Jax Mercantile Co. has a dedication to customer service and a tradition of loving the great outdoors. We offer part and full time opportunities to energetic and dependable people can offer quality service to our customers Jax began in 1955 as small building on the edge of the Dreher family pickle farm where the boys sold military surplus items. At the same time in Ames, Iowa, Marvin & Lola Quinlan opened a small military surplus store. At 18, Marvin & Lola's son, Jim, became Store Manager and sole employee.