For Nick Fulton, pawnbroking is a family affair. While struggling through college, his father told him that maybe it was time to learn a trade. In 1991, when his late father-in-law, Ron Smith, told him of his vision to have his family all working together, Nick left college and his bartending job and jumped on board.
“We poured our hearts and souls into this business and grew from one small store in Jackson, Mississippi to now six locations in the area, he recalls. “It was a struggle but with the help of our industry trade association, the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) and countless pioneering pawnbrokers such as the late Charles R. Jones, the late Bob Stogner, and Bob Moulton, I soaked up everything I could. “
Now, as the date for USA Pawn’s 30th Anniversary celebration draws near, Fulton is sentimental. “I never thought USA Pawn would get to this milestone-30 years in the pawn business,” he says, “Nothing about this journey has been easy.”
“The pawn industry has provided me with an invaluable education from recognizing fake gold and diamonds, listening to customer needs, spotting counterfeit designer handbags in the checkout line at Walmart, operating that new digital camera at Christmas, dealing with legislators, serving our community, setting up a flatscreen TV with my eyes closed, firearms safety and the list goes on,” he shares.
Son Nicholas, the eldest grandchild in the family, has followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the business after graduating from college and was named the 2019 Young Professional of the Year by NPA. “He’s always seen his future in pawn, so that was a particularly proud moment for our family,” Nick says.
Along the way, Nick has always given back. He’s served in numerous positions, including on the Board of Directors for NPA, and is currently the President of the Mississippi Pawn Association. He demonstrates a belief in building a solid foundation through proper training of a team that is now over 60-employees strong. He’s well-known to his peers in the industry.
One of them is Seth Gold from American Jewelry and Loan in Detroit, “It has been a pleasure getting to know Nick, both personally and professionally, over the years. We share similar perspectives on family-run businesses in both the challenges and rewards that it can bring. I admire his commitment to his operation, the industry, and the colleagues and friends he has met along the way,” he shares, adding, “Congratulations on this milestone!”
ABOUT USA PAWN: Founded in 1991, USA Pawn operates in Mississippi with six easily accessible locations in Jackson, Pearl, Canton, and Vicksburg. More information is available at usapawn.com or by calling 601-501-7296, or via email at info@usapawn.com. Don’t miss their 30th Anniversary celebration November 4-6!
