Hidden Gems: Meet Ethel J. Davis of VZD Capital Management LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethel J. Davis.

Hi Ethel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a little girl, they told me girls were supposed to be seen and not heard. For my life, I never understood why anyone would expect me to keep my mouth shut when I had things to say. Therefore, I wanted to be an African American journalist, a replica of Barbara Walters. After high school, I was awarded a journalism scholarship at the University of Kansas by the respected journalism legend – Lucille Bluford. However, I was assigned to write obituaries instead of interviewing live individuals, which soured my enthusiasm. I became interested in learning about different companies and their financial health. Money and Kiplinger magazine were my favorite publications to read. I read about a businessman in Kansas City who went door-to-door selling mutual funds. I wanted to meet Mr. James Stowers, Sr. Therefore, I scheduled an appointment to tour the new building on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. The day I toured the American Century Tower was the day my life changed for the better, and so did my career. I wanted to become a stockbroker and educate people on how to invest their money and reap the benefits by growing their wealth. Eventually, I landed a job as a Customer Service Representative at American Century, and my passion grew to learning everything available to fulfill my next dream of becoming financially savvy.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur can have its challenges, especially when it relates to success. The first obstacle is that your business can become your baby. You remember the conception, the pregnancy process, the labor pains, and the payoff as it grows from infant stages to a full-blown business. It can be challenging to delegate responsibilities to others because you feel no one can do it like you. Next, going from dependable compensation to profit/loss payroll is complicated. Depending on the success and health of your business determine the health of your payroll. Sometimes, making payroll means sacrificing other things because people rely on you. Occasionally, you must know when to reach out for help to grow the business versus struggling and becoming complacent. I have relied heavily on my tribe of businesswomen (Kansas City Business Journal Women Who Mean Business), my mentors (male mentors) and femtors (female mentors) for you get a unique perspective from each group, which is essential to level up your business.  Unfortunately, I still struggle to balance my personal and professional life. Taking vacations, spending quality time with family and friends, and sleeping are essential. However, I constantly struggle to keep the balance aspect in front of my mind.

Thanks for sharing that. Could you tell us more about your business?
I have had the privilege to work for the country’s most prestigious financial and investment firms. I find it difficult to believe that I have had the privilege of having experience from American Century, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Paragon Capital Management, LLC. However, my faith teaches me that I have the goals and that God has the plan. I found myself without a job due to a termination. I could either return to work for someone else who could hold my future hostage or step out on faith and become my boss. I took the second choice, but it was not without reservation and fear. The number one challenge in becoming self-employed is getting over the fact of the consistent paycheck and benefits that come from working in Corporate America.

2012, I birthed my Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in Overland Park, Kansas. We moved to Lenexa, Kansas, in 2022. I became one of the first African-American women to own 100 percent of an RIA firm in the Midwest and one of few in the United States. The firm offers fee-based, discretionary, customized investment management to high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, and trusts. Plus, we provide one-on-one coaching to those who inspire them to build wealth and protect their assets as they develop. The fee-based service starts with a minimum of $250,000 to establish an account. The coaching division has no minimums and can serve the client – no matter where they are in their financial health.

I am an empowerment speaker and financial physician, but the primary difference in my firm is that we believe in serving others – one client at a time. The firm gets its namesake from my parents – Vergie and Zether Davis. (VZD). My parents adopted me at five days old, believing in teaching a child the way you want them to grow. I am living my legacy through my clients, which sets me apart. VZD’s namesake is the brand, for it stands for legacy, equality, and accessibility for all.

Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
I learned that you must know when and how to pivot as an entrepreneur. Everything changes from minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. It would be best to stay ready for the change, focused, and on up with the times, or you would get left behind. I changed locations so that our headquarters is inviting our clientele and has several offices for employees who want to balance between remote working conditions. You must be forward-thinking and surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and like-minded individuals who can help you navigate unchartered waters. VZD had its strongest year during the pandemic because the market delivered a stellar return, and our clients benefitted from an unprecedented chapter in our times.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vzdcap.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/vzdcap/