Allan Jones: Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Community Builder

Allan Jones, also known as William Allan Jones Jr., is a name that resonates with entrepreneurship, resilience, and community dedication. Born on December 31, 1952, in Cleveland, Tennessee, Jones has grown from a small-town wrestler with big dreams into one of the most prominent business leaders in the United States. His journey is a story of vision, hard work, and the determination to build businesses that create lasting impact.

Early Life and the Foundation of Character

Jones spent his childhood and teenage years in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he attended Cleveland High School. Wrestling played a major role in shaping his early life. As team captain, he not only collected awards but also developed discipline and leadership qualities. He often credited the sport for instilling the character and determination that guided him through his professional journey.

Graduating in 1972, Jones stood at a crossroads like many young adults. Instead of following a conventional path, he took risks early on. This bold approach would later define his entrepreneurial career.

From Family Business to Entrepreneurial Success

At the age of 20, Allan Jones made a decision that would shape his future. He left college to help his father stabilize the family’s small company, the Credit Bureau of Cleveland. This hands-on experience gave him practical exposure to the world of finance and credit, while teaching him valuable lessons about customer service and business management.

His natural talent for business became clear as he transformed the family operation into the foundation of a much larger financial services empire.

The Creation of Check Into Cash

In 1993, Jones opened the first Check Into Cash store in Cleveland, Tennessee. What began as a single storefront quickly expanded into a national brand. Check Into Cash specialized in payday loans and short-term financial solutions, meeting the needs of consumers who required quick access to cash.

The company grew steadily over the years and became one of the most recognized names in the financial services industry. By 2021, Check Into Cash had merged with Community Choice Financial, a move that strengthened its position in the market. A year later, in 2022, Jones announced that Community Choice had acquired Speedy Cash, one of its leading competitors. This strategic growth reflected Jones’s vision of building a powerful financial network that could adapt to changing consumer needs.

Leadership in the Financial Services Industry

Allan Jones was more than just a successful businessman. He played a key role in shaping the industry itself. In 1999, he was credited with founding the Community Financial Services Association of America, an organization that set standards for responsible lending and represented the interests of companies in the sector.

Through his leadership, Jones became a central figure in the payday lending and consumer financial services industries. His influence extended beyond his own businesses, helping shape industry practices nationwide.

Reviving a Historic American Brand

While Jones is best known for financial services, his interests extended into manufacturing. In 2014, he purchased Hardwick Clothes, the oldest manufacturer of tailor-made clothing in the United States. Founded in Cleveland in 1880 as Cleveland Woolen Mills, the company held a rich legacy in American fashion.

Hardwick Clothes was more than a business investment. For Jones, it was an opportunity to revive a historic local company and preserve its place in the community. Under his ownership, the brand regained momentum and reaffirmed its reputation for quality craftsmanship.

In 2019, Jones sold Hardwick Clothes to Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, ensuring the company would continue to thrive under new leadership while supporting an organization with a strong social mission.

Commitment to Philanthropy

Beyond business, Allan Jones has always demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back. His philanthropic work reflects both his love for Cleveland and his dedication to supporting education, culture, and local development.

In 1990, Jones founded MainStreet Cleveland, an initiative designed to support the revitalization of downtown Cleveland. This effort helped strengthen the city’s economic and cultural identity.

In 2014, the Jones family made a major donation to Lee University, one of Tennessee’s most respected institutions of higher learning.

Another example of his generosity came in 2017 when he donated 43,000 pairs of NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses to students across six Tennessee school systems. This ensured children could enjoy the rare astronomical event safely.

Perhaps one of his most unique contributions to local culture is the creation of Tall Betsy, a Halloween character that has become a beloved tradition in Bradley County. What started as a fun idea turned into a cultural icon, showcasing Jones’s ability to connect with the community in creative ways.

Recognition and Awards

Jones’s efforts in business and philanthropy have earned him numerous awards over the years. His accomplishments have been recognized not only in Tennessee but across the United States.

In 2003, he received the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award from the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. That same year, he was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee.

By 2005, BusinessTN magazine listed him among the Power 100 and nicknamed him “The King of Cash,” acknowledging his influence in the financial industry.

In 2012, he was honored with the Fred Gregg Jr. Award from the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports. Three years later, in 2015, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the Tennessee Board of Regents.

These recognitions highlight the dual nature of his legacy: a skilled entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist.

Personal Life and Political Views

Allan Jones identifies as an Independent, though his political views lean conservative. He has donated to both Democratic and Republican campaigns, showing a pragmatic approach to politics.

During the 2016 United States presidential election, Jones openly supported Donald Trump. Shortly after the inauguration, he appeared on Fox & Friends and expressed his belief that small businesses would benefit from Trump’s policies. He stated that he was tired of presidents who were lifelong politicians, and appreciated Trump’s business-minded approach.

The Lasting Impact of Allan Jones

The story of Allan Jones is one of ambition, innovation, and community spirit. From building a national payday loan business to reviving historic American manufacturing, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to spot opportunities and act boldly.

Yet, his legacy extends far beyond financial success. His philanthropic contributions, cultural initiatives, and dedication to his hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee, reflect a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

Allan Jones continues to inspire as a businessman and community leader. His journey proves that true success is measured not only by financial achievements but also by the impact one leaves on people, institutions, and local traditions.