Allan Jones

William Allan Jones Jr. (born December 31, 1952) is an American businessman from Cleveland, Tennessee. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Check Into Cash, Creditcorp, Jones Management Services, and the Community Financial Services Association, as well as several other local lending agencies. He has been called the "father of the payday loan industry" for founding and building the first major payday loan chain. Early life and education Jones was born on December 31, 1952, in Cleveland, Tennessee to William A. (Bill) Jones (1919–1981) and Virginia Slaughter Jones (1925–2003). He was the first baby to ever be born at Cleveland's Bradley Memorial Hospital. In 1984, Jones' daughter, Abby, was the first baby born at the hospital's new Women's Center. Jones donated the first Mother's Garden at the hospital in honor of his mother, wife, and daughters. Jones attended Cleveland High School, where he wrestled and won various awards and served as team captain. He graduated in 1972. Jones credited wrestling with helping build character: "In wrestling, I didn't have anyone to rely on but me." He declined wrestling scholarships to pursue a business degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Business career