Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I am responsible for the Insurance Licensing department, which ensures that insurance licenses for the firm, Financial Advisors, and head office associates are obtained and maintained in compliance with regulatory requirements. Q: Describe how your department contributes to the firm's success.
A: We ensure Financial Advisors are properly licensed so that they can serve our clients. Q: When did you start at Edward Jones? And when did you start in your current position?
A: I joined the firm in 1998 as a registration specialist and became a team leader in December 2004. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I was a registration officer at the Ontario Securities Commission. Q: Are there any memorable experiences you’d like to share that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones?
A: A Financial Advisor's insurance license had been terminated prior to his employment with Edward Jones as he had been out of the industry more than the allowable time. I was able to work with the regulators to extend his validity and reinstate his license without rewriting the qualifying examinations. Every time I talk to this Financial Advisor, he mentions this and how grateful he is for my assistance. This makes it all worthwhile. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from that of your previous job. What is unique?
A: Teamwork. Everyone works together. Other organizations I've worked for had a distinctive hierarchy that is absent at Edward Jones. Everyone takes part in projects, discussions and decisions regarding the day-to-day functions. It truly makes you feel as though your opinion and, more importantly, your role within the firm are appreciated. Q: One area in which Edward Jones prides itself is enabling its associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: My children are quite young. It really helps that my leader is flexible with time off for a sick child or a doctor's appointment. Also, with remote access, I can work from home. Q: What does the firm's partnership mean to you?
A: It means truly contributing to the firm and being part of it. It is an amazing opportunity to be a limited partner of the firm. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I only knew of the firm because I worked for the regulator and had come across the file during the annual renewal. I had no knowledge of the firm's branches or operation. Actually, when I came for my first interview, I was worried about the firm being so small. There were fewer than 60 head office employees in Canada. I was not aware of the U.S. operation. After I joined the firm, I realized just how large it was. This was further realized after my first visit to the St. Louis home office. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: There are many volunteer opportunities at Edward Jones. I had never worked in an environment where it was encouraged to volunteer. It has been a great experience that has allowed me to meet other associates. I was on the Entertainment Team committee for three years. I also participated in Caring for a Day with the United Way. Our group painted a shelter for abused women. I have also participated in Tuesday and Saturday promotions for the firm. Q: Do you think Edward Jones has taken good care of you in terms of overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: I believe the compensation structure to be very fair and competitive with the industry. The medical coverage is good, but I find the premiums a little high compared to what my friends are paying at other firms. The DPSP and the matching contribution by the firm are great. The vacation time I find to be a little below the industry. In the past two firms where I worked before Edward Jones, I always started at three weeks' vacation. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: Absolutely. Edward Jones provides superior training to all associates and Financial Advisors who are interested in advancing in their careers in addition to the tuition reimbursement program. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home-office environment?
A: There are many personalities here, which is what makes it such a great place to work. I don't believe there are any set qualities. To succeed, you just need to be yourself. Everyone is capable of positive contribution to the firm. Take pride in your work, and do your best. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I hope to be here for a very long time. There are some positions that have a certain appeal, but I'm happy in my current role. I have been in this environment for more than 15 years, and I can honestly say it’s definitely not boring. There is always something new happening, whether it's new regulation or new technology. It keeps it challenging. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: In the simple things: I've answered a Financial Advisors question or addressed his or her concern. I've received a new license or renewed a license. I've called the Insurance Council and clarified an inquiry. Most importantly, I have not let a license lapse or expire. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: This is definitely the first time I've seen this type of setup. It is part of the culture, and it reinforces the firm's culture of teamwork. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: I have been given the opportunity to grow and become a leader. All the leadership courses offered by the firm promote growth and development I have not seen before. I really appreciate that Edward Jones takes the time and is committed to its associates in this manner. Q: In terms of ongoing training, are you able to use either internal or external continuing education to grow your career at Edward Jones?
A: Every year I attend at least one class. Most of these classes are in-house, but I am encouraged to attend other courses for my development and growth. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: As the firm grows, so do the existing departments, and new departments are created. This all creates leadership opportunities throughout the firm. When I started with Edward Jones, there were fewer than half the leaders we now have in the Mississauga head office.
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