Story by HaLeigh Abbott

In the heart of the close-knit community of Oxford, Bishop Sealcoating stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of giving back. Founded in 2021 by Alex Bishop following a personal tragedy, this seal coating company has quickly become synonymous with quality workmanship and community involvement.

Alex began his entrepreneurial journey in 2010 with CB Mobile, a successful trailer fleet service business that catered to major clients including Basciani, Her Foods, and Tasty Cake. When life took an unexpected turn in 2021, he found himself seeking a new direction – one that would keep his hands busy while providing the satisfaction of visible results at the end of each workday.

"When you fix a trailer, at the end of the day it's still an ugly trailer," he reflects. "With seal coating, I get the instant satisfaction of seeing a job well done, with clear before and after results every day." This appreciation for tangible outcomes, combined with the mentorship of his best friend Eddie Squires who ran a paving company, led to the birth of Bishop Sealcoating.

Alex Bishop's path to success wasn't always smooth. As a teenager, he faced homelessness and had to drop out of high school. Nevertheless, he maintained both a full-time job and passing grades during those challenging times – a testament to the work ethic that would later define his business ventures.

Community involvement remains at the heart of Bishop Sealcoating's mission. The company established the Carter James Bishop scholarship, which provides financial support to local students annually. They're also active sponsors of the Lighthouse Youth Center, and sponsors to Little League and other children's sports programs.

As Bishop Sealcoating enters its fourth year of operation, the business continues to expand. Last year marked their most successful season yet, with profits reinvested into new equipment, including larger seal coating rigs and line stripers. The company has ambitious plans for growth, aiming to develop separate crews for commercial and residential work.

Looking ahead, Alex envisions Bishop Sealcoating as more than just a business – he sees it as a platform for mentoring young workers. "In the future, I plan to cycle many young men in and out of this business, showing them a good work ethic and how to make honest money," he explains. "Who knows? One of these young men may end up running one of my crews or starting their own business."

In an industry sometimes plagued by unreliable contractors, Bishop Sealcoating strives to be different. "The seal coating industry is known for 'gypsies,'" Alex Bishop notes. "I want to be known as the dependable guy – someone who stands by their work and their mistakes, someone who will still be in business when you need them."

With the recent addition of his fiancée Abigail handling advertising, billing, estimates, and customer relations, Bishop Sealcoating is poised for continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality service and community involvement. As they prepare for their upcoming season starting in April, this hometown success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder that with determination and community support, it's possible to build something truly meaningful from the ground up.

To get a free estimate for your sealcoating needs, visit www.bishopsealcoating.com or call Alex at 484-667-5494.