CLARKSVILLE, Va., Nov. 4, 2026 — For Bear Davidson, a sales agent with United Country Real Estate | Virginia Realty & West Virginia Realty, the concept of giving back – if done in the right way – is learned behavior. It’s something that can be passed on to others, spreading word and calling attention to various charitable and philanthropic efforts.
That’s the sentiment Davidson shared after winning the 2025-2026 Benefit & Fundraising Competition, presented during Kansas City, Mo.-based United Country Real Estate’s Annual Training & Awards Convention in October.
Each year, national franchise United Country Real Estate celebrates the charitable efforts of its affiliated brokerages and their many agents and auctioneers. The annual fundraising competition recognizes franchisees and auction professionals who have been involved in the most benefit, charity and community fundraising events over the previous year.
In the last several years, United Country affiliates have collectively raised more than $51 million for hundreds of charitable causes. This time around, agent Davidson (pictured on right during the convention) finished in the top spot as chief fundraiser.
“Bear Davidson represents the very best of the auction profession,” said United Country Auction Services President Shawn Terrel. “His leadership in charitable and fundraising auctions shows what can happen when professional auctioneers use their talents to strengthen organizations and communities. We are extremely proud to recognize him with this award.”
While Davidson has championed various causes within his community and beyond, one national group in particular has always held special meaning for him.
“I'm honored at the opportunity to have won and I'm grateful for the Lord's blessings,” Davidson said. “It gives me a larger platform to talk about the things that mean the most to me, including the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the local schools.”
Founded in 1973, the NWTF focuses on wildlife conservation and wild turkey research, working to create as the group states, “healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities.” The NWTF also features many programs to educate children about conservation, safe and ethical outdoor and hunting skills, and other topics.
“I do a lot of work with the organization on a local and national level. It was started by a group of people who saw the need to do something in the moment that would positively affect their kids and grandkids,” Davidson said.
Davidson grew up hunting in Pennsylvania and Virginia. As an adult, he traveled the country pursuing everything from doves to elk, deer, bear and turkey. He also has more than 20 years of experience in the Texas cattle industry. By 2022, he found himself on the NWTF’s National Board of Directors.
His role on the NWTF board is what led him to real estate. “I always loved the land and what it means to people,” he said. “One day I called (fellow NWTF board member) Chris Hinkle, a friend of mine and a successful broker for an Arkansas brokerage, and I told him I wanted to get into real estate (but) that I loved Virginia and wanted to stay here.”
After a few days, Hinkle called back and put Davidson in contact with William “Bill” Baker III, one of United Country’s most successful broker-owners, with offices in Clarksville, Madison, Moneta, Remington and Victoria, Va.
“So, then I joined United Country in 2023, and the opportunity to share my love of the land every day was so appealing,” Davidson said. “The are two things I enjoy very much about this industry. The first is spending time on open land. I get to take a piece of it with me and share a piece of myself. The second part is the relationships I've built with sellers and buyers. I get to share my faith with them, we've hunted together, we've gone to church together, we share stories about our families.”
Clarksville-based United Country | Virginia Realty & West Virginia Realty specializes in lifestyle and rural real estate for sale throughout Virginia, as well as select areas in West Virginia and North Carolina. The brokerage lists everything from country homes to farms, wooded hunting land, waterfront fishing retreats, mountain properties and even commercial real estate.
But when it comes to philanthropy, Davidson approaches it with a mindset designed to spark a national (if not global) movement. He views the annual Benefit & Fundraising Competition as a wonderful way to spread awareness for all kinds of worthy causes on behalf of United Country agents nationwide, he explained.
“We give back because we should, not because we can. And it’s important that I talk about those before me who were so invaluable in teaching me to give back. I’m grateful for them giving selflessly, so that I can now keep that ball rolling.”