August 2026 – Mississippi pawnbrokers have spent decades building strong relationships with local legislators and helping policymakers better understand the important role the pawn industry plays in their communities. That continued outreach was recently on display when members USA Pawn, Gold N Guns, and Collateral Lenders LLC attended a fundraiser for Senator Chad McMahan. The group was also joined by Senator Bart Williams, who owns a pawn shop in Ackerman and brings a firsthand understanding of the business to the Mississippi Senate.
Sen. McMahan is a longtime supporter of the industry who has helped advance favorable legislation for pawnbrokers across the state. In his own words, he shares why the work of local pawnbrokers is not only economically important, but deeply personal to him:
“When families face unexpected expenses, they need a place to turn, and for generations, local pawnbrokers have fulfilled that role. I know this personally; my own family relied on them to bridge financial gaps during difficult times.
As a child, I accompanied my father to pawn shops and watched him secure the funds we needed. I observed business owners who knew their customers, understood their circumstances, and helped families navigate challenging moments with dignity and respect.
I have always regarded pawnbrokers as fair assessors of a product’s true value. When a family member passes away or an inheritance is transferred, the next generation often lacks knowledge of the value of items such as coins, jewelry, or firearms. In my experience, pawnbrokers frequently assist families in identifying that value and support them through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
That experience has stayed with me. Today, the pawn industry continues to provide essential financial services to thousands of Mississippians, particularly those without access to traditional credit.
When a washing machine breaks, a bill comes due, or a paycheck is still days away, pawnbrokers offer immediate, practical assistance.
This issue is personal to me. I am grateful to Mississippi’s pawnbrokers for the role they play in supporting our communities and strengthening our local economies.”
