Jones Publishing has been in business for 26 years.
“We’re doing a lot and we got a lot more coming up in the future,” said Joe Jones, who cofounded the business with his wife, Maggie.
Jones Publishing, located at N7528 Aanstad Road, hosted the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Five event April 12.
“We’re here for the long haul,” company president Ryan Jones told the I-S Chamber members. “We feel like Iola really needs us here.”
The Iola-based publisher’s first magazines were Piper and Cessna, which they have produced since 1990.
Jones Publishing sponsors a fly-in at the Stevens Point Airport during the annual EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh. According to Ryan Jones, the event helps them recruit new members and solicit ad sales.
“In national publications, it’s hard to get that face-to-face time with readers and members,” he said.
The company’s collector division includes Dolls and Teddy Bears.
Jones Publishing recently bought out its competitors, which more than doubled its collectible division.
“We are the magazine in the industry,” Ryan Jones said.
Recent copies of magazines and a limited edition collector doll, “New Girl in New York,” by Jason Woo, were on display at the Business After Five event.
Creating the one-of-a-kind doll was the idea of Dolls editor Carie Ferg. Because of its success, more limited edition dolls will be offered in the future.
Jones Publishing also has a craft division, which includes Crafts, Crafts Report, and Fire Arts & Crafts.
A year ago, the company launched an inspirational division with the purchase of Significant Living, a magazine that has been published since the 1960s. Originally named The Christian Reader, it features stories of faith and inspiration.
Jones Publishing also hopes to relaunch Knucklebones, a magazine about board games.
“Every title we have has its core group of people,” Ryan Jones said, “that’s what makes it really fun.”
“We are a service business,” he said. “We find people who are passionate about something and we give them what they want.”
The company currently has about 20 employees. They hope to expand to 100-150 employees within the next 10-15 years.