Before there was a million, there were 350.
In 1955, a group of 350 high school students across New Orleans did something bold. They didn’t just learn about business—they built them.
Inside borrowed office space and under the guidance of local business leaders, these young people launched real companies, sold real products, and made real decisions. One of those companies, JAMCO Manufacturing, was sponsored by Jax Brewery and quickly got to work producing and marketing its own product: an aluminum spice rack designed for New Orleans kitchens.
At the center of that effort was 17-year-old Jim Kincaid, president of JAMCO. What happened next helped define the future of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. Kincaid didn’t just lead—he excelled. He was named the city’s first “Best Salesman” and “Achiever of the Year,” then advanced to regional and national competitions for JA students, where he earned top honors as “President of the Year,” a remarkable achievement in the first year of JA of Greater New Orleans.
But this story isn’t just about one student.
It’s about a city that showed up.
From shipbuilders to banks, from oil companies to retailers, New Orleans businesses stepped forward to sponsor student companies and mentor young people.
Early supporters included Celotex Corporation; Continental Can Corporation; D.H. Holmes Company; ESSO (a division of Standard Oil Company); Falstaff Brewing Corporation; Gulf Oil; Gulf Refining Company; Hi-Jax; Higgins, Inc.; Humble Oil and Refining Company; Interstate Electric Company; Jackson Brewing Company; John-Manville Products Corporation; Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation; Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Louisiana Power and Light Company; Maison Blanche; National Gypsum Company; New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (NOPSI); Pan-American Southern Corporation; Pellerin Milnor Corporation; Progressive Bank and Trust Company; Rheem Manufacturing Company; Sears, Roebuck and Company; Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company; and The Texas Company.
And the momentum was immediate. By the following year, even more companies—including Shell Oil and Freeport—joined in, expanding opportunity for even more students.
This is where it began: 350 students, dozens of companies, and a community willing to invest in the potential of its young people.
Today, that investment is about to reach a milestone—one million students served.
We’ll be sharing more soon about the student who represents this moment. For now, we invite you to look back with us—and forward—to what’s possible when a city believes in its young people.
As we approach GiveNOLA Day, we invite you to be part of this moment for Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. Early giving is now open through May 5, and every gift helps us reach more young people with experiences that build financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills. As we approach serving our one millionth student, your support ensures the next generation has the tools and confidence to succeed. You can make your gift today and be part of what comes next.