Bob Jones was the epitome of an honest business man and was born with an entrepreneurial mindset. He started building his business acumen as a young boy selling soda pop to construction workers, flags to cemetery patrons visiting loved ones, and then as a teenager working as a barber in his father’s barber shop. But when he got married in 1958 and started his own family, his dream of opening his own business was even more fervent. So in 1959, he opened the first iteration of American Sale called “American Toy Distributors.”
This small toy company located in Roseland, with its modest orange crates as shelves, showcased Bob’s favorite children’s toys and was quite successful. Yet, over the years, Bob’s product line shifted to his other interests, selling holiday items like artificial Christmas trees and decorations as well as outdoor recreation products like above ground swimming pools and patio furniture. With a new vision and new name, he officially founded American Sales Corporation in 1971. The company continued to grow throughout six decades and has become the well-known Chicagoland favorite it is today. From a small, single-store operation into a regional retail favorite boasting 8 store locations and a 200,000 square foot Distribution Center in Tinley Park, IL, American Sale continues to serve thousands of loyal Chicagoland customers.
Bob’s vision allowed American Sale to enjoy many accolades throughout the years. In 1996, American Sale was honored with the International Casual Furnishings Association highest honor, the Apollo Award. In 2010, American Sale was awarded the Illinois Retail Merchants Association Retailer of the Year. But Bob’s highest honor has always been the overwhelming loyalty and praise from his customers and employees. His commitment to customer satisfaction and his passion for bringing joy to families through the home recreation products he offered were evident in every aspect of his work. Bob was not only a visionary leader and successful entrepreneur, but also a dedicated family man. These family values inspired his children and grandchildren to join the business and continue to build on the ‘family-owned and operated’ business Bob started.
“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, granddaughter and director of marketing and customer relations at American Sale Corporation. “His dedication to our employees, our customers, our community, and especially our family was unparalleled. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide us as we move forward and follow his ife’s motto of always giving 110%.”
American Sale Corporation will continue to operate under the strong and capable leadership of Bob’s son, Bob Jones III, honoring Bob's vision and dedication to retail excellence.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Dolores, their three children, Mary Ellen Griffin, Sandy Jones, Bob Jones III (Kathleen Jones), his four grandchildren, Erica Steadman (Joseph Steadman), Kaitlin Kamphuis (Andy Kamphuis), Jaclyn Jones (Kelly Jones), and Alaine Griffin as well as 6 great-grandchildren. The Jones family has asked for privacy during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/donate or to the National CMV Foundation, in honor of Bob’s second great-granddaughter, Evelyn at www.NationalCMV.org/donate.
