average joes entertainment was formed in 2006 by ceo shannon houchins, country-music artist colt ford and restaurateur zach mcleroy. aje released its first album, colt ford's "ride through the country" on july 4, 2008 which quickly brought notoriety to the new label. soon after average joes artist roster added such acts as brantley gilbert, corey smith, montgomery gentry and locash.