A Small-Town Beginning

William Allan Jones Jr., often known as Allan Jones or W. Allan Jones, was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee. His upbringing in this modest Southern town laid the foundation for the values that would guide his career—discipline, determination, and a belief in the power of hard work. As a student at Cleveland High School, Jones not only excelled academically but also became captain of the wrestling team, an experience that instilled in him resilience and leadership skills. He graduated in 1972 with ambitions bigger than his hometown could imagine.

Choosing Business over College

At just 20 years old, Allan Jones made a bold decision that would change the course of his life. Instead of continuing with college, he returned home to help his father with the family business, the Credit Bureau of Cleveland. This hands-on experience in finance gave him insights into consumer needs and the gaps in the financial system. What began as a responsibility to support his father quickly evolved into a stepping stone for an entrepreneurial journey that would eventually transform the financial services industry.

The Birth of Check Into Cash

In 1993, W. Allan Jones took his knowledge and vision and founded Check Into Cash in his hometown. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: provide short-term lending solutions to individuals who needed quick financial assistance. What started as a single store soon expanded into a nationwide business, with thousands of locations across the United States.

Over time, Check Into Cash became one of the most recognized names in payday lending. Jones’s leadership turned the company into a pioneer in the industry, and his efforts later contributed to the establishment of the Community Financial Services Association of America in 1999, an organization promoting responsible lending practices.

Business Growth and Industry Leadership

Allan Jones was never content with merely running a successful company—he wanted to shape the financial services industry as a whole. By merging Check Into Cash with Community Choice Financial in 2021, he strengthened its reach and influence. The following year, Community Choice acquired Speedy Cash, further expanding the network. Through these moves, Jones cemented his reputation as a trailblazer in consumer financial services.

Expanding Beyond Finance

While finance was his primary arena, William Allan Jones Jr. also demonstrated versatility by investing in other industries. In 2014, he purchased Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest tailor-made clothing manufacturer, originally founded in 1880 as Cleveland Woolen Mills. Under his ownership, the company underwent a revival, showcasing craftsmanship and bringing renewed recognition to Cleveland, Tennessee. In 2019, he sold the company to Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind, ensuring its legacy would continue while supporting a meaningful cause.

Community Contributions and Philanthropy

Allan Jones has long believed that success means little if it is not shared. His philanthropic efforts reflect a deep commitment to education, culture, and community development.

• In 1990, he founded MainStreet Cleveland, an initiative to revitalize the downtown area.

• In 2014, the Jones family made a major contribution to Lee University, strengthening educational opportunities for students.

• In 2017, he donated 43,000 NASA-approved eclipse glasses to Tennessee schoolchildren, ensuring their safe participation in a rare astronomical event.

Beyond donations, Jones also gave his community something fun and memorable: the Halloween character Tall Betsy, which became a local tradition enjoyed by generations of families.

Recognition and Awards

The accomplishments of W. Allan Jones have been acknowledged through a variety of honors over the years. Among the most notable are:

• M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce (2003)

• Induction into the University of Tennessee’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame (2003)

• Featured in BusinessTN’s Power 100 list (2005)

• Nicknamed “King of Cash” by BusinessTN (2005)

• Fred Gregg Jr. Award, Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame (2012)

• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy from the Tennessee Board of Regents (2015)

Each recognition highlights not only his business acumen but also his ongoing dedication to his community.

Political Views

While Allan Jones identifies as an Independent, his philosophy has often leaned toward fiscal conservatism. Over the years, he has supported both Democratic and Republican candidates. In the 2016 presidential election, he publicly backed Donald Trump, expressing his belief that small businesses needed a leader outside of the traditional political establishment. His views have consistently reflected his support for pro-business policies and entrepreneurship.

The Enduring Influence of Allan Jones

From his early days in Cleveland, Tennessee, to becoming one of the most influential figures in the payday lending industry, William Allan Jones Jr. has charted a remarkable path. His businesses have reshaped financial services, his investments revived historic American industries, and his philanthropy has touched countless lives.

For Allan Jones, success has never been just about profit. It has been about creating opportunities, giving back, and leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His story serves as a reminder that with vision, determination, and a commitment to community, one can rise from small-town beginnings to make a lasting impact on both business and society.