Introduction
When people hear the name Allan Jones, they often think of one of the most recognized entrepreneurs in Tennessee. Known formally as William Allan Jones Jr., he is best known as the founder of Check Into Cash, one of the nation’s largest payday lending companies. His journey began in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he grew up watching his father run the family’s credit bureau business. From a young age, W. Allan Jones was determined to succeed, and through hard work, long hours, and an innovative mindset, he transformed an idea into a billion-dollar payday lending enterprise.
What makes Allan Jones’ story remarkable is not just the financial success of Check Into Cash, but also the way he shaped an entire industry. By creating a company that provided short-term loans to everyday people, he filled a gap in the financial system while building a company that at its peak had more than 1,100 locations nationwide. His leadership, combined with his deep ties to Cleveland, TN, make his life story one of business brilliance and community dedication.
Early Life and Family Business Experience
Allan Jones did not stumble into business by chance. While attending Middle Tennessee State University at the age of 20, he began working full-time in his father’s company, Credit Bureau Services of Cleveland. His father, W.A. (Bill) Jones, Jr., had built the business, and Allan wanted to carry the legacy forward. For nearly 25 years, he worked six days a week, learning every detail about collections, credit, and financial services.
Under Allan Jones’ leadership, the credit bureau expanded into nearly a dozen offices stretching from Atlanta to Memphis. By the time it was sold in 1998, it was the largest credit collection agency in Tennessee. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for Jones’ entrepreneurial future, giving him the tools he needed to launch an entirely new business model in payday lending.
The Founding of Check Into Cash
In 1993, Allan Jones founded Check Into Cash in his hometown of Cleveland, TN. The concept was simple: provide short-term “payday” loans to walk-in customers who needed quick cash to cover unexpected expenses. Customers could write a post-dated check for around $200, and for a fee of $15 to $18, the company would advance the money until their next payday.
What started as a single office quickly grew in popularity. Customers appreciated the convenience, and the business became profitable almost immediately. By late 2002, Check Into Cash had expanded to more than 700 stores across the country. Today, it remains one of the largest payday lending companies in the United States, with around 1,100 locations nationwide.
Growing into a Billion-Dollar Enterprise
The rapid success of Check Into Cash can be credited to Allan Jones’ strong work ethic and vision. He understood that many people lived paycheck to paycheck and needed a financial bridge when emergencies struck. By offering short-term solutions, he created a service that millions relied on. Over the years, the company grew into a billion-dollar-a-year enterprise, placing Jones among the most successful business leaders in the nation.
As the payday lending industry evolved, Jones positioned his company as a leader in responsible lending. He pushed for industry standards and best practices, ensuring that Check Into Cash operated with compliance and transparency. This forward-thinking approach not only kept the business profitable but also solidified its reputation as a trusted name in the financial services world.
Community Involvement and Civic Pride
Beyond his business success, Allan Jones has remained deeply committed to Cleveland, TN. Through his company, Jones Management Services, he oversees several ventures that benefit the community. His real estate firm, Jones Properties, has played a major role in restoring downtown Cleveland, investing in historic buildings and planting trees to beautify the city.
His community efforts go far beyond business. Jones has supported multiple initiatives, including restoring the old courthouse bandstand, funding a full-time city urban forester, and helping Cleveland earn the designation of “Tree City USA.” His impact can be seen in both the physical and cultural landscape of the city, making him a respected figure in civic development.
Philanthropy and Passion for Wrestling
One of Allan Jones’ greatest passions has been wrestling. He founded the Cleveland-Bradley Kids Wrestling Club and provided financial support to high school, college, and national wrestling programs. In 2001, he built the Jones Wrestling Center at Cleveland High School, naming it in honor of his father. His contributions to wrestling extend to the University of Tennessee and beyond, where he has been recognized as one of the sport’s strongest supporters.
In addition to wrestling, Jones has consistently given back to educational and athletic programs across Tennessee. His generosity has earned him recognition and respect, proving that his success was not only about building wealth but also about lifting up the community that shaped him.
Entrepreneurship Beyond Check Into Cash
Although Check Into Cash is his most famous venture, Allan Jones has explored many other successful businesses. He purchased and redeveloped a shopping center into a high-tech business campus and opened an upscale restaurant, The Bald Headed Bistro, which later became “True at BHB” under a partnership with celebrity chef Wesley True. In 2014, Jones saved Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest tailor-made clothing company, rescuing over 200 jobs and reviving the brand before selling it in 2019.
These ventures showcase Jones’ entrepreneurial spirit. Whether in finance, dining, or manufacturing, his ability to identify opportunities and turn them into thriving businesses has made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Legacy and Recognition
Allan Jones has received numerous honors for his achievements. In 2003, he was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He also received Cleveland’s highest business award, the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award, for his contributions to the city. His recognition is not just about wealth but about his leadership, innovation, and dedication to preserving his community’s culture.
Today, Allan Jones is celebrated not only as a successful businessman but also as a civic leader, philanthropist, and mentor. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs who see in him the value of hard work, vision, and community responsibility.
Conclusion
The story of William Allan Jones Jr., more commonly known as Allan Jones, is a testament to the power of determination and vision. Starting from humble roots in Cleveland, TN, he grew from working in his father’s credit bureau to founding one of the largest payday lending companies in the country. Check Into Cash not only became a billion-dollar enterprise but also set the standard for responsible payday lending nationwide.
Beyond business, Allan Jones has given back to his hometown through philanthropy, historic preservation, and sports development. His journey shows that success is not just about financial gain but about leaving a lasting impact on people, communities, and industries. For Cleveland and for the payday lending world, Allan Jones’ name will always be remembered as a symbol of entrepreneurship and civic pride.
