Q: When did you come to Edward Jones?
A: I came to Edward Jones in 2000. Q: What did you do prior to Edward Jones?
A: I was in the subprime auto finance industry. Q: What is unique about the culture at Edward Jones?
A: Edward Jones has great communication with employees. They respect fairness, and diversity creates an enjoyable environment to work in. Q: What kind of support do you get from the home office?
A: The home-office support regarding system enhancements has made day-to-day operations much easier. The support, training and communication available make stressful situations easier to bear. Q: Are there any specific client stories you would like to share?
A: We had a client in our office for her annual portfolio review. While she was waiting for the Financial Advisor, we were discussing plants and flowers. Come to find out, she works part time at the botanical garden. I mentioned that I like orchids and go to the annual orchid show at the garden. A few days passed, and she showed up at our office with an orchid. She told me she had given it to her mother, but her mother said she had too many plants and couldn't take care of the orchid anymore. My client said she thought of me right away. It's still sitting on my desk, and I've called her twice for tips. It makes you feel like part of a family. Q: Describe a memorable experience with a client or Financial Advisor that typifies the experience of working at Edward Jones.
A: After working for Edward Jones for almost five years, I decided to seek another opportunity. Needless to say, I was back “home” after less than six months. Edward Jones values each and every employee. We are not just a number. Q: Describe the spirit of volunteerism at Edward Jones.
A: There are many ways to volunteer, including Walk for the Cure and Habitat for Humanity, to mention a few. There are always opportunities to try out new systems at the firm’s Usability Lab. We open our doors for the Fourth of July parade and volunteer our office for a “cooling-off spot,” restroom and beverages. Q: What did you think about Edward Jones before coming on board? How about now?
A: Before I came on board, I thought of Edward Jones as a brokerage firm – stocks and bonds, and that’s about it. To my surprise, we offer so much more: life insurance, banking services and education planning. Q: Are you happy with the way Edward Jones has taken care of you in terms of overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: I feel Edward Jones does the best it can to find a benefit plan that is cost-effective but offers the best coverage. Regarding vacation time, we have just about the best that’s available. We have personal days, paid holidays, vacation time and sick leave, as well as funeral leave, pregnancy leave and short-term disability. Q: What does it take to be a successful branch office administrator at Edward Jones?
A: It takes flexibility, patience, compassion and organizational skills. Q: What keeps you at Edward Jones?
A: We truly have the freedom to run a business as a team and get rewarded for doing our best. If you put forth hard work and effort, Edward Jones recognizes it. Q: How do you know when you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I feel successful when I look at our intranet and see my long list of completed to-dos, calls and appointments. Q: What is it like to work in a two-person office?
A: I like the ability to make decisions based on our branch objectives and mission. We are a team, and the decisions we make together and separately impact not only the firm but our business as well. It’s a big responsibility, but I like the challenge and the positive results that come from it. Q: What is your relationship like with your Financial Advisor?
A: My Financial Advisor and I have a great relationship. I feel that we attract people with our similar personality and interests. It is professional and serious, yet relaxed and fun at the same time. We know how to work hard but have fun doing it. We are always looking for opportunities to improve our efficiency and work ethic. Q: What do you do to help your Financial Advisor on a daily basis?
A: I screen calls, incoming e-mail and mail so he has time to make calls and see clients. The day-to-day administrative operations are constant, and there is always something new. Our intranet and good note keeping help with communication. Q: What is your relationship like with your clients?
A: Our clients seem to appreciate our holiday, birthday and special occasion cards, portfolio reminder calls and open houses. If there is a check request, I always follow up to make sure they received it. It really shows that we care, and they like that. Q: What role do you play in increasing branch awareness within your community?
A: I am very involved in marketing the branch. I plan broadcasts, seminars, open houses and client appreciation events. It could even be as simple as walking to the bank for the daily deposit and handing out business cards along the way. I also advertise with the local newspaper. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: The six months of training were very beneficial. Without that training, I probably would not have made it through some days. I must confess, though, I worked at the home office for almost five years prior to being in a branch, so I had a definite advantage. In spite of that, I was introduced to numerous things, and having one specific area (Branch Associate Training) to contact was comforting. Q: What part of the training was most beneficial to you?
A: Much of our training was “hands-on.” When you see something in action, you’re less likely to forget it.
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