Faces, Places & Voices Of Poudre Valley REA – Jax Ranch & Home

You can get a lot done in 65 years, just ask Jim Quinlan, owner of JAX Mercantile Co. Since 1955, the farm and outdoor gear provider has evolved from a single surplus store in Story County, Iowa, to a nine-outlet farm and outdoor gear business spread along the Front Range and into Wyoming.

Jim worked alongside his folks, Marvin and Lola Quinlan, while attending college at Iowa State University in Ames. He was not only really good at managing the business, he also found that he truly enjoyed it. That personal awareness led him to change life plans in pursuit of what he loves to do — share his passion for adventure, the outdoors, conservation, and an active lifestyle with JAX customers.

In 1983, Jim opened the first of his front range stores, which was at that time known as Rocky Mountain Surplus in Fort Collins. The JAX name came about in 2002 when he purchased the property where the original Jax Store, owned by the Dreher family, was established for over 30 years. Under Jim’s ownership, his newest store was named Jax Farm & Ranch. The next store to pop up was the first JAX Loveland location, which opened in 2008 and held all the company’s different product categories (outdoor gear, farm and ranch) together under one roof.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

The array of goods available at JAX is extensive to say the least, and it’s all centered around the love of the outdoors. There’s a high probability that you’ll find what you’re looking for whether it’s clothing, footwear, all kinds of outdoor sporting equipment, farming and power equipment, and more.

SERVICES

JAX is an authorized dealer for outdoor power equipment brands like Stihl, Honda, Cub Cadet, and Jumping Jack Trailers. They offer servicing and repair for many of these brands depending on the store location. JAX is also an authorized dealer for Benjamin Moore paints.

If biking is your go to, you can have your bike tuned up at one of the full-service bike shops available at three JAX locations. Archery enthusiasts can find their target by checking out the full-service archery pro shops and ranges (indoor and/or outdoor) offered at several outdoor gear locations.

RECYCLING

JAX is a strong proponent of conservation, so it may come as no surprise that they provide a vibrant recycling program to dispose of your everyday, work, and special project recyclables like cardboard, glass, cork, battery, gas canisters, paint, bailing twine, and more.

RENTALS AND OUTDOOR SERVICES

JAX also offers all kinds of services and support for outdoor enthusiasts. Gear rental is available for activities like cross country skiing, canoeing, and camping. You can even rent a tent! From hunting and fishing licenses to refilling your propane tank, JAX can help you prepare for your next outdoor adventure.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

What really drives JAX is helping people enjoy the great outdoors. Part of that mission is to do their part to conserve the environment so that there is a great outdoors to enjoy. Since the family’s first store opened in Iowa back in 1955, the owners have been making it their business to be environmentally responsible.

One way they do that is by following the principle of “reuse and re-new”. As an example, JAX purchases and renovates existing buildings rather than building brand new. They take it a step further by installing recycled lighting fixtures purchased from downsized buildings, and using energy efficient parking lot lighting. As Marketing Director, Ashley Vander Meeden, puts it, “We have a different way of doing business.”

Here at Poudre Valley REA, we love to support our co-op members in their conservation efforts. We have relished the opportunity to partner with JAX by setting up interactive energy education booths at several of their customer events.

COMMUNITY

What would JAX be without community? They actively support community groups like 4-H, the Larimer County Conservation Corps, Idea Wild, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver, and Ducks Unlimited. JAX also supports smaller, local groups with goods and services when possible.

TIS’ THE SEASON

JAX is donning their ‘merry’ by offering some sweet Black Friday deals, as well as opportunities to shop and save throughout the holiday gift-giving season. JAX would be the perfect place to buy your loved one the outdoor power equipment or outdoor adventure gear they have always wanted! Continue reading to see our list of the Top All-Electric Gifts (see pg.7) for this holiday season.

The nine current JAX Mercantile Co. stores include: Jax Outdoor Gear and Jax Ranch & Home in Fort Collins (PVREA member); Jax Outdoor Gear of Ames, Iowa; Jax Outdoor Gear, Ranch & Home and Jax Outdoor Gear in Loveland; Jax Ranch & Home in Lafayette, Jax Outdoor Gear and Jax Ranch & Home in Broomfield; and Jax Cheyenne Outdoor Gear, Farm & Ranch.

Learn more at www.jaxgoods.com