Q: What did you do before Edward Jones and why did you choose to change careers?
A: I was basically a career banker for 25 years. So it was a good move for me. I was in the same general area, finance, but there is a big difference between working at the bank and working at Edward Jones. When I decided to leave the bank, I wanted to go somewhere where I was going to have a lot of support, because I really didn’t have a lot of knowledge in that area. So I actually checked out quite a few areas, and Edward Jones was, by far, the best for what I was looking for. Q: What kind of support were you looking for?
A: You have a mentor assigned to you from day one. And all the way along, they have monthly meetings for new Financial Advisors and visiting vets everywhere. So you’re welcome to call anybody, anywhere, anytime. And head office is right there, as well; any questions, if you need help with a portfolio, anything, there’s always somebody to call. So I wasn’t alone whatsoever. They also have a five-month training program, which is better than anywhere else I’ve ever seen. Q: How has your BOA helped you become successful?
A: When I was working at the bank I had to share an assistant among ten other people. Working at Edward Jones and having a BOA is much more efficient. It’s just the two of us so everything is more immediate. There’s no comparison. I can’t even begin to say where she helps me – it’s every single minute of the day. She is able to help most of the clients now; she offers them refreshments and coffee and tea or whatever when they come in, which makes them feel really important. She also deals with anything related to their statements or issues or cheques. That has worked out really well for us. Q: What is it like in your first few years at Edward Jones?
A: When you first join Edward Jones there is a five-month training program and after that you actually open your own branch, or you work out of your home. That first year is really, really hard. You work major hours; you’re going to be out there, meeting people face-to-face, and it’s difficult some days. But that’s part of the recipe. You have to do 25 contacts every day, because if you don’t, your business isn’t going to go anywhere. And you have to have that goal or you’re never going to grow your business. And in the early years you spend a lot of time developing that business and making contacts and getting people to open accounts with you. And as the years progress, it gets a little bit easier, because you get referrals from your clients, you develop relationships with accountants and lawyers and they refer you business. I think it takes about five years to actually get your business to a level where you don’t have to do very much prospecting. But it’s that initial hard work that dictates where your business will be later on and how hard you have to work later.
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