Q: What year did you start with Edward Jones?
A: I started with Edward Jones in July 2000. Q: What did you do before coming to Edward Jones?
A: My previous position was Office Administrator for a Real Estate Office. Q: Talk a little about the culture at Edward Jones.
A: The culture at Edward Jones focuses on respecting the value of each associate, and by providing continuous training and education of all associates to ensure a strong and confident team oriented organization. Q: What kind of support do you get from the Head Office?
A: The support offered by Head Office, includes answers to any questions, advice and opinions. We are a part of a very large extended team of experts that can be called on for assistance at any time for us to be able to give our clients the best service possible. Q: How did your previous employers compare to Edward Jones?
A: The companies I worked for before coming to Edward Jones do not compare. The associates at Edward Jones are all regarded as equally important and compensated as such. We have a great Benefits Package, Bonus opportunities, Group RRSP's, Profit Sharing, Promotion and consideration for Limited Partnership regardless of your position in the company. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you contributed?
A: The spirit of volunteerism within the company is immense. We can all benefit from each others experience and we are prepared to help anyone whenever possible. We are all on the same team. Personally, I have been a BOA Mentor for four years, I have assisted my Financial Advisor with New Financial Advisor Support and the Leadership Team, and have contributed to the regional meetings. Q: What did you think of Edward Jones prior to coming here? And now?
A: Before coming to Edward Jones I hadn't really heard of the name or even knew what kind of business it was. Since I have been on board I have realized what a huge successful company this is. As a lot of our business now comes from referrals, word of mouth has become our advertisement. People know who we are and want to do business with us. Q: Do you feel you are taken care of in terms of compensation?
A: This company has made my compensation very attractive. I receive a Performance Appraisal annually resulting in a raise every year, all benefits, Group RRSP's, profit sharing, bonuses, and in the last year I have been promoted to Senior BOA and have been offered a Limited Partnership. Q: What attributes do you need to be a good BOA?
A: You need the confidence to provide excellent customer service. You should be organised, as you will always be multi-tasking, being supportive of your Financial Advisor. You should be continuously developing and improving your knowledge and skills through training and volunteerism are a few qualities you should have to succeed as a BOA. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you are successful?
A: As I go through my daily activities, I know I have achieved success at Edward Jones because I have accomplished all the training necessary to give me the confidence to provide my clients with the best service I can, and also provide my peers with any assistance I am able to, and in return receive respect and appreciation from both. Q: What is it like to work in a two-person office?
A: Initially I thought working in a two-person office might feel a little isolated, but it never has. My Financial Advisor and I operate a very busy and successful office. We appreciate each other and have become quite good friends. Q: What is your relationship like with your Financial Advisor?
A: Our relationship has become very important to both of us. We rely on each other, completely trust each other and have deep mutual respect for each other. We are able to approach each other and discuss anything. We have developed a great team. Q: What do you do every day to help make your Financial Advisor’s job easier?
A: I help my Financial Advisor every day by screening her calls and handling as many of them as possible to allow her to focus on sales. We make all decisions for our office together and bounce ideas off of each other. Q: What is your relationship like with your clients?
A: I have a great relationship with my clients. I keep details about them so that when I am speaking with them they feel special. I always offer them something to drink when they come in for an appointment, and I know just how they like their coffee. If I am away from the office, they always ask where I am. Q: Describe the training you have received at Edward Jones.
A: When I started with Edward Jones, I did not come from the financial industry and really didn't know a lot about it. Edward Jones provided excellent on-line training and support from Head Office. My Financial Advisor also took the time and patience to educate me on the products. When I started, the BOA Mentor program was not yet in effect, but regardless, another BOA in the area called me to welcome me to the firm and offer her assistance anytime I may need it.
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