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Half a century in business, agency continues serving our community
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| Family affair: Jones-Wilson Insurance owner Troy Jones, left,with his parents, Ina Jones and Max Jones, in front of the family business. The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is celebrating 50 years in the Benson community and three generations of family ownership. (Adam Bernal/photo.) |
Adam Bernal/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is celebrating 50 years as part of the Benson community and was recognized by the City of Benson by declaring a day in its honor.
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is owned by the third generation that has kept the business running since the 1950s.
At an Oct. 13 city council meeting, Benson Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation that officially declared Oct. 13 as "Jones-Wilson Insurance Day" in Benson to honor of the agency for 50 years of serving the community.
The proclamation by Fenn read, "the continual operation of any business for 50 years is an impressive feat and Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments is an integral part of the City of Benson's economic life, providing a vital product to the residents and businesses of our City and has been a community supporter for throughout its 50 years."
In 1958, local grocery store owner and entrepreneur Leland Wilson contracted with the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company and founded the Benson Insurance Agency. The agency was located in the 600 block of E. Fourth Street in Benson, across the street from Wilson's grocery store.
Wilson operated both Wilson's Cash Market and the Benson Insurance Agency before selling the grocery store in 1959. Since that time, a variety of additional insurance companies were added to the independent agency's portfolio as the business grew and relocated to its present location in 1964.
In 1972, Wilson encouraged his daughter, Ina Jones, and her husband, Max Jones, to join the agency. The three owners worked to form Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Inc., which it still operates as today.
Max and Ina Jones had spent seven years teaching and doing administration work in the Pacific Islands of Guam, Palau and Saipan.
After Leland Wilson's death in 1974, the Jones's bought the business and the agency continued to grow. During this time, they purchased the Hotchkins Insurance Agency in 1975 and the Oliver Insurance Agency in 1991.
The agency's present owner, Troy Jones, joined Jones-Wilson in 1998 and purchased it from his parents, Max and Ina Jones, in 1997, making him the third generation owner of the local agency.
Max Jones said it has been very satisfying to see the business grow and credited Leland Wilson for showing him the ropes of the insurance business.
"He was a very good businessman and one of the most honest people I've worked with," Max Jones said of Wilson.
Since taking over the business, Max Jones said one of the biggest changes has been the updates in technology for insurance companies. Near the time when Troy was set to take over, Max Jones said they were nearly paperless as computers and e-mail became more common in the business world.
As Arizona natives, Max Jones said he and his wife made the decision to stay in the community to raise their family of three children, Mindy, Troy and Rachelle. He said the children all helped at the business in their own ways and often came to the business after school had gotten out.
"We've made a good living here over the years and got to know a lot of good people," Max Jones said.
Outside the business, Max Jones served as a Benson Volunteer Firefighter for 26 years and held the position as Fire Chief for more than 12 years.
After a decade of owning the family business, Troy Jones says he wants to continue to provide a needed service for people.
"It's a good business, and it's challenging and fun," Troy Jones said. "It's been good to my family and we're pleased it's still going."
Troy Jones says his company has always tried to offer personal service and stability, which he feels has made a difference in their success. Jones is also grateful for the customers the company has had over the years, some of whom have been customers for over 20 years.
Jones has many other strong ties to Benson, including growing up in the area and choosing to raise his own family in the same community. Jones says he is happy in Benson and expects the growth of the family business to continue.
"I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Troy Jones said.
Adam Bernal
san pedro valley news-Sun
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is celebrating 50 years as part of the Benson community and was recognized by the City of Benson by declaring a day in its honor.
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is owned by the third generation that has kept the business running since the 1950s.
At an Oct. 13 city council meeting, Benson Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation that officially declared Oct. 13 as "Jones-Wilson Insurance Day" in Benson to honor of the agency for 50 years of serving the community.
The proclamation by Fenn read, "the continual operation of any business for 50 years is an impressive feat and Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments is an integral part of the City of Benson's economic life, providing a vital product to the residents and businesses of our City and has been a community supporter for throughout its 50 years."
In 1958, local grocery store owner and entrepreneur Leland Wilson contracted with the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company and founded the Benson Insurance Agency. The agency was located in the 600 block of E. Fourth Street in Benson, across the street from Wilson's grocery store.
