Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones?
A: I started April 1987 in the home office. I worked there until March 1997. I have been in a branch office since January 2004. Q: What did you do previously?
A: I worked at a fast-food restaurant. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones.
A: The culture at Edward Jones is family-oriented and very focused on doing what’s right for the client. Q: Talk a little about the support you get from the home office.
A: Two words: pound 11 (a support line to the home office for branches)! I’d be lost without it. They are the main artery of the heart that pumps me where I need to go when I need to get there! Q: Describe a memorable experience with a client that typifies what it’s like to work for Edward Jones.
A: I have a few, but I think what’s dearest to my heart is when I lost my sister, who lived in Michigan. I came back to work to an influx of cards and phone calls. They like me ... they really, really like me! Q: How does Edward Jones compare to the companies where you previously worked?
A: Edward Jones takes pride in servicing its clients. I found out that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I left Edward Jones in 1997 for a smaller, more intimate company that offered more money and bigger bonuses. I soon found out that money isn’t everything. It’s not just the technology Edward Jones offers, it’s their honor system, the way they take care of their clients, the way they include the associates. The stats don’t lie. We are one of the best companies to work for. For me, we are the best company because I’m back home to stay. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved?
A: I’ve heard and read many stories about how Edward Jones has come to the aid of its associates, including Hurricane Katrina victims. How could you not be proud to work for a company that takes care of its own? That’s what I mean by saying they are very family-oriented, taking care of home first. Also, I love the United Way drive every year and take part in it. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: Before I came on board, it didn’t mean anything to me. I heard about it from my best friend who worked here, and we’d get excited about her bonuses because we knew we’d be going shopping. She told me to fill out an application, and the rest is history. 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: Yes, I am very satisfied with everything. Can you imagine how happy I was to find out that in October 2006 I actually had two more weeks of vacation? My tenure was reinstated after being gone for five years. I am a BOA with four weeks of vacation! I know that most companies do this, but I didn’t know at the time, and I wondered why I ever left. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to succeed as a BOA?
A: You have to be reliable, hardworking, not afraid to learn new things and a team player. Most of all, you HAVE to be a people person. Q: What keeps you at Edward Jones?
A: I love what I do, and I love the firm. I love having a role in helping clients with their financial needs, and I love the prospect of getting even more clients and making more friends. Our clients are our friends, and we make sure they know it. Q: What is your relationship like with your Financial Advisor?
A: He is easygoing but a hard worker. I’m learning a lot from him. We get along fine, and the clients love him! Q: What do you do daily to help your Financial Advisor?
A: I make sure he has time for calls and contacts. I make sure he is prepared for any meetings, from making sure the paperwork is in order to getting him directions. I also make sure the administrative duties are handled, which means I screen every call that comes in. Q: What is your relationship like with your clients?
A: My clients love me. I spoil them. You can ask a few on-call BOAs who have worked for me, and they will tell you that when I don’t answer the phone, the first thing a client says is, “Where is Cynthia?” Some of them won’t even let the on-call help. They say they’ll wait until I get back. The on-calls don’t take it personally. They know that’s something to strive for, and they love it. Q: How important is it to work close to home? Has it increased your quality of life?
A: It’s very important to me right now because I am close to my kids’ school; if I need to get to them, I can be by their side in less than 10 minutes. Also, my car knows it’s paid off, and it wants to act up on me now, so it’s very important that I stay close to home. Q: What role do you play in increasing awareness of your branch within the community?
A: I have made sure that my Financial Advisor has door-to-door activities in the Olivette (MO) territory, making sure that he visits not just residences, but also local businesses. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: I was fortunate in that my niece has been an Edward Jones on-call BOA for many years and has worked for well over 80 Financial Advisors. She sat with me in my branch for a week and trained me. Of course, we also have the training modules as well as Branch Associate Training. Q: What part of that training was the most helpful?
A: For me, hands-on training works best because my retention is, well, 40+ years old and in need of help. But I also appreciate the Branch Associate Training team – they’re very helpful and geared toward helping you succeed as a BOA.
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