The greatest part of America’s wealth lies with family owned businesses with family firms comprising 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Here, Steve Jones, president and director of domestic and export sales for Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc., headquartered in Union City, Pennsylvania, and 2021-2022 chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association, talks about his family’s business, which provides pristine Pennsylvania Appalachian hardwood lumber to customers throughout the country and abroad.
Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc. was founded in 1983. Tell us how the company got its start.
My father, our founder and CEO, Ron Jones is an entrepreneur. He took the risk, with support of my mother, and built the hardwood lumber wholesale company. He has extensive knowledge of the sawmill supply base in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Ron established an incredible following of manufacturers and hardwood lumber end users that requires a reliable supplier, a quality product along with exceptional service.
Tell us about your lumber and what distinguishes your products.
The northwest Pennsylvania region has an abundance of high-quality natural renewable and desired species including cherry, oaks, maples, poplar and hickory, to name a few. Pennsylvania is the hardwood lumber basket of the USA and boasts a large number of diverse and premium- desired species.
We have an incredibly talented support team at Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc. We have all worked diligently on our consistency of product quality, diversified product offerings, product branding and customer service.
Who are your primary customers?
We have a diversified portfolio of domestic and export customers. We specialize in selling to lumber customers that purchase in wholesale lots including cabinet, furniture and flooring manufacturers, and distribution yards in major cities throughout the United States and around the world.
How much of your family is involved in the business today?
My father Ron is still involved and offers much advice and guidance. His 60 years of experience have been instrumental in our continued steady growth.
I’m proud to be the second generation to lead the family business, and I’ve been involved in the industry and company for 32 years, most recently as president and director of domestic and export sales.
My son Nate is a recent graduate of Penn State Behrend where he dual majored in international business and marketing. He is working through the ranks in our sales management training program.
As a multi-generational family business, we believe the future looks bright for continued steady growth.
What do you believe are the challenges and opportunities of a family owned operation?
Today’s business climate has countless and persistent social and economic challenges. We constantly look at our business from every angle to reinvent our operation. We have many families that are dependent on the company’s success, and we are always looking for the next opportunities.
What does it mean to you to be a family business in northwest Pennsylvania?
We love the northwest Pennsylvania region and the deep family roots. We have a dedicated workforce of hard- working individuals who really love what they do. We like to keep it a fun place to work.
What’s the best way to learn more about Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc.?
For more information about the company, visit www.ronjoneshardwood.com.
