Q: Describe your role within the firm. A: I am responsible for the Insurance Processing team, we get Insurance applications processed efficiently and timely for our branches. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success. A: The Operations division is the backbone of the firm. We play a very important role, in the efficiency and the growth of the firm, because we support all processes for our Financial Advisors. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position? A: I started with Jones in 2003 and was promoted to my current position in 2005. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones? A: I worked for one year with Citibank in the Mortgage Closing department. 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: Every day is a learning experience with Edward Jones. I have continuously learned things from working here. When I initially started with Edward Jones I had helped a Financial Advisor, he was going out of town and wanted help with getting his Insurance License set up because he was having a client come in as soon as he came back. I was able to obtain his license for him and I really appreciated the communication he had sent to my leader. This is culture I greatly cherish at Edward Jones because recognition is given where it is deserved. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique? A: Edward Jones is growing to be a big firm, but we still have a small office culture inside, a very inclusive atmosphere. The door of opportunity is widely open, if the associate wishes to and demonstrates the necessary potential it is certainly recognized which I think is very unique with Edward Jones. I really do not have a single moment that I haven't enjoyed working here. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you? A: I firmly believe that if life is not strong and smooth, work will not be efficient and I am glad Edward Jones is this kind of a firm. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you? A: Being a partnership means that I own part of the company and I will do all I can to help the firm grow and thereby help myself grow. 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 had not heard too much except that it is a financial company. Now it is a totally different outlook, I see myself more as a part of the firm and its culture and as a place that will recognize its associates for the work. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like? A: Edward Jones has been involved in several community initiatives and I think it is a great idea to give back to the community and be a part of it. I have been involved in community service and will be heading the recognition program this year. It is a very satisfying experience. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment? A: To be successful in the home office you need a great attitude, the willingness to learn, a strong focus on getting the work done and the ability to adapt to change and view it positively are all qualities that will help people succeed at Edward Jones. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding? A: I would like to grow along with Edward Jones. I have a great future here. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you've achieved success at Edward Jones? A: When I make a difference for my associates and deliver the results expected by my superiors, without doubt I always get the recognition which is how I know I have achieved success. 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: It demonstrates the open door policy and shows how important networking with the associates is for our leaders. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities? A: Yes, all the time. We have mandatory 40 hour training requirement every year in Operations.
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