Childhood and Schooling
William Allan Jones Jr., better known as Allan Jones or W. Allan Jones, was born on December 31, 1952, in Cleveland, Tennessee. His early years were defined by discipline and ambition, traits that became evident during his time at Cleveland High School. Excelling as a wrestler, Jones rose to the position of team captain and earned multiple championships. The resilience he developed through wrestling became a driving force in both his personal life and entrepreneurial career.
Stepping into the Family Business
After high school, Jones enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University but left early when his father needed help with the Credit Bureau of Cleveland. At just 20 years old, he assumed responsibility within the family business, gaining experience that shaped his understanding of finance and customer service. This early exposure gave him the confidence to branch out and pursue his own vision.
Launching Check Into Cash
In 1993, Jones introduced Check Into Cash, a payday lending service designed to provide quick, short-term financial assistance. The first branch opened in Cleveland, but it was only the beginning. Within years, the company expanded nationwide, making Allan Jones a central figure in the financial services sector.
Check Into Cash continued to evolve, merging with Community Choice Financial in 2021 and acquiring Speedy Cash in 2022. These strategic moves placed Jones at the forefront of one of the most dynamic and controversial industries in American finance.
Founding Industry Organizations
Beyond his own business empire, Jones sought to professionalize the payday loan sector. In 1999, he was recognized for establishing the Community Financial Services Association of America. The organization became an important advocate for lenders, promoting standards, regulations, and industry-wide credibility.
Restoring Hardwick Clothes
Jones’s interests were not limited to finance. In 2014, he purchased Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest tailor-made clothing company, founded in 1880 in Cleveland, Tennessee. His goal was to preserve an important piece of local history while keeping jobs within the community. After revitalizing the brand, he sold the company in 2019 to Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, ensuring its legacy would continue.
Dedication to Community Projects
Philanthropy has always been part of Jones’s journey. In 1990, he established MainStreet Cleveland, a nonprofit aimed at revitalizing the downtown area. He also supported educational initiatives, including donations to Lee University that funded both academic and cultural programs.
One of his most memorable contributions came in 2017, when he donated 43,000 pairs of eclipse glasses to six Tennessee school districts. This allowed thousands of children to safely experience the solar eclipse, an event they may never forget.
Jones also created the legend of Tall Betsy, a Halloween figure celebrated in Bradley County. This playful tradition underscores his commitment to blending culture, community, and entertainment.
Achievements and Awards
Allan Jones’s work has been recognized on many levels. Among his notable honors are:
- The M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award (2003) from The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce
- Induction into the University of Tennessee’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame (2003)
- Recognition in the “Power 100” list by BusinessTN magazine (2005)
- The Fred Gregg Jr. Award from the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame (2012)
- The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the Tennessee Board of Regents (2015)
These accolades highlight both his entrepreneurial leadership and his dedication to giving back.
Political Stance and Public Role
Jones identifies as an Independent but leans fiscally conservative. He has contributed to candidates across political lines, though he was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump in 2016. In a 2017 interview with Fox & Friends, he said he appreciated having a business-minded president rather than a career politician.
A Life of Influence
Allan Jones’s journey from Cleveland High School wrestler to founder of national businesses showcases the power of vision and perseverance. He not only built Check Into Cash into a household name but also revived industries, created community traditions, and invested heavily in philanthropy.
William Allan Jones Jr. remains a figure whose entrepreneurial impact and local contributions continue to inspire. His story reflects the balance of ambition and generosity, making him both a business leader and a hometown icon.
