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Frank Dixon is the perfect example of a person who lacked a straight idea for a career path.

Frank Graduated from Bellwood-Antis in 1989 and initially decided to further his education at Penn State University studying art education.

“I quickly found out I was not meant to follow that path and decided to change direction,” said Frank.

After changing career paths Frank worked various jobs from construction, to selling motorcycles, and even a singing.

Frank’s future began to crystallize when he moved away from Bellwood in 2001 and began working as a contractor for a company called International Communications Group. The company focused on designing and installing aero communication equipment for major airlines. While working for ICG he met Scott Tranium and Ann Brewer, they were his bosses and mentors for 11 years at ICG.

“While working for them they sent me back to school for project management and I began managing different projects for them and built a strong bond and work relationship that carried over to a partnership in a few start-up companies we began after selling ICG,” he said.

Frank is now involved in five different companies that he manages and works with daily. Coastal Virginia Environmental Coatings (CVEC) is a paint recycling company that rejuvenates water based latex paints for resale. This process helps  reduce the amount of paint that ends up in the waterways and landfills. This also gives contractors and other businesses a source to discard their unwanted paints, contractors under state law are restricted from dumping in landfills in Virginia.

“My job in the company is to oversee the flow of incoming feed stock and production line processes. I also help in the sales department when needed,” said Frank.

Frank also works as a general manager in a commercial maintenance and managing company called AFS Property Services. He and his group manage and maintain seven large commercial properties, ranging from 11,000 sq. ft. to the largest at 115,000 sq. ft. floor plan.  

“My crew’s complete tasks include activities such as HVAC repairs, lawn maintenance, plumbing installation, painting, and electrical installation and repairs,” Frank said. “They are also capable of large scale office build outs. We manage the tenants that occupy the various offices within those properties as well.”

Frank’s largest and most interesting company may be ACSG, or Amplified Concrete Solutions Global, which builds structures for the military and distributes the sell rolls of concrete mat (GCCM) for construction projects that deal with water diversion and soil erosion. Frank is the production/manufacturing manager for ACSG. Combat Concrete is the brand name of the shelter units which are rapidly deployable, inflatable military shelter, that once hydrated with water forms a concrete semi-permanent military structure. The Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) is infused with concrete, but remains flexible until it is hydrated and cured. The shelters are waterproof, fire resistant, sterile, securable, and can withstand winds up to 134 MPH. The units come in two sizes represented by sq. ft. CC270 and CC540. They can be chained together to rapidly form front line operation centers, medical facilities, or troop housing.

The CCS can also be used for disaster and humanitarian relief after natural disasters. They can be deployed with only two personnel and a lift truck. Once hydrated, the CCS cures in less than 24 hours and the troops only need to cut the bladder material out from the entry doors to make it functional. The CCS can be equipped with heat and air, running water, plumbing, and electricity. ACSG owns the only manufacturing license to the CCS in the United States.

It’s quite a feat for a small-town kid from Antis Township.

Frank grew up at Dixon farm in Tipton. From the time  Frank could walk he was working on the farm and living the life of a farm boy. Frank grew up on the farm with one brother and close friends that were considered family.

“I can’t remember not knowing Frank. We were together all the time since I was three,” said friend and one-time neighbor Jason Bartlebaugh. “There are thousands of stories I can tell you about me and Frank on the farm. He truly is a brother to me.”

Frank said some of his biggest influences actually came from his time in Bellwood-Antis High School.

“I would have to say my family and friends influenced me to become who I am today. They gave me all the support in whatever it was that I have tried to accomplish in this life,” he said.  “One of my biggest influences was Mr. Richard Bower. He was one of the first authoritative figures in my life that truly believed in me and gave me confidence to try projects that i would have never tired on my own.”

Bartlebaugh described Dixon as a man living the American Dream.

“Frank  has had a true entrepreneur mind since I’ve known him,’ he said. “If he wanted to do something and get it done he would. He took those skills and dreams and turned them into reality.” 

Frank has traveled all over the U.S, and, he said, “even got kicked out of Canada once, long story.” Frank got the opportunity to spend a long period of time over the pond in the city of London and time in Wales. He said in the future he is “looking forward to travelling more in the future hopefully not so much work related.”

As another added twist to an interesting life,  Frank and a co-worker, as a stress relief from work, raise bees as a hobby (Hit The Hive Honey). They sell the honey even though it doesn’t profit that much, “but it is amazing to watch what they do and great knowing we are helping the environment at the same time.”

Frank said he still sings with a group of friends but doesn’t have time to play at clubs anymore. He said, “ I love living by the water, fishing off my boat, and riding motorcycles when I find the time.”

“The saying you can take the boy out of the farm but can’t take the farm out of a boy stands true,” said Frank.