Manderson, a native of Cordova, Alabama, attended classes at The University of Alabama before embarking on his professional career, which began as a car salesman in Tuscaloosa. He began his advertising career in 1955 when he began work with Creative Displays, Inc., which he acquired with the help of two local backers in 1959. He soon began aggressively acquiring similar companies and over the next twenty years bought more than 40 companies through the northeast and southeast. He sold the business in 1983 but continued in business as CEO of Creative Leasing, a successful vehicle and equipment leasing company he had organized in 1976. He also became president of Manderson and Associates, a private investment company in Atlanta, and formed and served as chairman of MGH Management, Inc., an Atlanta consulting, and management firm. In 1990, he founded Cordova Capital Inc., a venture capital fund. He has served the advertising industry in various roles and has compiled a noteworthy record of service in business and civic affairs. A foundation bearing his name supports a number of charitable and educational institutions. He is on The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet and the College of Business Board of Visitors. He chaired the Capital Fund Campaign for the College of Commerce and in 1984, the Manderson Foundation made a $1 million commitment to The University of Alabama to promote quality education for business and management. The College of Business named its graduate division the Manderson Graduate School of Business.
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