Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones?
A: I began my career at Edward Jones in 1998. Q: What did you do previously?
A: I was a stay-at-home mom and worked part time as a teachers’ aide at local intermediate school, grades 3 – 5. From 1968 to 1984, I worked on Wall Street for various brokerage firms. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones.
A: The environment is nurturing. There is always room for advancement, and it is very ethical. Q: Talk a little about the support you get from the home office.
A: As BOAs, we have full 800-number backup and support on every topic. Q: Describe a memorable experience with a client that encapsulate or typifies what it’s like to work for Edward Jones.
A: An elderly couple came in to open a trust account and two retirement accounts. They were very unhappy with their broker and wanted to move their assets to Edward Jones as soon as possible. I handled all the necessary new account forms and transfer paperwork. I kept them up-to-date on the transfer process, and when all was completed the clients sent me flowers! Just recently the husband passed away, and the wife said she thinks of my Financial Advisor and me as family and didn’t know what she would do without us. Q: How does Edward Jones compare to the companies where you previously worked?
A: At other brokerage firms, I was "staff" or a number. At Edward Jones, I am part of a family. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved?
A: Edward Jones is a family, and we support one another. I have been BOA Regional Meeting coordinator for three years, and I mentor new BOAs. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: Edward Jones was unknown on the East Coast. Now Edward Jones is a source of pride for me. 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: Absolutely! Raises, bonus, profit sharing, 401(k) match, limited partnership opportunities, three weeks’ vacation and sick time that I can accumulate over the years. What’s not to like? Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to succeed as a BOA?
A: You should be a self-starter and pay attention to detail. You should also have the ability to follow through on a task until completed. And you really have to care about the business. Q: What keeps you at Edward Jones?
A: One reason is the close relationship with a wonderful Financial Advisor. Another is the home office, whose dedication to supporting the branch cannot be found in anywhere else. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I can now handle all aspects of running a branch, and that’s a pretty big deal. Q: What do you do every day to help your Financial Advisor?
A: I prepare portfolios and other necessary paperwork for upcoming appointments. I do a daily review of his calendar, to-dos and activities, then review them with him. Q: What is your relationship like with clients?
A: We are extremely close, warm and friendly. Clients are not considered business but part of our lives here at the branch. Q: How important is it that you work close to home? Has it increased your quality of life?
A: It’s very important! I live and work in the same town. Being able to work within minutes is a big plus. No commute to the city means that on beautiful days I walk to work, stopping along the way to talk to neighbors. Q: What role do you play in increasing awareness of your branch within the community?
A: The awareness is already there – the Financial Advisor is so well known and respected within the community that there isn’t much to do. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: The module training is all online. Support from the home office’s toll-free number and Branch Associate Training was priceless.
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