William Allan Jones Jr., better known as Allan Jones or simply W. Allan Jones, is a Tennessee-born businessman who has built one of the most notable careers in modern American finance. His story begins in Cleveland, Tennessee, but his influence has stretched far beyond his hometown. As the founder of Check Into Cash and a leader in multiple industries, Jones has become known not only for his business ventures but also for his commitment to community growth and philanthropy.
Early Life and Education
Allan Jones grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he developed a love for competition and leadership during his high school years. At Cleveland High School, he became captain of the wrestling team, earning awards while also shaping his character. Graduating in 1972, Jones often credited the discipline of wrestling with preparing him for the challenges of business life.
Starting Out in Business
At the age of 20, William Allan Jones Jr. made the bold choice to leave college and return home to help his father with the family’s small company, the Credit Bureau of Cleveland. This decision gave him valuable firsthand experience in finance, credit management, and customer relations. What began as an act of family responsibility became the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.
Founding Check Into Cash
In 1993, W. Allan Jones launched the first Check Into Cash store in Cleveland. The concept was simple but powerful: offering short-term loans and payday advances to consumers in need of quick financial solutions. The company grew rapidly, expanding across the United States and establishing itself as a leading name in the payday lending industry.
By 2021, Check Into Cash had merged with Community Choice Financial, creating a stronger presence in the market. In 2022, Community Choice acquired competitor Speedy Cash, further solidifying Jones’s influence in the financial services industry.
Shaping the Industry
Allan Jones was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an industry leader. In 1999, he helped establish the Community Financial Services Association of America. This national organization advocated for responsible lending and provided a unified voice for financial service providers. Through this effort, Jones shaped the industry’s reputation and practices on a broader scale.
Expanding into Manufacturing
Beyond finance, William Allan Jones Jr. demonstrated his versatility by investing in manufacturing. In 2014, he purchased Hardwick Clothes, a historic clothing manufacturer founded in Cleveland in 1880 as Cleveland Woolen Mills. Known as the oldest tailor-made clothing company in the country, Hardwick Clothes represented both tradition and craftsmanship.
Jones revived the company, restoring its reputation and bringing attention back to Cleveland’s rich manufacturing history. In 2019, he sold Hardwick Clothes to Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, ensuring its legacy would continue under an organization dedicated to meaningful social impact.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Throughout his career, Allan Jones has consistently given back to his community. In 1990, he founded MainStreet Cleveland, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing the city’s downtown area. His generosity extended to education when, in 2014, the Jones family made a significant donation to Lee University.
In 2017, Jones donated 43,000 pairs of NASA-approved eclipse glasses to students across six Tennessee school systems. His goal was to make sure every child could enjoy the solar eclipse safely.
He also created Tall Betsy, a Halloween character that has become a cherished tradition in Bradley County. This cultural contribution highlights his creativity and his ability to connect with the community in unique ways.
Awards and Recognition
The achievements of W. Allan Jones have been recognized through numerous honors. His awards include:
- M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce (2003)
- Induction into the University of Tennessee’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame (2003)
- Named to the Power 100 by BusinessTN magazine (2005)
- Nicknamed “King of Cash” by BusinessTN magazine (2005)
- Fred Gregg Jr. Award, Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame (2012)
- Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, Tennessee Board of Regents (2015)
These awards underline both his entrepreneurial achievements and his community contributions.
Political Beliefs
Although Allan Jones has identified as an Independent, his political views are often described as fiscally conservative. Over the years, he has supported candidates from both parties. During the 2016 presidential election, Jones supported Donald Trump. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, he stated in a national interview that he was tired of presidents who were lifelong politicians and believed that small businesses would benefit from Trump’s policies.
Lasting Legacy of Allan Jones
The life of William Allan Jones Jr. demonstrates the power of resilience, vision, and commitment. From helping his father’s small credit bureau to founding Check Into Cash and reshaping financial services nationwide, his career has been built on bold decisions and strategic growth.
But his story extends well beyond business. Through philanthropy, cultural traditions like Tall Betsy, and investments in education and community development, W. Allan Jones has proven that true success lies in balancing entrepreneurship with giving back. His impact on both Cleveland, Tennessee, and the broader financial world ensures that his name will remain influential for years to come.