Stanford, CA – January 12, 2025 – Jonathan Jones, Managing Partner of Jones Capital, was honored to serve as a guest lecturer for 40 students in "The Enduring Enterprise," a course at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. This esteemed class, co-taught by Leo Linbeck III, President and CEO of Aquinas Companies, LLC, and Thomas Brenninkmeijer, leader in Cofra Holding, focuses on how to transform businesses into enduring institutions in an era where many corporations prioritize short-term gains.
Jonathan shared his personal journey as an entrepreneur and investor, detailing the pivotal trends that have shaped his success and the challenges he’s overcome. He also discussed the investment philosophy of Jones Capital, emphasizing strategies that have fostered growth and resilience within the companies under their leadership. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, allowing students to dive deeper into the principles of building a sustainable enterprise.
Stanford's "The Enduring Enterprise" course explores why institutions are vital to a well-functioning society, particularly in business. It challenges students to think beyond the transient "Silicon Valley model" and consider how to create long-lasting organizations that serve a shared purpose.
Professor Leo Linbeck III highlighted a critical lesson during the class, stating, “First things first—if businesses take care of their people, they will find purpose and have a reason to care about the company. Businesses that fail often neglect their people, leading to their eventual collapse.”
Jones expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "It was an honor to speak to such a talented and motivated group of students at Stanford. The discussions about enduring enterprises align with Jones Capital's philosophy of building businesses that prioritize people, purpose, and long-term success."
Stanford University, ranked the #2 private university in the United States by Forbes, continues to lead in shaping the next generation of business leaders. Jonathan Jones's lecture is part of an ongoing effort to bring real-world expertise into the classroom, inspiring students to think critically about the future of business and leadership.
Jones Capital (Jones) is a family-owned firm specializing in equity investments in middle-market businesses. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Jones takes an active, hands-on approach by partnering with founders and executives to foster growth. By offering dynamic strategies, access to in-house operational expertise, and practical solutions, Jones helps companies achieve sustainable development. The firm's investment focus has included sectors such as transportation and logistics, infrastructure, industrials, construction, and technology and business services. Based in Houston, TX, and Hattiesburg, MS, Jones remains committed to being a growth-driven, value-added partner, aligned with businesses that share its vision for long-term success benefiting all stakeholders—customers, communities, employees, and shareholders. For more information, please visit https://jones.com/.