Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I am responsible for the compliance, oversight and processing support of our clients' self-directed retirement account transactions and information reporting. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: The Operations division contributes to the firm by providing our branches with the information, support, and resources required to service our client's investment needs. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I joined the firm in June of 1998. I've been in my current role since October of 2002. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I joined the firm immediately after graduating from Saint Louis University in May of 1998. 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: I attended a BOA Regional Meeting in 2006 and was amazed at the sense of community that the Branch Office Administrators (BOAs) and Financial Advisors have. We experience the same thing in the home office but it's easier to understand given our close proximity to each other. It was almost like a family reunion…watching the BOAs interact with each other, asking how family members were doing and celebrating successes both personal and professional. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones. What is unique?
A: Edward Jones was my first job so I don't have anything to compare it to. The strong sense of family and community however aligns with my value system which is why I continue to enjoy my career here. 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 is very important to me since I want to be able to enjoy my career without sacrificing too many of my goals related to family. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: The firm being a partnership means that I have the opportunity to own a piece of the company I work for and benefit from its success. My contribution has a direct impact to my personal bottom line which is very unique in this industry. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I didn't know who Edward Jones was before I joined the firm. Now it is the only brokerage firm that I refer my friends and family to based solely on the fact that our Financial Advisors build relationships as a means to help clients satisfy their financial goals. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: Our firm is very active in and with the communities and departments we service and support. The opportunity to serve drives associate participation more than compensatory incentives. I enjoy volunteering for college campus recruiting events as a means to support the process that provided me the opportunity when I first joined the firm. Q: Do you think Edward Jones has taken good care of you in terms of overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: The firm's overall compensation philosophy provides associates with competitive benefits. I feel like my performance has been recognized throughout my career through compensation and increased responsibility. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: There are definitely plenty of opportunities for advancement and greater income here at Edward Jones today, and in the future as we grow. Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: Yes. The real reward for "going the extra mile" is the value it adds to our clients. Satisfied clients provide us with opportunities to continue to grow, which in turn creates opportunities for associates seeking more responsibility. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: Successful home office associates, in my opinion, exhibit four attributes, (1) understand our clients best interests come first; (2) manage relationships for mutual benefit; (3) show respect for others, and; (4) willingness to learn and grow. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I see myself continuing to add value to our clients in a leadership capacity. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you've achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: As long as I continue to contribute to value added results that our clients view as significant then I feel that I have achieved some level of success. From a career perspective, I view success as achieving a significant level of leadership beyond my current role as department leader - being responsible for a broader scope of decision making. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders located in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: This structure supports our "open door" policy, making associates feel more comfortable approaching leaders at all levels which speeds up execution of results. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: There have always been structured leadership and other skill development training available to all associates. In my career I have been able to take advantage of a combination of classroom and on-the-job training that has been crucial to my growth and development. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: I joined the firm as a rotational development associate which provided me training in multiple areas within the Operations Division, numerous leadership training classes, associate recruiting and hiring experiences, exposure to clients and branch office personnel, and community service opportunities. Q: In terms of ongoing training, are you able to use either internal or external continuing education to continue to grow your career at Edward Jones?
A: Yes. The firm supported me as I pursued my MBA in addition to other product or service certifications/licenses available to associates in the financial services industry.
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