Go! Augusta Community Spotlight December Board Member of the Month
Go! Augusta Community Board Member Spotlight--Shawn Davis
Rooted in Augusta
Shawn Davis is a lifelong Augustan who values the community’s balance—close enough to larger cities for convenience yet far enough away to maintain its own identity. When he’s not at work, Shawn recharges at home by the pool, and he enjoys the uniqueness of the Orange and Black Park.
One of his proudest community contributions is founding Augusta’s annual Pub Crawl, a St. Patrick’s Day event that continues to grow in attendance and spirit as participants now visit 18 local stops while raising funds for meaningful causes.
What inspires Shawn on the Board, currently as Vice President, is connecting with people, sharing ideas, and being part of Augusta’s growth and positive change. He also participating in city council meetings and advocating for community projects.
Personal Points
Before his afternoon work, ask Shawn why he finds comfort in nostalgic movies such as Christmas Vacation, Elf, Smokey and the Bandit, and North by Northwest. Or maybe the dream trip for Shawn would be returning to Germany and Europe—places he experienced in his youth and while serving—perhaps include aboard a Viking Cruise along the Rhine.
And at 57, he still rides BMX with the same joy he had at 12, and his shop proudly sponsors a BMX team that competes across multiple states, earning numerous championship plates.
Shawn believes strong communities thrive when people work together and volunteer their time for the common good.
This Business Journey includes a Passion for Cycling
Starting Free State Cycle came with challenges: Shawn had never run a business before, and opening in October 2020 meant navigating severe inventory shortages during COVID. Honesty became his guiding value when helping customers with sales and repairs. After an early retirement and conversations with his wife, he took the leap into the bike shop, even collaborating with his son on the business logo.
