Ralston named Hometown Hero for entrepreneurial spirit

Since his formidable years Queen Creek resident Jerome J. Ralston knew he wanted to be in business for himself.

“I told my mom that I was going to be a businessman and she just laughed,” he recalled.

Mr. Ralston lists assisted living, janitorial services, and realtor among his career experiences. His entrepreneurial spirit, however, continues and has led him to what he feels is his most meaningful work.

Mr. Ralston, owner of East Valley Rides, helps disabled and elderly residents in under-served communities with non-emergency rides to doctor visits, dialysis appointments, hospital stays, errands, and more.

East Valley Rides was born out of necessity.

Mr. Ralston’s wife, Kimberly --- better known as Ms. Kitty --- developed Multiple Sclerosis and needed help getting around.

“Thank God she has me, but there are many people out there who need help,” he pointed out.

Mr. Ralston saw a need for specialized transportation in the Valley, especially East Valley communities such as Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Coolidge, San Tan Valley, and Casa Grande. A friend of his gave him an “ugly” but well-equipped van and so it was: a business venture.

Using connections made in other enterprises, Mr. Ralston was able to launch his new business. Fast-forward three years later, East Valley Rides now operates with a fleet of seven various ADA compliant vehicles and services 60 to 70 clients per day in communities throughout the Valley, particularly specializing in the areas near and around Queen Creek.

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Mr. Ralston as the August 2021 Hometown Hero bestowed in the Entrepreneur Category. Mr. Ralston was nominated by his wife of 34 years, Ms. Kitty.

“Who would know that East Valley Rides, under the leadership of Jay, would be so significant?” she said in her nomination. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, he had the ability to service both the healthy and the ill. In fact, Jay had the distinguished honor to contribute lunch for the frontline heroes at Ironwood hospital.”

Mr. Ralston combines his passion for helping others with his entrepreneurial experiences to create a service that not only cares for its clients but employees as well.

“This is a very rewarding business. You know you’re helping people. You’d be shocked at how many people in our area are disabled and need this,” he said.

“And, I’ve always had a soft spot for the elderly as my wife and I are old souls.”
Mr. Ralston is equally proud of the relationship he has with his staff of about 12 employees.

“We are so blessed to have a great crew; they are truly like a family. I’m proud to say that we offer full benefits, pay well, and take care of our people,” he said. “I take time screening who I hire. They have to have a passion to want to help people and you can’t fake that.”

The Ralstons were winter visitors to Arizona from Michigan for 20 years and moved to Queen Creek about 10 years ago, loving the weather and the golfing opportunities.

They are very proud of their two children. Joshua Dakota Ralston holds a business management degree from Grand Canyon University and is a mortgage broker, working with his dad at times. Mariah Savannah Ralston works for Fresenius Medical Care, a company offering dialysis services and is also a licensed esthetician.

Mr. Ralston is also thankful for help received through the Town of Queen Creek with a small PPE loan during the pandemic.

“I was truly honored to receive that,” he said. “Our business relied heavily on PPE and the loan really helped us be able to continue offering our services.”
The Queen Creek Independent, along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Mr. Ralston as this month’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.

Nominations sought

Submissions will continuously be sought from the Queen Creek community in multiple categories. All nominations to aznews@newszap.com will be reviewed, and monthly winners will be selected based on their community contributions.

Nominations should include name, email address and phone number along with the category of nomination, some details about the person being nominated and what accomplishments they have done.

A nomination form is here.