Meet George Stager Iii | Communication Professional | Marketing Manager | Brand Ambassador | Philanthropy Manger | Host | Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with George Stager Iii and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor in the success of my brand is believing in myself while always putting others first. Stepping out of my comfort zone to create a children’s book about one of my favorite holidays was never something I planned, but it became a rewarding journey. My brand has always centered on creativity, style, and bringing smiles to others. Whether through philanthropy, decorating, or connecting people, prioritizing others has been the foundation of my success. As I often say, the worst anyone can say is “no.” If you can accept that, you’re capable of achieving anything!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Singing, decorating, planning events, and now writing have always been integral parts of my life. Having a creative outlet—whether it’s visual, musical, or putting pen to paper—has the power to inspire success in every area of life. As we grow older, it often becomes harder to nurture these outlets, but I believe it’s essential to do so in any way we can to keep our imaginations and creativity alive.

Writing my first children’s book practically poured out of me during the pandemic. The story of The Christmas Lantern felt like it found me, begging to be shared with the world. I knew this was a new creative path I had to explore. Now, with two more books already in the works, this journey has been a refreshing burst of creativity and a beautiful addition to my list of accomplishments!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely brunch at Social or Toast in Birmingham! Both offer unique atmospheres that perfectly capture the upscale, hometown charm that Birmingham is known for.

Another must-see is the stunning light displays in downtown Rochester Hills during the holidays. Each building is lit up in vibrant colors, creating a magical scene at night. Some of my favorite Christmas memories are from singing on a float during the Main Street Christmas parade—it’s such a special tradition.

With all the growth Detroit has seen over the years, there’s so much to explore. Spending a day downtown walking along Woodward Avenue, popping into new restaurants and boutiques, and soaking in the vibrant energy is a must. There’s always something new to discover!

Finally, one of the top 10 malls in the country is right in our backyard—the Somerset Collection. Home to luxury stores like Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, and Macy’s, it’s a shopping destination like no other. During the holidays, the decorations are breathtaking, especially the grand castle where Santa resides—it’s truly one of the best holiday displays I’ve ever seen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Some of the biggest influences in my life have come from experiences and interactions outside the professional workspace. Many of my successes have been born from simply pursuing what I believe in. One of my earliest milestones came after facing melanoma, when I organized a skin cancer awareness event in 2008 that raised over $14.5K. This success launched me into the event planning world, leading to many impactful charitable events over the years.

What started as a hobby eventually blossomed into a thriving Christmas light business. The joy I felt decorating for others transformed my passion into a flourishing venture. My love for Christmas runs so deep that, in 2020, it inspired me to write my first children’s book—a journey that has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I often dive headfirst into projects, learning as I go. Sometimes, simply doing and asking questions later can be one of the most effective learning tools—better than anything someone else can teach.

My late Grandmother in particular, was one of the most encouraging people in my life. She would always push me to pursue my passions while cheering me along the sidelines. She will always have a special place in my life and I’m so grateful to have had 32 years with her encouragement and support.

Instagram: @gs3rd

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgestageriii