Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I am responsible for providing heightened additional supervision of Financial Advisors and accounts in order to protect client interests. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: The Compliance division is responsible for making sure that all activity in client accounts is in the client's best interest. The division is also responsible for making sure the firm is in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I started at Edward Jones in 2000 and took this position in 2001. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: Prior to coming to Edward Jones I was a student. Q: Are there any memorable experiences you’d like to share that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones?
A: Simply talking to Financial Advisors and BOAs about experiences they've had with clients in which they’ve gone out of their way for clients shows how much they do care for their clients. This really makes me feel like we are truly in the business of helping people and building personal relationships. This feeling of doing what is right for our clients starts in the home office. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling our associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: This flexibility is greatly appreciated and admired. Having children requires flexibility at the drop of a hat. Being an Edward Jones home office employee caters to those needs – no questions asked. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: A partnership means to me that I am surrounded by those that have major stakes in the firm and our future as employees. The "Shareholders" of our firm are the associates. They sit next to us as an associate or general partner. People having an ownership stake take more pride in their work and focus on making their workplace a better place to be. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: Prior to starting at the firm, Edward Jones was simply a brokerage company. Since I started with the firm, I realized that the firm is a well known, respected, and growing part of the St. Louis area. Edward Jones is well respected in the industry and considered in many ways an industry leader. People are proud to tell others that they work for Edward Jones due to the reputation of that name. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: People are constantly encouraged to volunteer at Edward Jones, whether that be for the United Way, Arts and Education drive, or numerous other charitable events sponsored by the firm. I have been team captains for both the United Way fund drive and A/E drives in the past. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: Home office associates must be diplomatic problem solvers. Not all situations in dealing with 10,000 Financial Advisors are black and white. People must be able to listen, digest all information, and be knowledgeable decision makers. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: As a limited partner, I've committed time and resources to the firm. I plan on staying. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: Success comes when we can see that we've helped a client achieve their financial goals. We may not be able to actually meet and speak with the client, but we can see the success of their accounts and know that we were a part of that success. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders located in cubicals. What does this structure mean to you?
A: This structure means that everyone is on an even playing field. We all have the same accommodations whether a new associate or general partner. This generates the feeling that we are always able to approach partners with any questions we may have because their doors are always open (because they don't have doors!) Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: When I started, I was responsible for obtaining several securities licenses, attending training classes, and sitting with a veteran person in my area for hands-on training. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: Leadership opportunities are available for those wishing to pursue those avenues. As the firm grows, more and more leadership positions become available.
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