Radio sales manager-turned-business broker Carey Davis arrived in Hell’s Kitchen from the Midwest more than 40 years ago — and has been here ever since. This is Carey’s West Side Story
So, what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I drove my U-Haul from Grand Detour, Illinois, to W57th Street in the autumn of 1981.I moved from a village of 250 people to a rental building with a larger population. I was excited and scared. I’d never seen Venetian blinds before or understood how they worked.
What was your first job? What do you do now?
I got my New York break when I was 25. Radio was my family business, so it was in my blood.To my amazement, heritage radio station WMCA chose this young guy from a small midwest town to be a sales manager. I rented a U-Haul and drove to the big city.
Over 30 years, I would move from General Sales Manager of 1010 WINS to VP/General Manager of Spanish powerhouse La Mega, Amor, and Univision. Today, I’m a business broker helping small business owners transition. How extraordinary to be working today with a close group of former radio execs as intermediaries for small business buyers and sellers. If you own a small business and want to sell it — call me confidentially!
What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
One late November in 1982, I was walking in Central Park and saw a handsome Costa Rican fellow named Fabio. I asked him on a date, and we have been together for over 40 years. We were married on the first day gay weddings were legal in New York. When the judge declared us married, my husband hugged the judge instead of me! LOL.
Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen isn’t pretty, pretentious or well put together, but it is real, raw and ready. You can be a life-timer or a visitor — doesn’t matter — you can be a prominent executive or a just-arrived immigrant from Senegal (Nanga-def!). Hell’s Kitchen is one-of-a-kind, democratic and, “isn’t taking sh*t from nobody.” Oh, and the restaurants are amazing.
What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
I predict congestion pricing will be a godsend to us power-walkers. Manhattan is already a walker’s paradise; it’s about to get better. Just watch the bikes. Seriously.
I’m a late-in-life proponent of fitness and in good shape for my age. I don’t need a house out east — instead, my “second home” is my body, so the investment goes there. Trainer, walk, eat right. Strength and balance.
What else should we know about you?
One day many years ago, a Crain’s NY Business reporter called me at 1010 WINS asking me who I would recommend being named for their upcoming “40 Under 40” issue. I paused, took a deep breath, and said, “Why not me?” And they did. I guess I know how to market a product or service.
read more west side stories
“It is Very Important for my Kids to Grow Up in a Diverse Neighborhood” — Rita Kwong Shares Her West Side Story
“Far Enough from Times Square to Avoid the Crazy, Close Enough to Join Right In” — Why Jesse Ramos Jr Loves Hell’s Kitchen
“Hell’s Kitchen is the Center of the Center of the Universe” — Heather Holland Wheaton’s West Side Story
Carey’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places
Studio 16—630 9th Ave #411 (bw W44/45th St)
During COVID all the big gyms closed. I heard about a new private gym concept opening in HK — Studio 16. One-on-one with your trainer. Together we worked out my daily workout, steps, nutrition, and even sleep schedule. For older guys like me, the focus is on strength and balance.
Amy’s Bread—672 9th Ave (bw W46/47th St)
Amy’s Bread brings an honest soul to Hell’s Kitchen. You can feel the halo coming through the windows and onto the sidewalk. It draws you in.
Juice Generation—644 9th Ave (bw W45/46th St)
After my workout, I head just a couple blocks away to Juice Generation. This location on 9th Avenue is the ORIGINAL location. Consistent quality always with a friendly staff. Protein Knockout or Hustle ‘n Muscle help me hit my protein number!
Wondee Siam—782 9th Ave (corner W52nd St)
EDITOR’S NOTE:Wondee Siam moved a few doors down 9th Avenue in April 2024 to a new, bigger location. Read more about the move in our West Side Story.Delicious, friendly, reasonable prices.
Kung Fu Kitchen —805 8th Ave (bw W48/49th St)
The place is always packed but you’re alone with the dumpling. Their dumplings pull you in.
—688 9th Ave (bw W47/48th St)
New York Yemenis often run the city’s small, local hardware stores. They’re so knowledgeable and helpful and have that little thing you need to open, close, tighten, loosen, sharpen, keep up, throw out or hold up!
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Hell’s Kitchen is authentic with attitude. Don’t change.
You can follow Carey on Instagram @whitebeardnyc. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form —w42st.info/WSSnominations.
You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations onW42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.
