John Thedford

John D. Thedford is a Co-Founder and CEO of La Familia Pawn and Jewelry. Prior to founding La Familia, he established Value Financial Services in 1994, which operated under the banner name of Value Pawn and Jewelry (Value). During his tenure as CEO, he helped grow the company to 68 stores throughout the Southeastern U.S., establishing it as the largest privately held pawn chain in the United States. Under Thedford's 15-year leadership, Value received significant recognition as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and as one of the best places to work.

Value also consistently earned "World Class" ranking by The Gallup Organization for its excellence in employee and customer engagement. Thedford began his career in Fort Worth, Texas as a CPA for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which led him into working for Cash America. His success in the field was further confirmed in 2008, when he was honored as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year award. He was also recognized as Orlando Business Journal's "Entrepreneur of the Month" in 2007. In 2008, Value Financial merged with EXCORP in a $120 million transaction, which Thedford managed through completion.