David Hodges

Ask David Hodges what he does for a living and you will realize he is a person who defies categorization; indeed, his wide range of personal and professional interests makes such a question sound almost limiting. David is a financial services professional who helps people manage risk.

David's intellectual curiosity and his easy way with people encourages those he meets to share their stories as he shares his own. Says David, "Stories bring people together and often I hear stories that friends and clients prefer not to tell others. I have had many conversations that have nothing to do with insurance."

David's mastery of relating to people stems partly from his genuine passion for life and partly from his extensive tenure in business. When asked, he states, "I have had so many personal and business conversations that really, I feel I have seen and heard just about everything." That life experience translates into sage and real-world advice for the clients who seek his guidance.

David graduated from the University of South Carolina and started in the life insurance business after a year in law school that he describes as a career misstep but even so, he still enjoys the personal relationships he made.

A dyed-in-the-wool South Carolinian, David is an avid historian and a collector of books about his home state. His book collecting resulted in the purchase of The Book Place, a destination landmark to bibliophiles in the area. He fondly recalls owning the store "for five glorious years."

David is deeply involved in Columbia. He is an elder at First Presbyterian Church and serves on The Cooperative Ministry Board, Riverbanks Zoo Society Board, South Caroliniana Society Executive Council, and the South Carolina Humanities Board. Past board service includes the State Museum Foundation and Central Carolina Community Foundation.

David's true claim to fame is he is Sue's husband, the founder and owner of The Happy Cafe on Forest Drive. David and Sue have four grown children and are the thrilled grandparents of nine grandchildren.