Our Jones Natural leadership team is a huge reason why Jones Natural Chews has been so successful. Have you ever wandered about their leadership philosophy, experiences with their dogs or what dog training advice they have? Check out our Q&A below to learn a little bit about the Jones leadership team.
Q: Like humans, dogs have their own unique personality traits and quirks. What makes your dog unique?
“We have 3 dogs – 2 older and one quite younger. Bear (a corgi) likes to ‘howl’ not bark. Patches is our watchdog – so he barks inappropriately at night sometimes. And the pup is in charge of keeping the other 2 ‘forever young!’” – Curtis Watkins, Chief Financial Officer
“I don’t think this is real unique but he seems able to read my emotions. He is always light and happy but seems to put on the charm if I come home from a hard and tiring day.” – Dean Jones, VP of Operations
Q: What is the number one thing you have learned from your dogs?
“Because my dog is so happy no matter what, it helps me focus on the many, many ways I am blessed.” – Joe Wallington, President and CEO
“No matter what happened that day, he is always happy to see me.” – Darren Jones, Research and Development
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
“I lead with a team style and make sure we are functioning well together. Everyone is important and matters. “ – Laura Jones, Chief Operating Office
“I have spent most of my life in a fast-growing family business with our leadership team having to learn as we grew to meet the new challenges that came out of each new level of opportunity. As a result, my leadership style has developed into a coaching style using team work.” – Dean Jones
Q: What do you want everyone to know about Jones Natural Chews?
“The company functions at the highest level of integrity and take great care to provide quality products.” – Laura Jones
“The company’s products have been making dogs happy for over 30 years. Jones Naturals is one of the few companies manufacturing all U.S.A. raised and sourced chews and treats. Jones is SQF certified, the highest-level quality and safety standards in the industry. We make yummy treats and chews for your dog!!” – Joe Wallington
Q: What’s your dog’s favorite Jones Natural Chews treat?
“Knee caps.” – Dean Jones
“They cannot decide – they love them all!” – Curtis Watkins
“The one I give him every day is his favorite.” – Darren Jones
“Bully sticks and stuffed center bones.” – Joe Wallington
“Stuffed bones.” – Laura Jones
Q: What is your best advice for new pet parents?
“Give them love – but also discipline. They want rules and structure so that they please you.” – Curtis Watkins
“Train your dog. Make sure they know that you are the alpha in the house.” – Joe Wallington
Q: What is the best career advice you ever received and from whom?
“I never had a career. My family had a business that God entrusted to us. We ran it the best we could.” – Darren Jones
“My dad, who said ‘Be a man of few words, but always a man of your word.’ In true form, he demonstrated this with his actions.” – Curtis Watkins
Q: What is your favorite activity to do with your dog?
“Play fighting. Throwing the ball or Frisbee. Petting and hugging him!” – Joe Wallington
“Giving him treats. It’s like he never had a treat before and he eats way too many.” – Darren Jones
“I like to run around the back yard and throw the ball when I get home – good ending to a day.” – Curtis Watkins
“Always by my side working around the property just being my companion.” – Dean Jones
“Play tug of war with rope toys.” – Laura Jones
Q: What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
“I was born at 10 months…I guess I liked my Mother a lot!” – Joe Wallington
“I have so much passion around JNC that I can get in a zone.” – Darren Jones
“I was a double major in college for business and music. Trumpet was my main instrument and I still love playing trumpet today.” – Laura Jones
“That I was born 10 weeks premature. In 1963, that was a bit trickier than today with all the advancements in medicine and technology.” – Curtis Watkins
“In my youth, I had a couple hundred head hog farm and belonged to the FFA.” – Dean Jones
