Jegs High Performance
| JEGS Logo | |
| Industry | Performance Automotive Equipment Mail Order |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1960 in Columbus, Ohio |
| Founder | Jeg Coughlin Sr. |
| Headquarters | Delaware, Ohio |
Number of locations | 2 |
| Owner | Greenbriar Equity Group |
| Website | jegs.com |
JEGS High Performance ranks as the second largest automotive equipment mail order business in the United States. Its product range includes performance car parts, aftermarket accessories, tools, and racing apparel. Established in 1960 by Jeg Coughlin Sr. as a modest speed shop, JEGS remained under family ownership until 2022, when Greenbriar Equity Group acquired a controlling interest. Over six decades, JEGS has grown to operate a 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2) distribution center, two mail order facilities, a retail outlet, and the Team JEGS Race Team. The company employs roughly 350 staff members.
History
JEGS Automotive Inc. was founded by Jeg Coughlin Sr. in 1960 within a garage near downtown Columbus, Ohio, addressing the lack of accessible high-performance auto parts for hot rod modification in the Midwest. As JEGS gained recognition for its extensive inventory, the original garage evolved into a thriving enterprise.
In 1988, with the assistance of their father, Jeg Sr.'s four sons—John, Troy, Mike, and Jeg Jr.—purchased the company when they reached adulthood. Each son took charge of a distinct division to enhance operational efficiency. The business continued expanding and introduced free nationwide shipping within 1-2 days in 2005. During this period, JEGS also became a prominent sponsor of NHRA events.
In 2018, the four brothers transferred leadership to Jeg Jr.'s son, Jeg Coughlin III. Under his guidance, the company was acquired by Greenbriar Equity in February 2022 for $421 million. Since that acquisition, JEGS has experienced a gradual revenue decrease from over $400 million in 2020 to approximately $200 million annually by 2023. Following the buyout, management—comprising former Credit Suisse professionals—implemented significant cost-cutting measures including substantial layoffs of call center customer service staff just before Christmas 2022 with severance offers. Most event sponsorships have been discontinued post-acquisition. Nevertheless, JEGS maintains its racing involvement through Elite Motorsports and continues to field a Pro Stock vehicle driven by Troy Coughlin Jr., with Jeg Jr. and Mike Coughlin also competing in Pro Stock under Elite.
Racing
Team JEGS boasts seven NHRA World Championships, sixteen Division Championships, and more than 100 wins across national, divisional, and local competitions.
John Coughlin has transitioned his focus towards supporting his son Cody Coughlin's circle track racing career; Cody participates in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series. John's daughter Kennedi is an avid ice skater.
Troy Sr., an NHRA Pro Modified Champion, joined forces with his son Troy Jr. in a two-car Pro Mod campaign for JEGS.com starting in 2015. Troy Jr. also competes within NHRA's Sportsman Class. Troy Sr.'s daughter Meghan races occasionally, while sisters Paige and Kelly are active drivers of Junior Dragsters.
Mike continues to achieve success in Sportsman Classes and mentors his sons Jack and Clay in drag racing as well as other sports. He is also scheduled to drive for Elite Motorsports in 2025 behind the wheel of their Mountain Motor Prostock entry.
Jeg Jr., a six-time NHRA Champion who secured his fifth Pro Stock title in 2013, has a son—Jeg III—who is distinguished as a high school golf champion.
Charitable contributions
The JEGS Foundation Racing for Cancer Research initiative was established by Jeg Sr., his sons, and their families to support the James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University. All funds raised through this program are fully allocated to cancer research efforts, resulting in several million dollars contributed to date. Additionally, Team JEGS organizes mobile cancer screening units at NHRA weekend events, engaging thousands of drag racing enthusiasts and keeping cancer awareness prominent.
The foundation’s emblem is a ribbon designed with the black-and-white pattern of a racing checkered flag, infused with multiple colors representing various cancer awareness causes. This symbol is prominently displayed on every race car and crew uniform within the Team JEGS motorsports organization.
In June 2013, the JEGS Foundation made a $10 million donation to OSU’s Foundation for Cancer Treatment & Research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio. To honor this significant contribution, the new lobby of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute was named the "JEGS Foundation Lobby."
References
- Asher, John (May 22, 2009). NHRA Finals – Down to the Wire. CompetitionPlus magazine. Retrieved July 7, 2010.