Q: What did you do prior to coming to Edward Jones?
A: Before Edward Jones, I was in the Army for 20 years. I was a quartermaster officer in Desert Storm. I was in the first Desert Storm back in 1991 and a paratrooper out of Fort Bragg for about six years. Q: How did that camaraderie help you in your role as a Financial Advisor?
A: Well, the camaraderie has actually been quite a help because we do have a region, and the region rallies around you. And one of my mottos when I started this business was, “Failure is not an option.” And it’s still not an option. We’re going to make it happen or make it work the best way we can. Q: What has helped you the most as you’ve developed as a Financial Advisor?
A: I get a tremendous amount of support from the home office. They do a good job of making sure you don’t lose it when you are starting out. I don’t call this a job, but an opportunity to be successful in an area that I love. Q: What makes you successful?
A: I think the trait that makes some military people successful is motivation. Like most military people, I am mission-oriented and very focused. And that focus is on doing the best job that I can do. Q: What did you think of the training at Edward Jones?
A: Edward Jones has a very good training program. They walk you from the very beginning all the way up to the levels that I’ve gone thus far, to the senior management levels. Q: What drew you to the Edward Jones opportunity?
A: When you have the ability to be creative in building a business, that business is stronger because the dynamics and personality of each community are different. But when you have the independence to actually adjust your business to your community, it is very compelling. And not only is it good for the Financial Advisor, it’s actually good for Edward Jones because it shows the flexibility of the firm to allow an individual to adjust to a situation that fits him or her. You can develop and organize your business any way you want to, and that is an extremely powerful part of being with this firm. Q: You’ve had other offers. Why did you refuse them?
A: Well, all of the big ones that you can think of probably have knocked on the door once or twice, but they just don’t provide that level of support. You don’t have the flexibility. It’s not always about the money. It’s about the freedom to do your job and have the support system in place to help you do your job better. Also, you’ve got to love people. And I think Edward Jones is genuinely client-oriented. Serving the individual investor is not just a motto, it’s truly a way of life. Q: What about Edward Jones’ culture appeals to you?
A: At Edward Jones, we’re big into volunteerism, both within and outside the firm. I am actively engaged in the community. That is something we do for the community and the firm. When I’m out there doing something for the community, they associate me with Edward Jones, and they recognize that it’s a big part of our culture. Q: Have you ever been a mentor?
A: I’ve been a mentor to several Financial Advisors. As a matter of fact, I’m on the EDGE program for the firm, where other minorities can call someone who’s participated in the program if they have a problem. And I receive calls from all over the country, from California to Virginia. Other Financial Advisors – females, African-Americans – call and ask me for ideas. So I’ve been a mentor from day one. Q: How diverse is Edward Jones?
A: Edward Jones is very sincere about having a diverse work force. Our firm realizes that America is made up of all types of people and everyone needs the same service, and it’s just good business sense to have people who are in the business who can actually go into their communities and help other folks. I think this firm has made a tremendous commitment to helping folks of all races and backgrounds get involved with preparing for their future. A lot of companies don’t do that.
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