ALEX GEORGE

July 15, 2009 12:36 am

EDUCATION: Graduated from James Monroe High School in 1986.

FAMILY: My wonderful wife, Susan, and three fascinating children: Allie, age 5; Andy, age 3; and Libby, 6 months.

CAREER HISTORY: Throughout my high school years I worked summers for my brothers' construction company in Richmond. Upon graduating high school, I moved to Richmond and worked for them full time for a year. I then moved back to Fredericksburg and worked for two local construction companies for six months each. I started Prestige Deck & Fence in the spring of 1988.

FIRST JOB: Other than paper routes since age 10, my first job was at Chick-Fil-A at Spotsylvania Mall at age 13.

WORST JOB: I've never had a bad job. I love to learn new things, and when you're working, you're learning.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born and raised in the city of Fredericksburg.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? There was never any doubt in my mind that I would be a builder.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING PRESTIGE DECK & FENCE? When I was in the 11th grade I started acquiring tools and planning with the idea of starting Prestige Deck & Fence by my 21st birthday.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I wish I could be out in the field every day actually building. Managing the business is very rewarding, but it does not compare to the satisfaction of having physically built something.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I love the "finely oiled machine" aspect of my company. When we face challenges there is usually already a system in place to deal with it.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? My passion for building and to run a successful company that my 19 employees can be proud to work for.

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO? Our company motto has always been "Quality You Can Afford."

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? This area prospers tremendously from the jobs (and wages) available to our north. Without the benefit of the folks willing to commute, my business would not be nearly as successful.

WHAT'S THE WORST? Areas residents must travel so far to earn good wages. I look forward to the day when large companies start setting up offices in our area to take advantage of the highly skilled work force that resides here.

WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? WHY? Hugh and Carol Fleming, the former owners of Chick-Fil-A; they always took such genuine interest in bettering their employees' lives. Together they are very much responsible for the foundation for success that so many young people who worked for them have gone on to enjoy.

WHO WAS YOUR MENTOR? My oldest brother, John, has always been available with sound advice and support. I often confer with him on major decisions.

WHAT BUSINESS BOOK DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND? WHY? "The One Minute Manager." Its practices are so easy to implement and are highly effective.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Traveling, boating and making improvements to our home.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT? Winning a first-place award from the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association Parade of Homes.

WHAT'S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU? Always have a backup plan.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO ENTER THIS FIELD? I think this advice holds true for every business in every field: "Never have a dissatisfied customer."

--As told to Craig Schulin

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