Alumni Spotlight: Alex Dew

Choosing business with a biblical worldview

Alex Dew graduated from TBC’s Business Management and Ethics program in 2016. His was the first graduating class from the then-new business program at TBC.

His decision to attend TBC was shaped significantly by his experience when visiting the campus. As a graduate of a small Christian high school, Alex knew that he appreciated the close-knit community he saw at TBC. That factor, combined with the immediate personal connections he made during his campus visit made it clear to him that TBC was the best fit for him as he pursued his bachelor’s degree. 

While at TBC, Alex joined and traveled with LifeSong (TBC’s touring student musical group at the time) as their sound engineer.  Within a few months, he began to manage the bookings for the team, getting them into churches and venues across the southeast of the US, as well as managing their budget and marketing under the direction of Dr. Jacob Leporacci. He continued in this role for three years, gaining valuable experience in sales, communications, and project management.  Alex credits this experience for developing his understanding of practical leadership skills.

A season of growth

Speaking of his education at TBC, Alex says it was a time of exceptional growth.  “Not only was I growing my resume with a bachelor’s degree and experience, but I was learning a lot about myself, and my faith was growing.” 

From his perspective, each individual area of growth worked together to instill in him a strong sense of stewardship that directly impacts his decision making as a business owner. 

“All of those areas of growth combined helped me understand how to take care of other people’s money… and run an ethical business.  It all really came to life for me when I started my own firm.” 

Entering the workforce

After graduation, he took a position as Marketing Director for Chick-Fil-A in Jacksonville for almost five years.  His experience managing LifeSong’s marketing and scheduling made him a strong fit for the company. Through that role, he found a his niche. As he developed ideas and implemented them with success, he drew the attention of other individuals who recognized his skill set as a valuable asset for their own projects. Soon, he had a steady side-hustle built around his marketing skills, and his marketing firm ADMarketing, was born.

As the need for digital marketing experts intensified, he made the decision to develop his side-hustle into his full-time employment. Nine years later, his firm manages over 600 accounts for business worldwide. Their top services include social media marketing, web design, and Google AdWords. Providing an ethical approach to digital marketing, Alex and his firm fill a gap in the Florida market, but serve organizations all across the globe.

Living out a Biblical Worldview in the marketplace 

Alex firmly believes in a biblical worldview approach to the marketplace.  Having this clear in his mind has been especially important when navigating the complexities of the marketing industry, where maintaining ethical standards can be challenging.

In Alex’s experience, it may require one to count the cost, but he assures that it is worth it.  Recalling times when he turned down an opportunity due to a conflict in worldview, he says, “Yes, it cost me money – sometimes even long-term, but in the grand scheme of eternity, it’s the right call.  Money cannot take precedence.”

A full-circle moment.

Often, relationships formed during college become life-long connections.  For Alex that has been doubly true.  His days as Dr. Leporacci’s assistant and LifeSong manager are over a decade in the past. However, the professional relationship has evolved into a lasting friendship that he values greatly. Additionally, TBC has had the privilege of working with ADMarketing on several occasions, benefitting from his expertise in digital marketing.

“For me, one of the coolest accounts is TBC’s just because its my alma mater. TBC served me so well for four years, and now I get to turn around and serve them through my business. It’s just cool.”

Navigating an ever-changing world.

When asked if he had any advice for current business students, Alex once again emphasized the importance of worldview and relationships.  He says that perspective changes with age and time, and so does the world of business.  What will guide one through those changes are what one believes and the relationships one has.

“My perspective has changed a lot since then, [he is now a husband, father, and seasoned entrepreneur, after all!] but it’s like this bedrock formed while I was at Trinity. Something that I can fall back on.  Yes, I got a degree at Trinity, but I also gained vision and I gained life-long friendships.  So, when you get started and its all about the money and excitement, know that eventually you will realize – wow, there’s a lot more to life than just having a successful business.”

He says when that happens, that is the point is when all that you learned as a student will come to serve you at an even deeper level. Factual academics offer the nuts and bolts of how to move forward effectively. However, the spiritual truths which underscore that knowledge and the relationships built around those foundational truths will offer the encouragement and inspiration that are need on a personal level.