Jess Smith & Sons Cotton LLC

In over 65 years, Jess Smith & Sons Cotton has grown from a local cotton brokerage operation into a major cotton merchandising firm. Mr. Jess Smith, from Jonesboro, Arkansas, founded the company in 1943. Since then the company has experienced solid, steady growth ever since. After the death of Mr. Smith in 1950, the company prospered under the capable leadership of Mr. Leo Smith, the son of Mr. Jess Smith. In 1976 a corporation was formed with Mr. Ernst Schroeder, Sr. became President. Since 1983, the Schroeder family has been the sole owner of the firm. The challenges we encountered have been overshadowed by the illustrious milestones that mark our company's achievement. In 1988, we established the Southern California Finance Company, allowing us to offer financial services to the grower community in California. Two years later, Jess Smith & Sons Cotton acquired a warehouse facility in Bakersfield, California. This allows us to guarantee timely delivery to our mill customers. In 2000, Ernie Schroeder Jr. became C. E. O. of Jess Smith & Sons Cotton. Under his leadership our company has continued to grow, providing sound and reliable service to our customers throughout the world, as we explore and act on opportunities as they present themselves. Jess Smith & Sons Cotton will continue to provide reliable and service to the grower segment in the U.S. as well as mill customers throughout the world, serviced through a network of ly capable agents and representatives.