Alex Spanos and his wife Faye are a shining example of how the American spirit of hard work and determination can pay off for those willing to follow their dreams.
Alex Spanos and his wife Faye are shining examples of how the American spirit of hard work and determination can pay off for those willing to follow their dreams.
In 1951 at the age of 27, Alex Spanos decided he could no longer support his growing family on $40 per week working in his father’s bakery. So he borrowed $800, purchased a used catering truck and set out on his own by providing catering and support services for the migrant farm workers in California’s Central Valley.
From those humble beginnings, Spanos’ tireless work ethic built one of the leading real estate and development companies in the industry, and today he is the patriarch of one of the most accomplished and philanthropic families in the United States.
A.G. Spanos Companies is among the nation’s largest family-owned construction companies, and his personal commitment to quality and integrity is now carried on by his family in the daily operation and management of the San Diego Chargers as well as the 10 companies that bear his name.
Spanos made family part of his formula for business success. The A.G. Spanos organization, including the Chargers, is a family-run operation. Spanos’ amazing journey and his passion for giving back is outlined in his autobiography, “Sharing the Wealth: My Story,” a compelling first-hand account of the events and decisions in his life that became his basic fundamentals for success.
His success in the construction and development industry allowed him to pursue many dreams, including purchasing the Chargers on Aug. 1, 1984. Alex turned over the day-to-day operations of the Chargers to his oldest son, Dean, in 1994. Today he enjoys retirement and watching sons, Dean and Michael, along with grandsons, A.G. and John, guide the Chargers organization to success.
Spanos’ community spirit and generosity are renowned in California and around the world. Few can match the benevolence and philanthropy that Alex and Faye have shown through their support of deserving institutions and community-service efforts. San Diegans have Spanos to thank for the huge economic windfall of two Super Bowls and a Republican National Convention to San Diego. In addition to the millions of dollars provided personally by the Spanos family, the Chargers Community Foundation, which Spanos established, has delivered more than $11 million to help San Diego’s youth by supporting education as well as health and fitness programs.
In 2008 the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, awarded Spanos the Medal of the Commander of the Order of Honor. The honor came in recognition of the many contributions to his country of heritage, Greece.
These acts of caring demonstrate the commitment of a man whose rags-to-riches story has been an inspiring example for others. Though his life has taken him places he never dreamed possible, Spanos continues to reside in his hometown of Stockton, California.
Alex and Faye are celebrating 64 years of marriage in 2012. And they will celebrate with their four children – Dean, Dea, Alexis, Michael and their spouses – 15 grandchildren, and three great grandsons.
