Name: Bruce Davis
Title: Senior Vice President of Development
Company: Bolthouse Properties, LLC
About the company/organization: Bolthouse Properties holds agricultural land and invests in commercial retail and office properties that will have a positive impact on local communities. The company is the current master planner/developer of the land in the Seven Oaks corridor — one of the most rapidly growing regions in Bakersfield.
What I do: I oversee the development activities for our retail, commercial and residential communities. My team works on planning, engineering, construction, leasing and we collaborate with numerous professionals within our community.
Where I grew up: I was born and raised in Brea, California.
How I landed in Kern County: I came to Bakersfield in 1994 to work with Castle and Cooke as their Senior Vice President of Development. I left in 2001 to work for Jack Nicklaus developing golf courses and golf communities internationally. I was happy to return in 2013 following the completion of a 2 ½ year project in Bejing, China.
Education: Bachelors Degree in Business and Economics from the University of La Verne.
Family: My beautiful wife, Nayree, and I have been married for 31 years. We have two adult sons. Andrew, who is married and works for Wells Fargo in Charlotte, NC, and Alex, engaged to be married in the spring who is beginning his medical residency in Birmingham, Alabama.
Hobbies: I enjoy all outdoor sports, including fishing and golfing as well as a lifetime passion for baseball.
What was your very first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was a paper route. It taught me the rewards of commitment, sacrifice, and saving. I was able to buy my first bike with the money I saved getting up early every day instead of sleeping.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career? I feel so fortunate to have worked with so many inspirational people in many cultures and environments that it would be impossible for me to select just one.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? My mom and dad always drilled into me to “keep going and never give up.”
What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging is also the most rewarding. Every day we deal with so many new and different opportunities and challenges. No two days are the same.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I am blessed to work for a company of principles and integrity with a philosophy of “do what is right.” That philosophy is supported by abundant resources and a quality team of dedicated professionals.
What is the most memorable accomplishment of your career? I have been fortunate to have worked on many unique and memorable projects both in the U.S. and internationally. My last project building an American style five star golf course and club in Bejing, China was memorable and rewarding because my wife and I were able to live in Bejing and assimilate into a very different culture. We were rewarded with a lifetime of experiences and many new friends.