Nelson Davis

Executive Producer, MAKING IT!
Small Business Expert

Nelson Davis is President of The Making It Institute and Nelson Davis Productions both based in Los Angeles. He was born in Andalusia, Alabama and grew up in Niagara Falls, New York. Nelson's fascination with business began with stories of his Grandfather who owned a small general store in the racially segregated south. From a young age, Nelson felt that controlling your destiny was based on having your very own way to earn a living.

Before satisfying his entrepreneurial urge and starting his own business, Mr. Davis was a partner in several small businesses. The first was a Submarine Sandwich shop, "Fat Albert's", which grew from one location to a small chain. Another was Pioneer Aviation in Van Nuys California, which was a pilot training and aircraft maintenance facility.

On his way to business ownership Nelson loved working in the media. Prior to becoming a programming executive for the NBC Television Network in 1980, Nelson honed his television skills with a variety of projects. Freelancing as a host and producer in Los Angeles he worked on such diverse projects as a series for PBS, commercials for presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, and a film in Africa. At NBC for 4 years, he moved from Broadcast Standards on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to become Director of Daytime Programming for the network.

Nelson began Nelson Davis Television Productions in 1988 with the idea of bringing together his passion for business with his deep electronic media experience. He saw a niche for special television programming supported by sponsors and advertisers who wanted to reach a niche audience. His first weekly series was, Making It! Minority Success Stories, a program focused on the diverse small business community. His work has received over thirty awards and commendations from all levels of government and business organizations, including four Emmy Awards for Best Public Affairs series. The company has also co-produced a quiz series, "Campus All Star Challenge" sponsored by American Honda. As the market for online TV has grown, Nelson Davis Productions has begun a small business series called "Making It! TV Presents." They are half-hour online shows hosted by Nelson and Lynette Romero designed to support the vendor development programs of America's largest companies.

In June of 2009, Nelson received IRS approval to launch The Making It! Institute for the Advancement of Business, a 501-c3 not-for-profit corporation. Under the umbrella of The Institute, Nelson is developing programs that educate, inspire, and place a brighter public spotlight on small and minority business communities via special events and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The first of these is "Superstars of Small Business" which provides an opportunity for ambitious business owners to learn from the very best entrepreneurs.

Nelson frequently speaks and appears on TV & Radio on the subject of small business and entrepreneurial pursuits. His inspiring speeches have been delivered to audiences from Washington DC to San Francisco. They include The Edison Institute, Anheuser-Busch, University of Southern California, the Port of Long Beach and others. His favorite subject is "The Wisdom of 1000 Entrepreneurs." Nelson is a regular blogger for Huffington Post small business and is seen as "The Business Guru" on Fox5 TV in San Diego.

Nelson is committed to combining his passion and knowledge of television and radio production using these media to communicate positive messages and promote economic empowerment. In addition to The Making IT! Institute, Nelson also presently serves with the following community organizations: The Board of Directors of the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. He has served on the Board of Advisors for the National Association of Women Business Owners, The Board of Trustees for National University, and is a Member of Santa Monica College Associates. Mr. Davis has also been active with Big Brothers.

“Submit your small business questions and I’ll personally respond with my best advice”— Nelson Davis
Email: info@makingittv.com

Awards and Recognition

• ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR – The Asian Business Association.


• CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Mayor Richard J. Riordan, Los Angeles, California for contributions to the great success of the Academy of Business Leadership – Summer Business Institute.


• DIAMOND AWARD – M.E.N.T.O.R. Network, for support and public contributions.  Second Annual Business Development Diamond Awards Luncheon.


• ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAM MAKER AWARD - Women’s Enterprise Development Corporation.


• EMMY AWARDS (4) – For best “Informational/Public Affairs Series”  from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.


• STAR SUPPLIER – Minority Business Opportunity Day


• NATIONAL MINORITY MEDIA CORNERSTONE AWARD – From U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency for demonstrating a sustained and significant commitment to minority businesses.


• MEDIA ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD – U.S. Small Business Administration, California.