Preston White

Education

• B.S. Building Construction, Virginia Tech

Biography

As a young student, Preston Mason White ‘63 found himself drawn to the world of building and architectural engineering. Bill Favaro, the head of building construction at Virginia Tech, played a pivotal role in White’s journey. Favaro’s guidance helped White navigate the complexities of choosing a degree and further clarified his path toward building construction. Summers spent working in construction, particularly concrete construction, solidified White’s decision.

Post-graduation, White spent nearly a decade in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He also worked with Vanguard Construction, where Eddie Friend’s mentorship honed his skills and fueled his ambition. 

After three years, White established his own company, Century Concrete, Inc. His Virginia Tech degree, with its comprehensive curriculum that included courses in accounting, business law, public speaking, and English, prepared him for running a successful business. White transformed a company of three people into a major enterprise with over 500 employees across three cities.

White’s pride lies not in his accomplishments, but in the growth of his team. His advice to his younger self encapsulates this sentiment: “Strive for improvement, nurture your team, and never forget those who supported you along the way.”