About Us
A Foundation of Tradition and A Future of Growth
Mark Lax opened his first pawnshop in downtown Spokane, Washington, on October 4, 1979. Over the next 15 years, he expanded with two more locations in Spokane Valley (1983) and North Division (1993). In 1994, he unified the stores under one brand, Pawn 1, with a commitment to top-tier customer service. That same year, Pawn 1 officially launched in Hillyard, Washington, in a 2,500-square-foot store, followed by a fifth location in Post Falls, Idaho, in 1996. Each store was redesigned to offer a consistent, high-quality experience as the business began growing rapidly throughout Idaho.
With a seasoned management team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Pawn 1 has since opened fifteen more locations, stretching from Bremerton, Washington, to Idaho Falls, Idaho. The company’s success is rooted in over four decades of dedication, strong family involvement, and the loyalty of friends and customers. As the business looks to the future, the next generation is set to build on the legacy and values established by Mark Lax, continuing to grow and enhance Pawn 1’s trusted reputation.
Our Core Values
INTEGRITY
We strive to be ethically solid, inspiring trust and honesty throughout our company. We say what we mean, match our behaviors to our words, and hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
CHANGE
We must embrace change enthusiastically from all levels of the organization. We must encourage those from the bottom up to drive this change. Without this value, we will not only lose our competitive edge but also our ability to inspire and renew excitement and growth within our organization.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
By settling for no less than exceptional, we will build enduring relationships with our customers.
COMMUNITY
Building a team within our stores and throughout the communities we serve is a significant priority. Giving back to those same individuals who walk through our doors helps solidify an essential and necessary bond with our community.
GROWTH
In order for Pawn 1, Inc. to grow, it is imperative that the same focus is given to internal growth and the growth of individuals within our organization. This will encourage evolution, progressive development, and expansion for all involved.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership characteristics are instilled and upheld by every individual of the Pawn 1 family. Without this, our organization’s strength will not be at the level of success we all envision.
INNOVATION
By challenging the norm and by using our creativity and imagination to inspire new ideas, the opportunities and sustainability of our organization will remain endless.
FAMILY
As we embark on our journey as an organization, our relationships with one another are essential. Every individual, from every level of Pawn 1, is a part of our family.
Want to Join Our Team?
Learn more about our innovative culture and benefits to joining the Pawn 1 family.