Founded in 1820 by Thomas Aubin, J. F. Germain & Son has been an integral part of the economy of the Jersey Islands for more than 180 years. Philip Germain, Thomas Aubin’s nephew, joined him in the business upon leaving school, and the remainder of the 19th century was spent growing the tobacco processing business. It was from Philip's son, John Francis and his son John Philip, that the Company took its present name during the 1920s.