2012 SD Chargers Media Guide_PROOF.P - Seahawks Online ...

OWNERSHIP, COACHING &ADMINISTRATIONAlex Spanos and his wife Faye are shiningexamples of how the American spirit of hardwork and determination can pay off for thosewilling to follow their dreams.In 1951 at the age of 27, Alex Spanos decidedhe could no longer support his growing familyon $40 per week working in his father’s bakery.So he borrowed $800, purchased a used cateringtruck and set out on his own by providingcatering and support services for the migrantfarm workers in California’sCentral Valley.From those humble beginnings,Spanos’ tireless workethic built one of the leadingreal estate and developmentcompanies in theindustry, and today he is thepatriarch of one of the mostaccomplished and philanthropicfamilies in the UnitedStates.A.G. Spanos Companies isamong the nation’s largestfamily-owned constructioncompanies, and his personalcommitment to quality andintegrity is now carried onby his family in the dailyoperation and managementof the San Diego Chargers as well as the 10companies that bear his name.Spanos made family part of his formula forbusiness success. The A.G. Spanos organization,including the Chargers, is a family-run operation.Spanos’ amazing journey and his passion for givingback is outlined in his autobiography, “Sharingthe Wealth: My Story,” a compelling first-handaccount of the events and decisions in his lifethat became his basic fundamentals for success.His success in the construction and developmentindustry allowed him to pursue manydreams, including purchasing the Chargers onAug. 1, 1984. Alex turned over the day-to-dayoperations of the Chargers to his oldest son,ALEX G. SPANOSALEX G. SPANOSOwnerChargers Owner Alex Spanos and his wife Faye willcelebrate 64 years of marriage in 2012. Spanospurchased the team in 1984.Dean, in 1994. Today he enjoys retirement andwatching sons, Dean and Michael, along withgrandsons, A.G. and John, guide the Chargersorganization to success.Spanos’ community spirit and generosity arerenowned California and around the world. Fewcan match the benevolence and philanthropythat Alex and Faye have shown through theirsupport of deserving institutions and community-serviceefforts. San Diegans have Spanos tothank for the huge economicwindfall of twoSuper Bowls and a RepublicanNational Convention toSan Diego. In addition tothe millions of dollars providedpersonally by theSpanos family, the ChargersCommunity Foundation,which Spanos established,has delivered more than$11 million to help SanDiego’s youth by supportingeducation as well ashealth and fitness programs.In 2008 the President ofthe Hellenic Republic, Mr.Karolos Papoulias, awardedSpanos the Medal of theCommander of the Order of Honor. The honorcame in recognition of the many contributionsto his country of heritage, Greece.These acts of caring demonstrate the commitmentof a man whose rags-to-riches story hasbeen an inspiring example for others. Though hislife has taken him places he never dreamed possible,Spanos continues to reside in his hometownof Stockton, California.Alex and Faye are celebrating 64 years of marriagein 2012. And they will celebrate with theirfour children – Dean, Dea, Alexis, Michael andtheir spouses – 15 grandchildren, and threegreat grandsons.MEDIA GUIDE | 6