Thirty-five years ago, in 1967, a tradition of integrity, quality, and authenticity was continued at J&J Industries:  Jim Jolly, son of J&J co-founder J. Rollins Jolly, joined the family business.  Of course, no story begins without some history behind it.

In 1964, Jim Jolly received his Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles from Georgia Tech.  After working with Monsanto followed by a two-year period of military service as an officer in the U.S. Army, Jolly began his 35-year history with J&J Industries.  The company, now in its 45th year of business, witnessed the physical effects of Jolly’s leadership.

J&J Industries grew from a mill primarily focusing on candy stripe carpet and braided rugs to an exclusively commercial carpet manufacturer.  In size alone, the manufacturing facility has expanded from fewer than 75,000 square feet to more than 1,000,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space in one location.  The number of associates also grew from 59 in 1967 to over 800 today.  The physical changes to J&J are not outdone by the spirit and philosophy behind the company.

According to Jolly, “While J&J has changed significantly since 1967, the core values remain the same.  We are committed to our customers, suppliers, associates, and all with whom we come in contact.” 

Jolly continued, “J&J has always searched for the best minds and allowed them to drive the business.  I believe that’s why we are still strong and growing in a market where very few mills our size remain.”

As the carpet manufacturing world continues to evolve, J&J Industries is poised to grow due to a strong leadership team headed by Jim Jolly. He serves as an example to J&J associates by encouraging them to make a career with J&J.  With a Wall of Fame recognizing 315 J&J associates who have all been with the company for at least 8 years (some for over 40 years), Jolly’s example is a lasting one.

According to Jolly, “J&J is truly a family, and I’m proud to say we have third generation associates working here today.  My son, David, has been with the company almost 11 years, and it’s the combination of experience and fresh ideas that keep J&J moving in the right direction."

Jim Bethel, President and COO, said, “Jim Jolly’s influence on J&J Industries has been tremendous.  His vision for the company and openness to change allows J&J to grow larger, reach further, and create more than Rollins Jolly or Tom Jones may have ever dreamed.  Everyone at J&J is grateful for Jim’s leadership and looks forward to the years ahead.”

Jim Jolly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of J & J Industries, Inc., is a native of Dalton, Georgia, and attended Dalton Public Schools.  In 1967 Jolly joined J & J Industries, became President in 1986, became President and CEO in 1988, and became Chairman and CEO in­­­­­­­­ 1999.

As past Chairman of the local Governmental Study Task Force Committee, Jolly led the group in a study of the feasibility of consolidation of local city/county governments.  In 1986, he graduated with the first Leadership Dalton-Whitfield class.  He is past chairman of United Way, the Dalton Junior College Foundation, and The Carpet and Rug Institute.  Jolly served as a member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Trustees and has had numerous local community service roles.

Mr. Jolly currently serves on the board of The Carpet and Rug Institute, is on the executive board of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Covenant College Board of Trustees and the Covenant College Foundation.  He also is a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Dalton Whitfield Boys and Girls Club, serves on the Northwest Georgia Regional Advisory Council for the 15-county area, and serves on the Hamilton Medical Center Board.  He is an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Dalton.

He and his wife, Judy, have two sons, David and Derek, and five grandchildren.