Oak Creek Business Owner Learns 'Paying It Forward' Is Good Business

OAK CREEK, WI — Business owner and Oak Creek resident Tom Jones has learned through experience that paying it forward is simply good business.

Jones, the owner of several Cousin's Subs franchises donated $1,000 to create the first community garden in South Milwaukee. It will sprout up behind the historic train depot located at 1111 Milwaukee Avenue in spring 2018. The garden will have a limited amount of plots available for area residents to rent on an annual basis for $30 per 8’x 8’ plot.

“Growing South Milwaukee is a positive program for residents of all age groups and their work will foster benefits for years to come,” Jones said. “Their mission of bringing area residents together through healthy eating and education can only lead to a stronger community and we are happy to help fund the construction of our city’s only community garden.”

At 16 years old, he started working at Cousin's Subs. After gaining experience in business, working his way through college and the corporate office setting, he quickly realized that working in the restaurant is where he wanted to be.

In 2006, he purchased an existing Cousins Subs in South Milwaukee, and now owns four restaurants in Franklin, South Milwaukee, Oak Creek and Greenfield.

As his career in the restaurant industry grew, his means to express gratitude and charity did as well.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg for Jones. Through his businesses, he has donated more than $20,000 to local organizations in 2017 alone.

"Through giving back, I hope to empower individuals to support and help themselves so that they can positively contribute to society at large," Jones told Patch. You cannot help others if you aren't well. So, whether that is through gardening and eating clean foods like fruits and vegetables, or overcoming drug addictions, emotional and mental issues, or developing a healthy lifestyle through fitness and eating, it’s important to give back to causes that assist community members in being the best versions of themselves."

Jones has supported an array of organizations such as Kayla’s Krew, City of Franklin Fire Department,
Cudahy High School, Autism Speaks, Animal Rescue Center, Boy Scouts, Pleasant View Elementary and
local little league teams.

"I feel an obligation to give back to those who have given so much to me," he said.

Submitted Photo, Published With Permission