Concierge-Style Customization: Getting to Know Showroom Manager Henry Davis III

When the right people and a caring culture come together, a store is much more than a retail hub—it’s a pivotal part of the surrounding community. From volunteer-based outreach to the relationships forged during day-to-day interactions, Custom Ink showroom manager Henry Davis III tells us about where he finds inspiration, building customer relationships, and the history of his showroom’s location.

CI: What drew you to Custom Ink?

HD: What drew me to Custom Ink was simple: I was impressed with an e-commerce company taking a step toward the community. The type of mentality I have when it comes to sales is a customer “serve”-ice mindset, so I felt that it would be a great company to work for!

CI: What is your favorite part of your role?

HD: My favorite part of the role would be the outreach I do with the community through the Suburban Square district, as well as the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, where I’m able to participate in volunteer efforts and look for ways to serve in a new city.

CI: What sets Custom Ink showrooms apart from traditional retail? 

HD: Custom Ink showrooms differ from traditional retail in many ways, but my favorite would have to be that “concierge” style of support that we provide. We welcome folks into the store with a smile that doesn’t quit and assist from top to bottom with their order—from live apparel selection that tailors directly to their need or intention, to the follow-up that ensures their product was everything they intended it to be!

CI: What was your initial reaction walking into a Custom Ink showroom for the first time?

HD: My first reaction to coming into a showroom—which I’m sure other Inkers have felt as well—was this: We custom print that, too? It seems that every week we get something new to look forward to that ups the ante!

CI: What’s unique about your showroom’s location?

HD: My showroom is located in Suburban Square in Ardmore, PA. Originally a church-heavy oasis away from the city, it became a shopping destination in 1928. The only way to get there was via train, and that same line exists to this day!

CI: What tools/programs do you primarily use for your work?

HD: We primarily use SalesForce (shout out to those folks at SalesForce) more than anything else, and what an excellent CRM program it is. It seems as if the other software it links to is endless, making it an even more vital system to keep track of our clientele.

CI: What is a product you are most excited about?

HD: Can you say canopy tents? I love festivals and outdoor activities, and these canopy tents we offer are so great, whether they’re customized for a business or just a family who wants to stay cool. Another awesome product that folks don’t realize we can customize!

CI: Do you have any favorite memories from being with CI?

HD: My favorite memory would have to be my first days of Custom Ink training. I drove to Flower Mound from Houston the day before, and came in and was just astounded by the Bent Branch/Flower Mound offices! The IHP [in-house production facilities] environment where we trained was great. We were able to see shirts printed in real time, tour the IHP, and print our own shirts—the first time (and last time) a showroom’s training class was able to do so! I still have that shirt to this day.

CI: Who inspires you?

HD: My biggest inspiration would have to be my mother. I’ve never met anyone who has so much drive and vigor to fulfill happiness and success to the fullest, despite adversities. My mother raised my sister and me on her own for the better part of my earlier life, but we never went without. She had to give up college for me, but even without a degree, she’s a director of benefits for a top sporting goods company. She’s my hero.

CI: Is there a quote that motivates you?

HD: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

CI: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

HD: I’m extremely grateful to work for a company like this. I’m excited to show the world the Custom Ink I see!

Interested in joining our team? Check out our available job opportunities here.