Tom Jones, a professional photographer and Graphics Specialist at BraunAbility, has done his part to give back to a community he loves. Through his work at BraunAbility and his photography, Jones has been able to share new opportunities, his ideas, and his passions with Northwest Indiana.
Born and raised in Winamac, Indiana, Jones attended Winamac Community High School. He has always been drawn to Pulaski County and the quiet beauty it provides his life.
“I love small towns. I couldn’t live in a big city,” he said. “I love going outside at night and seeing all the stars.”
After graduating, he enrolled at Purdue University and studied Technical Graphics. He promptly put his degree to use after graduation.
“I work at BraunAbility as a Graphics Specialist,” Jones said. “We are the world’s leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles and lifts. I’ve been there for over 25 years now.”
BraunAbility, based in Jones’s hometown of Winamac, provides independence to wheelchair users around the world. From wheelchair vehicles that offer flexibility in seating and manuevuring to wheelchair lifts for vans, BraunAbility has offered people who use wheelchairs a chance to live their life how they want, something Jones has had a hand in.
“I’ve lived in this community all my life so it is very important to give back, because it has given me so much,” he said. “No matter where you go in life, it will always be home.”
While his career has satisified his desire to give back to people in need, photography has always been a part of his life and one of his favorite hobbies, going back to his childhood and his influential father.
“My dad was a huge influence. He taught here for 40+ years and I got my drawing and design skills from him,” Jones said. “My family has always supported me, including everyone who has bought one of my photos to hang on their wall, which really means a lot.”
Jones has put those skills to good use and has made a name for himself in the community. At the Indiana State Fair just a few weeks ago, Jones was named as one of the overall winner of the 2018 Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s photo contest. His photograph, “Milky Way Harvest,” will be displayed in the offices of the Lt. Governor’s Family of Business in Indianapolis.
While the recognition is a true honor, photography has always been a way for Jones to connect with the community in a creative way.
“I love sharing what I see through the camera lens with everyone. I’m always trying to come up with new ideas,” he said. “Photography really is my creative outlet.”
For more information about Tom Jones’s photography, please visit his website at tomjones.smugmug.com.