Alumni Spotlight: Luke Davis

Luke Davis ‘12, used his leadership skills as a PGA golf management major to create his own start-up company called Lie + Loft two years ago.

What is a typical day like for you?

Wake up, drink two to three cups of joe, answer emails, get the team familiarized with goals for the day, produce and fulfill orders, outbound sales efforts and branding/photography creation.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I get to be creative in all facets and help others grow with their career goals.

What do you find most challenging about your current position?

As an entrepreneur, sometimes it feels like you work all day without really making forward progress. It’s a constant question of “is what I’m doing worth my time right now, should I be focused on this versus that.”

What is your best memory of CNR or NC State?

The PGA golf management program was a close knit crew – spending time with classmates through the years on the golf course.

What was your favorite CNR class?

PRT 359 (Leadership and Supervision). Dr. Bocarro was tough, but helped get you thinking and ready with what the real world is really like.

What did you enjoy most about being a CNR student?

Being able to complete some really unique internship and programming opportunities.

Did you complete any hands-on experiences like internships, study abroad, co-ops or undergraduate research? If so, what did do you and how did it impact you?

I worked at three different golf courses in different capacities (Westchester Country Club, TPC Sawgass and Upper Montclair). My most memorable experience was at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, where I ran a merchandise tent at The Players and started the Special Olympics program on-site. It really exposed me to all sorts of roles and responsibilities, ultimately inspiring me to create a “Get Internship Ready” program for our degree.

Were you involved in any clubs, hobbies or on-campus activities? Any stories you would like to share about your experiences?

While in school I was a personal trainer at Campus Recreation/Carmichael. I did one on one training as well as group fitness classes. I stuck with it even after making my first client ever throw up half-way through his workout. I felt awful (but he kept coming back).

Any advice for incoming CNR students?

Do as many volunteer and work opportunities as you can. It may feel easier to sit in the dorm or apartment and skip these type of events/not put yourself out there, but every time I’ve gone and done something I may not want to do, I’ve come out the other side with something positive (whether a new networking relationship or sense of fulfillment).

What was the most important thing that you learned as a CNR student?

Programming is a huge opportunity to make a meaningful impact in other’s lives.

Do you have any career accomplishments you are particularly proud of?

After graduation, I went into a completely unrelated field, technology sales. I worked my butt off and made it to the top of that career field in 5 years, but ultimately came back to my true love, golf, and figured out a way to start a company that could make a positive impact on the industry. I also rode a bike 900 miles from Portland to Pebble Beach with golf clubs and camping gear.

Have you held any other positions you would like for us to know about?

Account Executive at SAS; Head of Sales at Cloudfactory

How did you choose your major and what attracted you to the program at NC State?

Raleigh truly felt like home, and the PGA golf management program is a limited degree throughout the country. NC State always felt like the right choice.

Anything else you would like to say about CNR, NC State, your career, your experiences, etc.?

The teachers and opportunities are there — don’t neglect the opportunity you have at hand to truly grow academically and personally before adulting/leaving school.