-
Mike Jones (middle, green shirt) was recognized Friday as the 2019 Friend of Agriculture at the annual Farm-City Breakfast, sponsored by the Habersham County Farm Bureau.
Lifelong resident of Habersham County Mike Jones was named the 2019 Friend of Agriculture Friday at the Habersham County Farm Bureau’s annual Farm-City Breakfast.
“The Friend of Agriculture award is bestowed upon a person who has made significant contributions to the well-being of agriculture in Habersham County and is held in high esteem by members of the agriculture community,” states a biography provided to The Northeast Georgian. “Indeed, we are honored to recognize this year’s Friend of Agriculture recipient Mike Jones.”
According to the biography, Jones grew up in the Turnerville area on the childhood property that his father and twin brother roamed endlessly and where they developed a love of nature. Jones’ late parents are Hanes and Joyce Jones, his two brothers are Mark and Sam Jones, and his sister is Melissa Jones.
“Mike inherited this same passion for nature, which fostered a love of hunting from an early age,” the biography states. “In addition to his dad, Mike has been influenced by many individuals throughout his life. His mother, Joyce, worked for Gene Partin, who was the owner of various textile industries in Habersham and the surrounding counties. She started as a laborer, but based on a solid/strong work ethic, she eventually managed these textile plants for him.”
Unfortunately, these plants no longer exist today. But his mother’s employment with Partin, who also owned and operated a cattle farm, helped expose him to the agriculture world. Mike Jones was later afforded the opportunity to work on Partin’s farm, where he would spend endless hours painting barns, working cattle, breaking horses, bailing hay and completing other typical farm chores.
Mike Jones not only learned from his mother’s work habits, but his work ethic was also nurtured by his love of agriculture from working on the farm with Partin. These hands-on farming experiences led him to get involved in Habersham County 4-H in elementary and middle school.
His 4-H adviser Mark Shirley encouraged and supported Mike Jones’ participation while competing in various projects on the local and district level at Rock Eagle. Then, while in high school and with the encouragement of advisers Danny Brooks and David Barnes, Mike Jones continued to participate in various ag-related activities with Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Also while in high school, Arnold Meeks nurtured Mike Jones’ leadership development with his involvement in the work-based learning program and participation in the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), serving as president for two years.
“By participating in various VICA competitive events on the district and state levels, Mike gained a high level of confidence with his public speaking and leadership skills,” the biography states. “Through the work program experience, Mike learned how to implement a strong work ethic while working at Habersham Metal and focusing on his education and student organization involvement.”
These experiences with FFA and association with vocational courses at Habersham Central High School sparked Mike Jones’ interest in the automotive industry. After graduating from high school, Mike Jones was employed as a sales consultant with Murdock Rich in Commerce – the beginning of his long-standing career in the automotive industry.
Between working his first automotive sales job and being employed with Ed Murdock, Mike Jones met Jay Pearson, with Carry-On Trailers. After 17 years of working in the automotive industry, Mike Jones was hired on to manage the dealer sales division in the largest trailer manufacturing industry, which operated eight plants throughout the U.S.
“While in this position, Mike worked with the John Deere Industry to establish a license product with Carry-On Trailers,” the biography states. “Again, a way for Mike to connect with the ag industry. Also while in this position, Mike observed that his employer Jay was always an avid supporter of the National FFA Foundation.”
In 2010, when Pearson sold Carry-On Trailers, Mike Jones had the opportunity to purchase Toccoa Ford. Purchasing a dealership had always been his dream. In 2017, he also acquired the Toccoa Chevrolet dealership. Mike Jones attributes this achievement to all of the many contacts in his walk of life.
“Furthermore, Gary Smith, the original owner of Toccoa Ford, had a long partnership with the National FFA organization to offer scholarships just like Mike’s previous employer, Jay Pearson,” the biography states. “After purchasing this dealership from Mr. Smith, Mike was able to continue this long-standing partnership with National FFA and to team up with other communities to provide additional scholarships.”
After his son Grayson Jones became involved with FFA, Jones increased his contributions to support the FFA and ag programs in the community. Based on his personal experience and by correlating his experiences to his success, Mike Jones has worked endlessly to pay it forward, according to the biography.
Mike has sponsored livestock shows, animals for FFA/4H students to show, donated trucks and trailers to student organizations, given numerous scholarships, and provided endless donations not only in Habersham but Stephens and Franklin County. He has worked faithfully with many farmers and other ag-related businesses to provide a fair price to purchase equipment and vehicles for farm usage.
In addition to monetary support, Mike Jones volunteers on a variety of community boards, including the Habersham County CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) Agriculture Advisory Committee, Stephens County CTAE Auto Mechanics Advisory Committee, Habersham FFA Alumni, Chamber of Commerce and Curhaee Saddle Club.
Just like individuals that influenced Mike Jone’s work ethic and career decision, he is now fostering these same traits in the next generation, including his five children and two grandkids.
“Michael, I’m certain your family is very proud of you for making a difference in the lives of others,” the biography stated. “Today, we want to thank you for being such a loyal and true friend to the agriculture community.”