Q: Why did you join Edward Jones?
A: I had taken a sales job right out of college and wasn’t really enjoying it. About a year later, I was introduced to an Edward Jones Financial Advisor who sat down with me for a good two hours and talked about his business. He spoke with so much enthusiasm and pride, and I couldn’t believe I could call my own shots, have my own office, have a support system behind me all the time and still basically schedule my own day. And as a recent college grad with very little savings, what appealed to me most was I wouldn’t have to pay any money upfront or promise to pay back anything based on my future salary or commissions. Q: What kind of training did you receive at Edward Jones?
A: I was amazed that right after I passed my Series 7 exam, I was flown to St. Louis for a week’s worth of training. It started off with the foundation of the firm and how they do business, which was great for me since I didn’t have a financial background. Then they sent me back to learn more about my market and spend some time in another Financial Advisor’s branch office. Later, I went back for another week to learn more. So it seemed that for the next two or three years of my career, they were always offering additional training just when I needed it. I really appreciate my training at Edward Jones, because that’s what built my confidence and set the foundation for my success. Q: What did you think about the face-to-face, first-contact policy?
A: At first I didn’t understand the true value until I saw how it really works and how successful that technique can be. It’s very important to me to be a part of the community, and the only way to do that is to be out there showing my face. It’s the best way to build credibility, especially right out of college. Just recently someone walked into my office and asked for me because I had visited him seven years ago, and he never forgot it. Q: What do you find most rewarding about your career with Edward Jones?
A: It’s when I get referrals from our clients. It’s very gratifying when clients’ family members come in and say, “You know, you’ve been helping my parents for years, and now we want to bring you our business.” Those continued relationships, and the stability and depth of those relationships, are what give me a real sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Q: What personality traits are necessary to be successful at Edward Jones?
A: I think it takes a certain individual. It takes some maturity and self-awareness to recognize and correct the mistakes you are going to make. You have to think like you are the CEO of your own business. You are in charge of your own success. No one is there to tell you what you need to do every day, so you have to be able to sit down and tell yourself, “Here’s what I need to do today, and here are the things I need to do on a regular basis to do what’s right for clients and to get my job done.” Q: How would you describe the culture at Edward Jones?
A: We really look to one another as a family. A lot of firms have brokers who are basically out there on their own. People are competing against each other rather than rooting for each other. That’s not the case here; we really do play for the same team, and we’re all here to support one another. That’s something that I think makes Edward Jones unique.
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