Wilson operated both Wilson's Cash Market and the Benson Insurance Agency before selling the grocery store in 1959. Since that time, a variety of additional insurance companies were added to the independent agency's portfolio as the business grew and relocated to its present location in 1964.
In 1972, Wilson encouraged his daughter, Ina Jones, and her husband, Max Jones, to join the agency. The three owners worked to form Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Inc., which it still operates as today.
Max and Ina Jones had spent seven years teaching and doing administration work in the Pacific Islands of Guam, Palau and Saipan.
After Leland Wilson's death in 1974, the Jones's bought the business and the agency continued to grow. During this time, they purchased the Hotchkins Insurance Agency in 1975 and the Oliver Insurance Agency in 1991.
The agency's present owner, Troy Jones, joined Jones-Wilson in 1998 and purchased it from his parents, Max and Ina Jones, in 1997, making him the third generation owner of the local agency.
Max Jones said it has been very satisfying to see the business grow and credited Leland Wilson for showing him the ropes of the insurance business.
"He was a very good businessman and one of the most honest people I've worked with," Max Jones said of Wilson.
Since taking over the business, Max Jones said one of the biggest changes has been the updates in technology for insurance companies. Near the time when Troy was set to take over, Max Jones said they were nearly paperless as computers and e-mail became more common in the business world.
As Arizona natives, Max Jones said he and his wife made the decision to stay in the community to raise their family of three children, Mindy, Troy and Rachelle. He said the children all helped at the business in their own ways and often came to the business after school had gotten out.
"We've made a good living here over the years and got to know a lot of good people," Max Jones said.
Outside the business, Max Jones served as a Benson Volunteer Firefighter for 26 years and held the position as Fire Chief for more than 12 years.
After a decade of owning the family business, Troy Jones says he wants to continue to provide a needed service for people.
"It's a good business, and it's challenging and fun," Troy Jones said. "It's been good to my family and we're pleased it's still going."
Troy Jones says his company has always tried to offer personal service and stability, which he feels has made a difference in their success. Jones is also grateful for the customers the company has had over the years, some of whom have been customers for over 20 years.
Jones has many other strong ties to Benson, including growing up in the area and choosing to raise his own family in the same community. Jones says he is happy in Benson and expects the growth of the family business to continue.
"I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Troy Jones said.
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is celebrating 50 years as part of the Benson community and was recognized by the City of Benson by declaring a day in its honor.
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is owned by the third generation that has kept the business running since the 1950s.
At an Oct. 13 city council meeting, Benson Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation that officially declared Oct. 13 as "Jones-Wilson Insurance Day" in Benson to honor of the agency for 50 years of serving the community.
The proclamation by Fenn read, "the continual operation of any business for 50 years is an impressive feat and Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments is an integral part of the City of Benson's economic life, providing a vital product to the residents and businesses of our City and has been a community supporter for throughout its 50 years."
In 1958, local grocery store owner and entrepreneur Leland Wilson contracted with the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company and founded the Benson Insurance Agency. The agency was located in the 600 block of E. Fourth Street in Benson, across the street from Wilson's grocery store.
Wilson operated both Wilson's Cash Market and the Benson Insurance Agency before selling the grocery store in 1959. Since that time, a variety of additional insurance companies were added to the independent agency's portfolio as the business grew and relocated to its present location in 1964.
In 1972, Wilson encouraged his daughter, Ina Jones, and her husband, Max Jones, to join the agency. The three owners worked to form Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Inc., which it still operates as today.
Max and Ina Jones had spent seven years teaching and doing administration work in the Pacific Islands of Guam, Palau and Saipan.
After Leland Wilson's death in 1974, the Jones's bought the business and the agency continued to grow. During this time, they purchased the Hotchkins Insurance Agency in 1975 and the Oliver Insurance Agency in 1991.
The agency's present owner, Troy Jones, joined Jones-Wilson in 1998 and purchased it from his parents, Max and Ina Jones, in 1997, making him the third generation owner of the local agency.
Max Jones said it has been very satisfying to see the business grow and credited Leland Wilson for showing him the ropes of the insurance business.
"He was a very good businessman and one of the most honest people I've worked with," Max Jones said of Wilson.
Since taking over the business, Max Jones said one of the biggest changes has been the updates in technology for insurance companies. Near the time when Troy was set to take over, Max Jones said they were nearly paperless as computers and e-mail became more common in the business world.
