator George Mitchell today!

What are the one or two events, courses or people that stand out in your mind from your experiences at Bowdoin? Hanging out with Jim Roux and all our great friends. Finding out that my classmate in history, Joan Benoit, was running and winning the Boston Marathon.

Has studying sociology or anthropology impacted your perspective? If so, how? Very much so. Craig McEwen and Mrs. Riley's classes were so much fun and very interesting. I keep a little bit of their teaching and knowledge in the way that I perceive the world of business, entertainment and life.

Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had offered you while still an undergraduate student in Brunswick? If so, what is this piece of advice? Don't go for money, go for fun and intellectual stimulation. Take a deep breath and enjoy what's around you.