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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In 1938, Harold Jones had a dream of being a business owner. So, his parents mortgaged their furniture and loaned Harold $300 to help him do it. Harold started selling paint, glass and service from an old Ford pickup truck. Through hard work and dedication, Jones Paint & Glass was born along with the ever familiar slogan: "When you hear the crash, think of Jones Paint & Glass."
Harold would be proud to know his company has grown from three employees to more than 300 with six locations in Utah. He owes this success to well-trained employees; his two sons, Kenneth and Merlynn; and son-in-law, Don Butler. However, Merlynn says that it was his father who provided a legacy of high customer service expectations.
That legacy started when Harold began teaching the paint and glass business to Kenneth and Merlynn. The youngsters would watch their father while they were stocking shelves or sweeping floors. Now, Kenneth, Merlynn and Don, spearhead the distribution of paint and glass to the retail public and wholesale trade. In addition, many third generation sons and daughters are involved in the business.
This year, Jones Paint & Glass won a Best of State medal as Utah's number one provider of construction materials and products. This year also marks the 65th anniversary of Jones Paint & Glass. To celebrate, a new 15,000 square-foot building is being constructed in American Fork, as well as ongoing sales and promotions. Jones Paint & Glass has also introduced a revolutionary self-cleaning glass product called Sun Clean Glass.
The key for Jones Paint & Glass is being locally owned. Many of its competitors are corporately owned and not interested in local economies. But Jones Paint & Glass has survived through honesty with its customers, some of which are third generation family shoppers. At the end of our conversation, Merlynn said, "We've always been here and we will continue to be here."
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
