Founded by the visionary Harvey Paul Jones in the early 20th century, Jones & Henry Engineers will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As we anticipate that upcoming milestone, we reflect on our firm’s rich history.
Chapter 2: Expansion and Growth
Founded in 1926 as H.P. Jones & Company, the firm began its journey with a commitment to engineering excellence. Over the years, key individuals brought unique expertise and leadership that fueled its growth. The significant turning point in the company’s history came with the addition of Thomas Henry, Richard Batch, and Harold Stepleton, which marked the beginning of substantial expansion. By 1941, the company had completed more than fifty projects worth an impressive $20 million, establishing a strong reputation in the industry.
Thomas Henry, who became a partner in 1944, played a crucial role in this growth phase. Born in Woodbury, New Jersey, Thomas earned an engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1917. That same year, he joined the United States Army, serving in the 19th Engineer Battalion, a combat engineering unit. After leaving the service, Thomas worked in West Palm Beach, Florida, eventually becoming City Engineer. That role ultimately led him to H.P. Jones & Company, where he would become a pivotal figure.
After joining H.P. Jones & Company, Thomas commuted between West Palm Beach and Toledo. His permanent move to Toledo in 1944 solidified his commitment to the firm and marked his emergence as a civic leader in the community. His leadership was especially vital during the reorganizations that followed Harvey Jones’s passing in 1948. Thomas ensured that the company not only honored Jones’s legacy but also adapted to the evolving needs of the engineering landscape.
The company’s name changed over the years, reflecting the shifting landscape of partnerships and leadership. Ultimately, it became known as Jones & Henry Engineers. The firm has consistently focused on high-quality consulting services in water, wastewater, stormwater, and civil engineering, serving municipalities and industries across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
Resilience has been a hallmark of Jones & Henry Engineers, as the firm navigated through historical challenges such as the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It met each obstacle with perseverance, showcasing a commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering.
Jones & Henry Engineers boasts a diverse staff of professionals, including environmental, civil, electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineers, alongside certified water and wastewater systems experts. They tackle complex engineering challenges and adapt to each project’s unique needs.
The company also employs technicians, programmers, CAD operators, drafters, field representatives, and administrative personnel, ensuring a collaborative and comprehensive approach to engineering. Our team-oriented philosophy helps set Jones & Henry Engineers apart in the competitive engineering sector.
As we reflect on Jones & Henry Engineers’ upcoming 100th anniversary, it is clear that the firm embodies the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and community leadership. From its early days as a small engineering firm to our current status as a regional powerhouse, Jones & Henry continues to uphold its founding principles while embracing innovation for the future.
