Q: When did you start at Edward Jones?
A: I began my career with Edward Jones in August 1986. Q: What did you do previously?
A: I worked in accounts receivable at a local hospital, as a night manager at a family-owned restaurant and as a mom. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones.
A: The culture at Edward Jones is why I am still here after more than 20 years. Edward Jones seeks to meet the needs of the individual investor while creating an atmosphere for employees to learn, grow, improve, succeed and enhance our personal lives as well as our professional careers. For example, I was asked to be the spokesperson at a firm-sponsored BOA Regional meeting. I was very shy, and this took every bit of courage I could muster to stand and give our team responses to the group. Everything turned black and white, my heart was beating so loud I thought everyone in the room could here it, and I felt like my voice was projected though a paper towel tube. I realized I was close to passing out! I never wanted to feel that way again, so I thought the only way to remedy this was to volunteer for every opportunity to speak in front of a group. It was not easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. I believe Edward Jones saw my desire to succeed and allowed me to. Q: Talk a little about the support you get from the home office.
A: As we progress in our knowledge, our need to personally contact the home office is greatly reduced. That said, someone once termed the BOA position as “the monster we’ve created” by all that we are supposed to know and be and deliver. It’s true, but JonesLink (the firm’s intranet) offers so much at our fingertips. It’s an awesome means of knowledge delivery, and if the need presents itself, we can call. Home-office associates know how to get the answers we need. Q: Describe a memorable experiences with a client that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones.
A: There are so many, from the homemade jellies brought at Christmas, to the single rose delivered for exceptional service, to the funeral home visits where family members hug and express their gratitude to me for the love I showed their mom or dad over the years. That says so much that a client would speak of me to family to warrant those types of responses. My Financial Advisor has often said many of our clients think of me as their own daughter – wow. Need I say more? Q: How does Edward Jones compare to the companies where you previously worked?
A: There is no comparison between Edward Jones and other companies. Edward Jones is EXEMPLARY! Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved?
A: You can or don’t have to, but let me tell you, volunteering allows you to experience all that Edward Jones has to offer, and it builds character along the way. As stated above, I have volunteered for many, many roles. Without volunteering, one would miss out on so many opportunities to succeed, both professionally and personally. Q: Are you happy with the way Edward Jones has taken care of you in terms of the overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: I cannot complain. My Financial Advisor has always been very fair with my hourly rates, bonuses and making certain I received limited partnership – even before he did because I was at this branch two years before he got here. That was very generous and selfless of him. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to succeed as a BOA?
A: Successful BOAs need to be self-starters, self-motivated, creative sponges who look for ways to enhance their abilities, knowledge and skills. They need to be team players who do not need to be exalted personally but corporately. They need to be visionaries and see the benefits to hard work. Vince Lombardi says, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” Q: What keeps you at Edward Jones?
A: I stay here because I completely believe in what the firm is and stands for. I am allowed to continue to grow and learn and be a part in the success of this branch office, our region and our firm. Edward Jones offers me the ability to save for retirement and even contributes to that cause. I am allowed to be a limited partner in this great firm, something I am most proud of. In listening to others and viewing their circumstances, I am truly grateful to work for such a fine firm, and I look forward to many more years here until I am finally able to retire, as that is the only way I will leave! Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I leave you with another quote, this from Soledad O’Brien: “The difference between a good day and a bad isn’t about what changes in your day. It’s about what changes in you.” My life had changed so dramatically over my years at Edward Jones. I was able to confront my fear of speaking in public and fulfill my desire to lead in women’s ministries at my church. Because of the opportunities Edward Jones has afforded me, I have had so many opportunities to speak to ladies groups, lead Bible studies and encourage other ladies. I have not only gained so much professionally, but personally and spiritually as well. I have gained a confidence that I never had before, and I owe so much to Edward Jones for giving me all the opportunities to succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
|
