Q: How did you hear about Edward Jones?
A: Right after college I got a job at a credit union, where I spent about eight years working in different departments, primarily as the collection manager. So I got to help people budget, but in a different way. One of my clients was having some budget problems. He told me a little bit about Edward Jones. He was actually a Financial Advisor just getting started with the firm, and he explained that the first couple of years are a little rough financially. But that after that he would be making a little bit more. After a couple of years, he came in and wrote me a check to pay off his car in full. After that we started to talk more about Edward Jones. I was curious to know how it all worked and, after a little while, ended up coming over to restart my career. Q: What can you tell us about the PASS Program?
A: PASS is a 13-month program. You spend the first five months working in different areas of the home office. I went through Insurance Services and Branch Services, and then I worked with branches from California to Maine. You get a good idea of what it’s like to actually have an office and to have assets to manage, and just the skills, knowledge and conviction you take away from that are important to the overall recipe for being successful. The great benefit of going through the PASS Program as opposed to starting the traditional way is that they actually start you off with an office, with a book of business. Q: What sets Edward Jones apart from other firms?
A: One of the things that sets Edward Jones apart is our individual office structure. It’s just you and your branch office administrator (BOA), and the home office is there if you need that guidance, but you’re on your own. There are also not a lot of companies where you can say your salary is limitless; I mean, it is what you make of it. It’s going to take a little bit of work, and you may struggle for a few years to get there, but I know that if I keep doing what I’m supposed to be doing, I can retire comfortably, maybe even earlier than I had planned, and be able to take care of my family and everyone else, as well. If you set a goal for yourself and keep going toward it, it’s achievable. Q: Do you have any advice for other women who may be considering Edward Jones?
A: I think that women have a key advantage in this business. At first I had some reservations, but actually, after getting out there and doing the work, I think women are less threatening. When you’re in the community making first contacts, I think they are more likely to open the door for a woman than for a gentleman.
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