J.E. Staub Recognized for a Lifetime of Leadership, Service, and Lasting Community Impact

JESCO, Inc. is proud to share that its founder, J.E. Staub, has been posthumously honored with the Legacy Award by the Itawamba County Development Council (ICDC). This recognition celebrates Mr. Staub’s lasting impact on Itawamba County through his leadership, vision, and commitment to both industry and community growth. 

Joseph Edwin Staub’s story is one of determination and perseverance. After moving to Fulton, Mississippi in 1940, he worked as a hardware clerk before founding J.E. Staub & Co. at the age of 32 with limited resources. What began as a small side business has since grown into a company serving clients across the Southeastern United States. Through hard work and resilience, Mr. Staub built a company defined by quality, integrity, and lasting relationships. He led JESCO as CEO and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1980. 

Beyond his contributions to the construction industry, Mr. Staub played an instrumental role in advancing economic development in Itawamba County. He served on numerous civic and business organizations, including as past president of the Mississippi General Contractors Association and the Itawamba County Development Council. His leadership was pivotal in helping secure Mueller Brass Company’s manufacturing facility in Fulton, an achievement that continues to benefit the region today.  

Mr. Staub’s legacy extends through both his family and the company he founded. His sons, Travis E. Staub and A.J. “Gus” Staub, played key roles in the company’s growth, with Travis serving in executive leadership for more than six decades and Gus contributing as a prominent architect whose designs shaped communities across North Mississippi. Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of his grandson, Steven E. Staub, President and CEO, along with great-grandson Michael E. Staub, who serves as a senior estimator and project manager. 

For more than 85 years, JESCO has remained an anchor business in Itawamba County, providing long-term employment opportunities and delivering high-quality construction services across the Southeast. The Legacy Award is especially meaningful as it coincides with JESCO’s 85th anniversary and was presented in a facility recently completed by JESCO on the Itawamba Community College campus, highlighting the company’s continued investment in the community Mr. Staub helped shape.