Bob Jones Sr., founder and CEO of American Sale Corp., a retailer in the Chicagoland area of Illinois, died August 17. He was 86 years old.
An entrepreneur in spirit from the time he sold soda to construction workers as a child, Jones opened the first iteration of his company in 1959. Then called “American Toy Distributors,” its inventory expanded over the years to include Christmas trees and holiday decorations, and then outdoor recreation products, including aboveground pools and patio furniture. It rebranded to American Sale Corp. in 1971. Jones expanded the company to its current eight locations and a 200,000-square-foot distribution center.
At one time, Jones co-chaired the National Retail Federation's Small Business Retail Council. In 1996, his company received the International Casual Furnishings Association's Apollo Award. In 2010, it was named Retailer of the Year by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
“My Grandfather was more than just our CEO and founder, he was a wise mentor, a humble leader, a passionate friend, and an inspiration to all of us,” said Erica Steadman, Jones' granddaughter and American Sales' director of marketing. “His dedication to our employees, our customers, our community, and especially our family was unparalleled."
Jones' son, Bob Jones III, now leads American Sale Corp.
