Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I am responsible for the Service division, which provides associates and clients across Canada with solutions to transaction processing issues and service-related questions. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: Our division is a bridge between the field and the home office. We reinforce key messages, deliver ongoing training, develop and maintain reference material and answer "how/when/what/where/why" questions. Q: When did you start at Edward Jones? And when did you begin your current position?
A: I joined Edward Jones in 1996 and have been a general partner since 2009. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I was the manager for a dental office, responsible for appointment scheduling, office administration, accounts receivable/payable, marketing, and client service. 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: I will always remember observing a Financial Advisor and Branch Office Administrator (BOA) and finding that the work they do isn't always what you'd expect. My first day at a branch, I helped put together a book shelf to store marketing literature. You never know what you're going to get involved with – but the nice thing is that people are flexible and hard-working. I think that's the type of person we attract. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from that of your previous job. What is unique?
A: Since I started, not one day has been the same as another – and that's the best part. I love working here because I always get a chance to contribute in a new way – depending on what's going on and what needs to be done. Responsibility-based Management is our foundation, and we have specific responsibilities, but how we achieve results is for us to define. This creates ownership, provides opportunities to learn and makes the work both challenging and rewarding. Q: One area in which Edward Jones prides itself is enabling associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: With two young kids at home, it's good to know we have the support of Human Resources to manage through various life stages and situations. We also have the support of our peers and leaders to put the well-being of associates and their families first. Q: What does the firm's partnership structure mean to you?
A: We focus on making long-term decisions for the benefit of our associates and clients. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I didn't know anything about the firm beforehand. To me, though, the Edward Jones name stands for a firm built by one man who believed in doing what's right for the client, no matter how much he or she has to invest, which hasn't and won't change. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: We support the United Way and I served as chair for the Canadian home-office campaign in 2005. I worked with many people who eagerly put in extra effort, time and creativity to help those who are less fortunate. Q: Do you see opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: I believe the partnership structure provides the opportunity for anyone, at any level, to share in the business, and that opportunity grows along with your responsibilities and contributions. Q: Are you rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: I believe that initiative and extra efforts are rewarded within the guidelines to ensure fairness. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to succeed in the home-office environment?
A: A person needs to be down-to-earth, positive, flexible and hardworking. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I look forward to managing growth and change, and to learning from the people around me. There is plenty of work to do and a lot of incentive to do things right the first time to help meet our clients' needs. It's exciting to look ahead and see what more we could be doing as a firm to serve the needs of more serious, long-term individual investors in Canada. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you've achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I know I've achieved success when we work together to solve problems and when branch and client feedback indicates that we're meeting or exceeding their needs. I see few, if any, complaints coming into our area. Q: At Edward Jones, nearly all the firm's leaders are located in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: It creates a more informal atmosphere that helps people feel connected and involved. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: I have attended a variety of unique management training courses and had great support while participating in an MBA program on a part-time basis. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: The firm offers a comprehensive new associate orientation, followed by role/department-specific training and observation.
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