Whitney Jones is not a member of a Greek organization, but she knows what products they need and how to sell it to them.
“A great deal of customer service is what makes the business grow, giving them a good product,” Whitney said.
The business, Alpha One Greek and Promotional Items, was started and is owned by her father, Robert Jones, who is a brother in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Jones is active with the St. Louis Chapter of Alphas and receives support from them.
“There is a need of a Greek store here,” Robert Jones said.
A New Orleans native, he moved to St. Louis in May 1999 and at first started his business selling and providing Greek apparel and items for organizations from his home.
“I’m very proud of my dad,” said Whitney Jones. “He’s been doing this a very long time. I know the level of commitment he has.”
Last year in September, Robert Jones opened up a storefront for Alpha One Greek and Promotional Items in the 4th Ward of St. Louis at 4136 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
After speaking with Alderman Samuel Moore, he decided to open a business in a North City community that is improving.
“Being in this area, I found out this area had a lot of rich history and I wanted to be a part of that and help it become what it used to be,” Robert Jones said.
A lot of people from the community came out recently to support the grand opening of Alpha One Greek and Promotional Items. They offered food and drinks New Orleans-style, plus giveaways.
Jones funded the store on his own and got a helping hand from Saint Louis University, which has provided interns, computer software and other assistance with the store.
Whitney Jones has learned a lot about running and managing a business alongside her father in a severe economic downturn.
“I learned its okay to take risk, even though sometimes it might not be a good time,” she said. “Though it paid off.”
Alpha One services black Greek organizations and some Latino Greek organizations, as well as businesses, schools and civic organizations. It provides customization on most garments as well as promotional items.
Robert Jones wants the St. Louis area to know that his company provides more than just Greek apparel and accessories. Alpha One provides other services that may be needed for special events or occasions.
“Anything you may need for an event, we can provide that,” he said. “We stand behind our product. We are very competitive and are here for the long haul.”
Robert Jones advises other entrepreneurs to have a plan and funds before they start up.
“You have to have a plan, a business plan, and capital,” Jones said. “It doesn’t hurt to have a supporting network of people who may be available to invest if financially things get difficult.”
Even though Whitney’s father is part of a Greek organization, she is not focused on joining an organization just yet. She is more focused on learning the business.
She said, “Whatever I do is fine as long as I pass out lots of business cards.”
For more information, visit alpha1one.com or call (314) 534-4733.
