Q: Why was the Edward Jones opportunity compelling to you?
A: After many years as a mining engineer, I wanted to change careers and get into the investment business. I liked the Edward Jones philosophy of meeting people face to face and getting to know them. That was very appealing to me. I also like the idea that you are in business for yourself. Q: What does it take to be successful at Edward Jones?
A: Obviously, you have to be disciplined and driven to be successful in a business like Edward Jones. I am both, so it’s a great fit for me. Q: What is it like to be compensated by commissions and bonuses?
A: When I was an engineer, I would get bonuses, but they were a surprise. You didn’t know when you would get them or for what. You might have saved the company millions of dollars, but your bonus never reflected that. What I love about Edward Jones is that you get compensated for what you do, and your accomplishments are truly recognized. Q: What kind of support do you get from Edward Jones?
A: I find the regional support very useful. We have regional meetings every quarter where you share ideas with other Financial Advisors and learn from their successes. You can also pick up the phone and call anyone at Edward Jones, whether it’s other Financial Advisors or the home-office support team in St. Louis. You can’t do that at most firms. You’re never left hanging out there. I credit the support of my colleagues and the entire Edward Jones team for helping me to achieve what I have so far. Q: How does being an Edward Jones Financial Advisor compare to starting your own business?
A: The two are very similar, but the biggest difference is that as an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, you don’t have to pay out any money upfront. What’s even better is that they pay you while you are studying for the Series 7 exam. That’s unbelievable. Also, being an associate of Edward Jones, I don’t have to worry about all the Social Security deductions, the matching of the business expenses, the overhead, the salaries and all the red tape. Yet, at the same time, I don’t have a boss looking over my shoulder all the time. I get compensated for exactly what I do: providing a legal, ethical and profitable business. It’s the best of both worlds. Q: What do you find most rewarding about Edward Jones?
A: When I came into the business, I was helped by people to reach a level of success. It is truly a gift to reach that level of success at Edward Jones, and once you reach it, you feel great about volunteering and giving back to the people who are new to the business. Also, I’ve been on eight or nine incentive trips to places like Scotland and China – places I would never have been to without Edward Jones. So the spirit of volunteerism, the friendships and going on trips with other people from different parts of the country – all of that is very rewarding.
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