365 Small Business Circle: Paying it forward with Eric Davis

Featured Small Business: Furniture AwareHouse

Businesses that invest in their community can increase their brand’s value, strengthen customer loyalty and create a meaningful work environment for their employees. United Way of Central Indiana is proud to partner with and support small businesses — which is why the 365 Small Business Circle was created.

For more than 40 years, the Davis family has sold furniture in Greencastle.

Scott Davis started Furniture AwareHouse with a couple of college friends in the late 1970s.

Son Eric Davis grew up working there, and following a stint in Texas for school, he returned in 2016 to work at the store full time. Four years ago, he bought and took over the business.

Community support has kept Furniture AwareHouse alive over the decades, so when he can, Eric Davis gives back.

For him, giving charitably on a local level means helping people better themselves – and stay in the community.

“We want people to be here. We want Greencastle to be a great family spot, as it has been for years,” Davis said.

Davis has participated in the 365 Small Business Circle for several years, by giving to United Way of Putnam County and again to United Way of Central Indiana after the nonprofits merged last year.

Giving to United Way helps keep dollars in the community, supports those in need and helps people, families and organizations grow, Davis said.

When it comes to philanthropy, Davis is particularly passionate about youth, education and sports. Athletics were an influential part of Davis’ upbringing: He played basketball growing up, soccer throughout high school and golf in college. Sports teach kids life lessons and values, he said, such as overcoming adversity, goal setting, integrity, honesty, healthy competitiveness.

Davis also sits on the board of 100+ Men Who Care, which gives to local charities in Putnam County. His dad helped start the organization, he said.

“We're grateful to be in this community, to have people continue to support us,” Davis said. “We do our best to pass that along and pay it forward and help everybody in this community enjoy living here and want to be here.”

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