A celebration of Jack Gregory’s life

On 11^th May, Jack Gregory passed away peacefully. Jack was pivotal to the growth of Gregory Group having run the company for 38 years between 1947-1985. In this article, we look back at Jack’s life and what he achieved for our business.

Jack was born in 1924 and educated at Okehampton Grammar School.

On leaving school he worked at Lloyds Bank in Tavistock.  Five years later, with admirable foresight, he joined his father Archie in the business now known as Gregory Group.

It had been decimated by the Second World War, but Jack was not phased by this. With a clear vision for the business, he set about rebuilding it. Within his first two years, he acquired a business and purchased the first brand new lorry, a Bedford.

Organic expansion and the acquisition of four businesses in the 1950s and 1960s meant huge growth in terms of capacity and range. Between 1950 and 1961 alone, the Gregory fleet grew from 6 to 18 trucks.

By the early 1960s the company was outgrowing its premises, so Jack purchased new premises in North Tawton. It was here that the growth of the business really took off. With space to grow, Jack invested in a warehouse. He also expanded into long-distance distribution and began to make Gregory a national brand.

Those who knew Jack remember how his vision to build the business was never overshadowed by his passion for people. He never forgot the core family values that his Dad first instilled in the business. One hundred and six years later, those values are still central to everything we do.

When Jack retired, his second-born son, John Gregory, took over the business and began building on the sound foundations Jack created. But while he was in retirement, Jack always had an ear to the ground, staying close to the business, offering support and guidance whenever asked. A particular highlight of his retirement was the visit of King Charles (Prince Charles at the time) in 2019 to celebrate our centenary.

From all of us at Gregory Group we send our condolences to Mrs Gregory and all the Gregory family. His hard work and vision will never be forgotten.