Owners: Craig S. Jones CET-s
Craig began in the elevator industry in 1988 with American Stair-Glide of Grandview, MO. As a CAD drafting designer, his first experience was drawing complex curved stairway lift rail drawings by hand and then establishing a computer-aided drafting department to automate the design of elevator and lift equipment.

Because Craig had a drive to excel in business, he requested the opportunity to start a local sales division: American Accessibility Contractors. He began this venture at the same time as the institution of the Americans with Disabilities Act and was able to be involved with providing testimony on its importance in offer equal access to all Americans.

While establishing American Access Contractors, Craig learned about the varied construction of residential and commercial buildings and all of the potential difficulties in retrofitting elevator and lift equipment in existing construction. Craig worked with several non-profit Centers for Independent Living in Kansas and Missouri and was the treasurer for the Coalition for Independence for several years.

Craig's involvement in Independent Living provides him with a close understanding of personal access issues and living environments. His involvement with the KC Home Builders Association and HBA of greater Springfield have provided a deep background in home building and working to assist home builders and home buyers in design and construction of home elevator solutions to fit any budget and any space.

As the accessibility business grew in the 1990s Craig began working with the newly formed Access Industries Inc. to develop new locations across the US, including Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Springfield. This understanding of the growing market began his interest in owning his own business. "It would seem that business ownership is in my genes; my grandfather, George Jones, owned a body shop in Springfield while I was growing up, and I was always there watching how the process worked, from the estimate to the finished product." His great-grandfather, William Jones, owned one of Springfield's founding businesses, Jones Dry Goods. His picture appears on the Frisco Days Cover as a 1903 Founder of the Commercial Club of Springfield. His business was in two locations on Commercial Street next to the old Fire Station #1 and across the street.

In 1998, Craig opened a Springfield branch of American Access Systems, a division of Thyssen Access. This then became his own business, Country Home Elevator & Stair Lift LLC, in 2000. Country Home Elevator was established to be a customer-driven business, not selling from one product line, but offering elevators and lifts from many manufacturers.

This was a simple decision for Craig because he knew that not every supplier made every product on the market and not every supplier made the best of every product. "There are some companies the make very good stairway lifts, but really lousy wheelchair lifts and vice versa. By having the experience of knowing all the major brands of lifts and elevators, we can recommend the best unit for your needs," says owner Craig Jones.

Craig holds an Associate Science Degree in Communications from Southwest Baptist University, a degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design from ITT, and studied at Baker University SGPS in Overland Park, KS, with a Bachelor in Business Administration Program.

Kim Jones - Owner
Kim holds a degree in Music Education from Southwest Baptist University. Kim was an elementary school music teacher in Independence, MO for 7 years before moving to Brighton. She has been in retail music sales and studied German Lieder vocal music with Mdm. Thilde Beuing Professor emeritus, UMKC School of Music.

As an owner, she has become an expert at Quickbooks and provides the company all financial documentation, AP, AR, payroll, and insurance. Kim also takes incoming customer calls and can answer most questions about our products.

Chuck Meppelink - Residential Sales Consultant - Springfield Market
Chuck is a six year veteran with CHE and holds the title for largest volume Midwest sales for ThyssenKrupp Access LEV residential elevators. Chuck has been to customized training at ThyssenKrupp Access and is very familiar with the many product lines CHE carries. He has experience in marketing, print advertising, and media productions.

His sales territory covers most of Southern Missouri: Rolla, Lake Ozark, Camdenton, Warsaw, Clinton, Nevada, Joplin, Neosho, Cassville, Shell Knob, Kimberling City, Branson, Forsythe, Hollister, Ava, West Plains, Mt. View, Salem, Lebanon, Springfield, Bolivar, Buffalo, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Marshfield, Mansfield, Webb City, Eagle Rock, Rogersville, Brighton, Waynesville, St. Robert and St. James; Arkansas: Belle Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Berryville, Harrison, Mt. Home, Cherokee Village, and Bull Shoals; and Ft. Scott, Iola, Pittsburg, Baxter Springs, and Oswego, Kansas.

You may contact Chuck at 800-313-5640, 417-840-5501, or by email at mlinkche@cs.com.

Ronald Gist - Commercial Sales Consultant/Installer - Springfield Market
Ron has an Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and 20 plus years of electronics troubleshooting experience. He has experience with Schumacher, ThyssenKrupp Access, National Wheelovator, Bruno, Waupaca, Summit, and Concord elevator and lift equipment. His experience with church construction and Allen Organs is very helpful in knowing how to work with church committees, local codes and building characteristics.

Ron is available to meet with architects and builders to review plans and provide specifications for the products we offer. He can meet with your church or community group to review plans or existing buildings to help locate an elevator or wheelchair lift.

You may contact Ron at 417-766-1101 or 800-898-5090.