As Arizona natives, Max Jones said he and his wife made the decision to stay in the community to raise their family of three children, Mindy, Troy and Rachelle. He said the children all helped at the business in their own ways and often came to the business after school had gotten out.
"We've made a good living here over the years and got to know a lot of good people," Max Jones said.
Outside the business, Max Jones served as a Benson Volunteer Firefighter for 26 years and held the position as Fire Chief for more than 12 years.
After a decade of owning the family business, Troy Jones says he wants to continue to provide a needed service for people.
"It's a good business, and it's challenging and fun," Troy Jones said. "It's been good to my family and we're pleased it's still going."
Troy Jones says his company has always tried to offer personal service and stability, which he feels has made a difference in their success. Jones is also grateful for the customers the company has had over the years, some of whom have been customers for over 20 years.
Jones has many other strong ties to Benson, including growing up in the area and choosing to raise his own family in the same community. Jones says he is happy in Benson and expects the growth of the family business to continue.
"I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Troy Jones said.
Adam Bernal
san pedro valley news-Sun
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is celebrating 50 years as part of the Benson community and was recognized by the City of Benson by declaring a day in its honor.
The Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Company is owned by the third generation that has kept the business running since the 1950s.
At an Oct. 13 city council meeting, Benson Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation that officially declared Oct. 13 as "Jones-Wilson Insurance Day" in Benson to honor of the agency for 50 years of serving the community.
The proclamation by Fenn read, "the continual operation of any business for 50 years is an impressive feat and Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments is an integral part of the City of Benson's economic life, providing a vital product to the residents and businesses of our City and has been a community supporter for throughout its 50 years."
In 1958, local grocery store owner and entrepreneur Leland Wilson contracted with the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company and founded the Benson Insurance Agency. The agency was located in the 600 block of E. Fourth Street in Benson, across the street from Wilson's grocery store.
Wilson operated both Wilson's Cash Market and the Benson Insurance Agency before selling the grocery store in 1959. Since that time, a variety of additional insurance companies were added to the independent agency's portfolio as the business grew and relocated to its present location in 1964.
In 1972, Wilson encouraged his daughter, Ina Jones, and her husband, Max Jones, to join the agency. The three owners worked to form Jones-Wilson Insurance and Investments Inc., which it still operates as today.
Max and Ina Jones had spent seven years teaching and doing administration work in the Pacific Islands of Guam, Palau and Saipan.
After Leland Wilson's death in 1974, the Jones's bought the business and the agency continued to grow. During this time, they purchased the Hotchkins Insurance Agency in 1975 and the Oliver Insurance Agency in 1991.
The agency's present owner, Troy Jones, joined Jones-Wilson in 1998 and purchased it from his parents, Max and Ina Jones, in 1997, making him the third generation owner of the local agency.
Max Jones said it has been very satisfying to see the business grow and credited Leland Wilson for showing him the ropes of the insurance business.
"He was a very good businessman and one of the most honest people I've worked with," Max Jones said of Wilson.
Since taking over the business, Max Jones said one of the biggest changes has been the updates in technology for insurance companies. Near the time when Troy was set to take over, Max Jones said they were nearly paperless as computers and e-mail became more common in the business world.
As Arizona natives, Max Jones said he and his wife made the decision to stay in the community to raise their family of three children, Mindy, Troy and Rachelle. He said the children all helped at the business in their own ways and often came to the business after school had gotten out.
"We've made a good living here over the years and got to know a lot of good people," Max Jones said.
Outside the business, Max Jones served as a Benson Volunteer Firefighter for 26 years and held the position as Fire Chief for more than 12 years.
After a decade of owning the family business, Troy Jones says he wants to continue to provide a needed service for people.
"It's a good business, and it's challenging and fun," Troy Jones said. "It's been good to my family and we're pleased it's still going."
Troy Jones says his company has always tried to offer personal service and stability, which he feels has made a difference in their success. Jones is also grateful for the customers the company has had over the years, some of whom have been customers for over 20 years.
Jones has many other strong ties to Benson, including growing up in the area and choosing to raise his own family in the same community. Jones says he is happy in Benson and expects the growth of the family business to continue.
"I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Troy Jones said.
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