Allan Jones, born William Allan Jones Jr. on December 31, 1952, has become a prominent name in American business and philanthropy. Based in Cleveland, Tennessee, he is widely recognized as the founder of Check Into Cash and as a driving force behind several successful companies. Beyond business, his story reflects persistence, community involvement, and a deep commitment to his hometown.
Early Years and Education
Growing up in Cleveland, Allan Jones displayed discipline and competitiveness early on. While attending Cleveland High School, he joined the wrestling team, where he not only won awards but also served as captain. For Jones, wrestling was more than a sport. It helped him develop resilience, leadership, and character. He graduated in 1972, already carrying the qualities that would later shape his entrepreneurial career.
Beginning a Career in Business
At just 20 years old, Jones made a pivotal choice that would alter his life’s direction. Instead of completing college, he stepped in to help his father stabilize the family business, the Credit Bureau of Cleveland. This decision gave him valuable insights into credit and finance at a young age. It also revealed his talent for spotting business opportunities and building them into successful ventures.
Founding Check Into Cash
In 1993, Jones opened his first Check Into Cash location in Cleveland. The company specialized in providing short-term loans and quickly grew into a trusted financial services brand. Over time, it expanded far beyond Tennessee, making Jones one of the most influential figures in the payday lending industry.
Check Into Cash later merged with Community Choice Financial in 2021, and in 2022, the company announced the acquisition of competitor Speedy Cash. These milestones marked Jones’s role in shaping a financial network that served consumers nationwide.
Industry Influence and Leadership
Jones’s impact extended beyond his own company. In 1999, he played a key role in founding the Community Financial Services Association of America. This organization helped establish industry standards and represented the interests of financial service providers across the country. His leadership gave him a voice in guiding the future of the payday loan and consumer finance sectors.
Reviving Hardwick Clothes
Allan Jones also made his mark outside finance by investing in American manufacturing. In 2014, he purchased Hardwick Clothes, the oldest tailor-made clothing company in the United States, founded in Cleveland in 1880.
The brand, originally known as Cleveland Woolen Mills, had a long tradition of craftsmanship. Jones worked to restore the company’s reputation and strengthen its operations. Five years later, in 2019, he sold Hardwick Clothes to Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, ensuring the legacy would continue while supporting an organization with a strong social purpose.
Philanthropic Work and Community Involvement
Jones has consistently supported initiatives that benefit his community. In 1990, he established MainStreet Cleveland to encourage revitalization and growth in the city’s downtown area. His philanthropic reach extended to education in 2014 when the Jones family made a donation to Lee University.
In 2017, Jones provided 43,000 pairs of eclipse-viewing glasses to students across six Tennessee school systems. His goal was to ensure that every child could safely witness the rare solar eclipse that year.
Adding to his community influence, he created Tall Betsy, a Halloween character that has become a cultural tradition in Bradley County. This playful initiative highlighted his creativity and connection with local residents.
Honors and Recognition
Over the years, Jones’s contributions in both business and philanthropy have been recognized through multiple awards. In 2003, he received the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award and was inducted into the University of Tennessee’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
In 2005, BusinessTN magazine included him in its Power 100 list and referred to him as “The King of Cash.” His support for athletics earned him the Fred Gregg Jr. Award from the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2015, he was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the Tennessee Board of Regents.
These recognitions demonstrate his influence not just as a business leader but also as a community figure committed to giving back.
Political Views and Personal Beliefs
Although Jones identifies as an Independent, his outlook has often been described as fiscally conservative. Over the years, he has contributed to both Democratic and Republican campaigns.
During the 2016 presidential election, Jones supported Donald Trump. After Trump’s inauguration, Jones appeared on Fox & Friends and shared his perspective, stating he was tired of career politicians and believed business-minded leadership would benefit small businesses.
The Legacy of Allan Jones
Allan Jones’s journey from Cleveland High School wrestler to nationally recognized entrepreneur is a story of risk-taking, innovation, and community impact. Through Check Into Cash, his leadership in financial services, and his revival of Hardwick Clothes, he has shown a consistent ability to build and grow successful enterprises.
Yet, what sets him apart is not only his business achievements but also his generosity and dedication to his community. His philanthropic work, his role in local traditions, and his investment in educational and cultural initiatives reflect a legacy that extends far beyond business.
Allan Jones remains a symbol of what it means to combine entrepreneurial vision with community spirit. His story continues to inspire aspiring business leaders and demonstrates how success can be used to benefit both industry and society.
