Jae Davis
Jae Davis
CEO + Founder of Uscout, Space Rentals for Creatives
Los Angeles, CA
www.uscout.com
instagram @uscout
twitter.com @Jae__Davis
twitter @uscout
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a Creative focused on my startup, Uscout.”
Uscout is a global shared economy platform to list and discover unique spaces for creative projects. Frustrated by corporate rental models, Uscout was formed with the intention of building a platform that would put the power back in the hands of the creator.
Uscout allows Creatives to choose from a myriad of unique locations, from the glamorous and the historic, to the eccentric. Our ethos is that if you can imagine it, we can connect you to it.
For hosts, Uscout provides a convenient way to showcase and monetize their space through hourly or daily rentals. Our commitment to the property host is to connect them with a vast network of consumers looking to fulfill their location needs.
Whether a property host wants to earn some extra money or a furniture collector needs to supplement their addiction to Danish modernism we’ve got them covered.
We believe that booking the perfect location should be an efficient, no hassle process, so that Creatives can focus on what’s really important: creating their best work.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have an innate love for the arts, entertainment and technology. As an independent producer and writer with extensive real estate rental knowledge, starting Uscout was a no-brainer.
In my corporate job at an acquisitions company, I was tasked with coming up with a way to create cash flow to help offset holding costs of our properties. I developed and launched a successful campaign for short-term use of our properties by renting to filmmakers and photographers.
As short-term vacation rentals are outlawed in more and more cities across the country homeowners are looking for a new way to earn extra income. On average owners will earn twice as much revenue for half the amount of time with Uscout versus a traditional vacation rental site.
I quickly developed a rapport and trust within the entertainment industry. Studios and independent Creatives alike know they can count on Uscout for unparalleled service and discretion. Uscout has worked with many established companies including Netflix, CBS, Vogue, E! Channel, Warner Brothers, just to name a few.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I believe a lot of people give up after they fail the first or even the tenth time. Persistence is the key to long-term success. One of my favorite quotes is “If you hit an oak tree a thousand times in a thousand different spots, what’s gonna happen? Absolutely nothing, but if you hit an oak tree a thousand times in the exact same spot, you know what’s gonna happen? You’re gonna bring it down. You're going to do the impossible.”
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Bold, unfaltering cool, classic, minimalistic, cutting edge; I am drawn to it all. My senses are awakened and excited by the unknown, mysterious, innovative and futuristic.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Uscout is my number one priority. But as an interdisciplinary artist, I explore and wander across the media disciplines – architecture, photography, film, dance, writing, art and technology. I also have a penchant for space exploration.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Administrative work, emailing in particular!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me. info@uscout.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Creativity lives within me. I seek to express myself artistically in everything I do.
This member profile was originally published in February 2018.