January 27, 1915

Jack began his retail career by selling work clothes to country stores for about 15 years. Some time during the 1910's he became a customer tailor and opened Jack's Corner, a men's clothing store. In the 20's it is believed that he went into business with his brother Bob (Robert Steele Hayes) for about 20 years on Peachtree Street as "Hayes Brothers Tailors". Jack sold the Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothing line and opened up another location at Camp Gordon where he sold uniforms to the soldiers. From the following article, we can note that he was already a prominent businessman in the Atlanta retail community in 1915.

The Atlanta Constitution 27 January 1915

Pres. Paxon Names New Committees of Merchants' Asso.

Following the annual meeting of the Atlanta Retail Merchants' association last Wednesday evening, at which time Colonel F. J. Paxon, of Davison-Paxon-Stoks, was elected president, President Paxon has made his appointments of the standing committees of the association for the year 1915:

(names omitted from the list unless they are historical or family interest)

Executive Committee: Louis Regenstein, Jack Hayes, H. G. Hastings, Ivan E. Allen, Walter Rich
Membership Committee: H. A. Maier, H. G. Hastings
Legislative Committee: Ivan E. Allen, Chairman, J. P. Allen
Auditing Committee: Jack Hayes, Chairman.
General Committee on Rents: J. P. Allen, Jack Hayes
Entertainment Committee: Walter Rich, Chairman, Jack Hayes,