Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: My responsibility within the firm is to assist our Financial Advisors in helping clients meet their financial goals by providing education on insurance and actionable ideas the Financial Advisors can implement with their clients. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: The Client Solutions division contributes to the firm's success by continuously offering products that will meet out clients individual financial goals. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I started at the firm in November of 2004 and have held my current position since July of 2009. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: Prior to Edward Jones I was employed by several other Broker/Dealers in St. Louis in various positions. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: Edward Jones is unique in that our entire focus is on our clients' financial needs and goals. From the products and services we offer to the structure and location of our offices, we are continuously working to help our clients. At other firms I have worked, the focus was on the bottom-line profits. Also, at Edward Jones, we have a team spirit. Again, we all work for the benefit of the client. While each area is working to increase sales in their product or service, we work together to find and offer the best investment solution for the client. So, in other words, if my product is not the best solution, I will work with other areas to find and offer the best solution. 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: Being able to maintain work-life balance was very instrumental in my decision to work at Edward Jones. As a single mom, it is extremely important to me to be able to take care of my family's needs as well as achieve my personal career goals. Having a flexible work schedule has allowed me to do both. I no longer have to choose where and how to spend my time – on my career or my family. My flexible work schedule allows me give my best to both. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: The firm's structure as a partnership has several meanings to me. First, I have an opportunity to not only work for the firm but own a part of it. As an owner, I feel that my opinions and actions will have an impact on the success of the firm. And second, the partnership structure allows us to make the right decisions for the client. Decisions are made based on what is right for our clients instead of what will look good to investors or shareholders. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: Before I came to Edward Jones, I often confused Edward Jones with AG Edwards. Edward Jones was just another investment company or firm. I thought you had to have a certain amount of money before you could invest with them or have a high level understanding about investments before working for them. After coming to work at the firm, the name means building strong relationships, doing your best and doing what's right for everyone not just a select few. Edward Jones is an investment firm for all investors – large and small. It is a company that attracts and employees the most talented. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: One of the main factors contributing to the success of Edward Jones is our volunteer spirit. By simply paying it forward, we are able to not only help our clients succeed but also our community. There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer within the firm as well in the community with Edward Jones. I had the opportunity to be in St. Louis' Diversity Awareness Program, in which Edward Jones is a partner. The experience was unbelievable. I was able to learn skills and strategies on how to be more accepting of others I work and live with and help others with this as well. I was given the opportunity to learn from other such as Edward Jones associates, high school and middle school students, teachers and diversity facilitators. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: Home office associates need to possess integrity, team spirit, strong work ethic, a good personality, strong communication skills – written and verbal, networking skills, leadership skills. In addition, they should also have the ability to follow-through and follow-up on activities. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I believe I have the opportunity to become a team leader within my division. 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: For me, the "non-office" working environment is actually very appealing. I don't feel there are any walls between myself and any of the leaders with the firm. With everyone in "cubes", I feel that people are more approachable and there is more a team spirit. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: I feel that there are always opportunities available to grow professionally. Leaders and associates are open to mentor and provide guidance where needed. One of the unique opportunities at Edward Jones is the chance to work in a position your skills are most suitable for. Edward Jones gives you the opportunity to discover your strengths and use them where you will be most effective. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: The firm's growth means there are additional opportunities for leadership positions. As the firm grows, there will be new initiatives that will need leaders. The firm is always looking to become not only larger but better. This will require new leaders to accomplish this goal.
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