Introduction
W. Allan Jones, also known as William Allan Jones Jr., is widely recognized as one of the key figures who shaped the payday lending industry in America. As the founder of Check Into Cash, he transformed a simple idea into a billion-dollar business that has served millions of customers nationwide. His journey from working in his family’s Credit Bureau to building one of the largest payday lending companies in the United States shows the determination and vision of a true entrepreneur.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, Allan Jones began working at a young age, gaining firsthand experience in the financial world through his father’s business. Over the years, he not only built a powerful lending company but also became deeply involved in community development, historic preservation, philanthropy, and sports. His story is one of business growth, dedication, and a commitment to both entrepreneurship and giving back to his hometown.
Early Business Career of Allan Jones
Before establishing Check Into Cash, W. Allan Jones spent nearly 25 years in his family’s Credit Bureau business. Starting at the age of 20 while still a student at Middle Tennessee State University, Jones worked long hours and six-day work weeks to master the financial services industry. His father, W.A. (Bill) Jones Jr., had built a strong foundation with Credit Bureau Services of Cleveland, and Allan Jones helped expand the company to nearly a dozen offices stretching from Atlanta to Memphis.
By the time the family business was sold in 1998, it had become the largest credit collection agency in Tennessee. This early experience gave William Allan Jones Jr. the knowledge and confidence he needed to venture into new business areas. It also instilled in him the values of persistence, discipline, and innovation, all of which later played a role in his success with payday lending.
The Founding of Check Into Cash
In 1993, W. Allan Jones launched Check Into Cash in Cleveland, Tennessee. The concept was straightforward yet revolutionary: small, short-term loans provided to customers who needed quick access to cash. Early services included “payday” advances of $200 with repayment terms of up to two weeks, charging fees between $15 and $18. The idea was immediately popular with consumers who needed emergency funds without dealing with traditional banks.
The success of the first Check Into Cash store sparked rapid growth. By 2002, the company had expanded to more than 700 locations across the country. Today, Check Into Cash operates over 1,100 stores nationwide, making it the third-largest payday lending company in the United States. Under the leadership of Allan Jones, the company has set industry standards and continues to be recognized as a leader in responsible lending practices.
Community Involvement and Local Impact
Beyond his business ventures, Allan Jones has made significant contributions to his hometown of Cleveland. Through his company Jones Properties, LLC, he has invested heavily in restoring historic buildings and revitalizing downtown areas. He was instrumental in reconstructing the Bradley County Courthouse Bandstand in 2005, a project that restored a beloved community landmark and became a centerpiece for local events.
His efforts in beautification and environmental health have also left a lasting mark. By planting dozens of trees and helping Cleveland earn the designation of a Tree City USA, Jones showed his commitment to sustainability and civic pride. He even helped establish a City Tree Board Ordinance and funded a full-time Urban Forester for the community, demonstrating that his impact extended well beyond business.
Philanthropy and Support for Wrestling
Wrestling has been one of Allan Jones’s lifelong passions, and he has made significant investments to support the sport at both the local and national level. He founded and financed the Cleveland-Bradley Kids Wrestling Club, which provided opportunities for young athletes to train and compete. In 2001, he also built the Jones Wrestling Center at Cleveland High School, naming it after his late father, Bill Jones.
His generosity has extended to college athletics, including donations to the University of Tennessee and support for wrestling programs nationwide. These efforts have helped strengthen the sport’s presence while also providing countless young athletes with opportunities to succeed. For Allan Jones, wrestling represents discipline, hard work, and community spirit—values he has lived by throughout his career.
Additional Business Ventures
While payday lending made W. Allan Jones a household name, he has also pursued several other successful ventures. In 2004, he opened The Bald Headed Bistro, a high-end restaurant in Cleveland that brought gourmet Western dining to the South. The restaurant was later renamed “True at BHB” in 2021 when celebrity chef Wesley True joined as executive chef.
In 2014, Jones also stepped in to rescue Hardwick Clothes, America’s oldest tailor-made clothing manufacturer. His leadership not only saved over 200 jobs but also brought the company back to profitability before he sold it in 2019. These ventures highlight Jones’s entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to adapt to new industries while supporting jobs and economic growth in his community.
Key Contributions and Recognition
Throughout his career, William Allan Jones Jr. has been recognized for his contributions to business and community development. He was awarded Cleveland’s highest business honor, the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award, by the Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, he was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for his achievements in building successful companies and creating jobs.
Some of his most notable contributions include:
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Founding Check Into Cash, one of the largest payday lending companies in the nation
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Expanding Credit Bureau Services into the largest collection agency in Tennessee
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Revitalizing downtown Cleveland through historic preservation projects
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Supporting wrestling programs at local, state, and national levels
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Promoting environmental initiatives such as tree planting and urban forestry
These achievements show how Allan Jones combined business success with philanthropy and community service, earning him respect both locally and nationally.
Conclusion
W. Allan Jones, or William Allan Jones Jr., is more than just the founder of Check Into Cash—he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. From his early days in the Credit Bureau business to the nationwide success of payday lending, Jones has consistently shown vision, determination, and an ability to turn ideas into thriving enterprises.
At the same time, his dedication to wrestling, historic preservation, and environmental efforts reflects a deep connection to his hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee. By balancing financial success with community service, Allan Jones has created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future entrepreneurs. His story is a clear example of how one individual’s hard work and innovative thinking can shape industries and impact communities for generations.
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