Alexander Spanos

Alexander Gus Spanos, popularly known as Alex Spanos, was born on September 28, 1923 in California, USA. This real estate developer and renowned businessman of Greek origin is a prominent philanthropist, made clear from his support of charitable causes. He is married to Faye Spanos, and the couple has two sons, Dean Spanos and Michael Spanos as well as two daughters, Dea Spanos Berberian and Alexis Spanos Ruhl.

Alexander spent his early childhood in Stockton, where he gained invaluable experience by helping in his father's bakery, while simultaneously pursuing his education.

In 1951, Spanos had to face one of the toughest decisions of his life, that is, whether to continue in the family business or venture out on his own. He finally borrowed a sum of $800 to set up a catering company that fed the migrant farm workers in Stockton. Alexander gradually entered the real estate sector and invested his profits from the catering business to set up his first construction company. Since these early beginnings into the real estate industry, he has built over 18,000 apartments in the Southern regions of the United States.

As a result of his commitment to quality and integrity, Spanos now has eight companies that are completely owned and managed by the Spanos family including the San Diego Chargers.

The University of the Pacific in Stockton awarded Spanos with varsity letters in running and diving and the self-made billionaire is also a trained pilot and an amateur golfer.

Alexander Spanos –The Good Samaritan!

Alexander Spanos’ community spirit and generosity has helped countless people worldwide. His Chargers Community Foundation, established in 1995, has contributed more than $8 million to help San Diego citizens. He primarily concerns himself with issues relating to youth and education and is regarded as a pillar of support by the San Diego community.

A powerful supporter of high school sports, Spanos sponsors the CIF San Diego Section football championship, which is played in Qualcomm Stadium every year. He was instrumental in bringing the 1996 Republican National Convention to San Diego, which was an economic coup for the city. Spanos brought the world’s attention to San Diego with the Super Bowl XXXVII for the second time in 2003.

Alexander Spanos’ Sharing the Wealth

Alexander Spanos, the proud owner of A.G companies and a National Football League team, shared his life history through his autobiography, Sharing the Wealth.

He wanted to chronicle his experiences in print, and was able to accomplish this through the book. It is an inspirational and thought-provoking narrative: Sharing the Wealth is the story of the evolution of one of America's most energetic business leaders, who succeeded without the advantages of money, background, and education.

Honors of Alexander Spanos

Alexander Spanos has been honored with many awards including the Horatio Alger Award, the Gloria Swanson Humanitarian Award, and the Starbright Foundation’s Heart of Gold, to name a few. In 2002, he earned the Ellis Island Award, and later in 2008, he was conferred with the Medal of the Commander of the Order of Honor for his assistance and humanitarian contributions. In September 2009, Spanos was inducted into the Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo Hall of Fame for his support of the university.

Alex Spanos - Biography

Alex Spanos: Sharing the Wealth

Alexander Spanos on Forbes