The freedom to build your practice your way, backed by our support. New digital tools to help you grow — and strengthen — client relationships. A purpose-driven culture built on client-first values. Training and opportunities to take on leadership roles. The ability to make a positive impact on your clients and community, with the flexibility to stay true to your values and pursue your own life goals. These are just some of the ways we can help you take your practice to the next level.
Experienced Financial Advisor
Deciding to retire can be a formidable undertaking. In addition to your own future well-being, there is a great concern for what will happen to your clients. You’ve spent years growing a financial advising practice, and with it, you’ve established many close, long-standing client relationships. Edward Jones recognizes the importance of every financial advisor having a succession plan, so we’ve created a thoughtful, but thorough process to help our FAs plan for the next chapter in their lives. The firm treats succession planning as a step in a career-long practice management program. Just as we are there to support our financial advisors with coaching and peer support when building a practice, we are also there to provide the resources and guidance necessary to build a successful retirement transition plan. Utilizing a structured framework, our plans help to ensure seamless transitions for clients by providing proper thought and attention to each step in the process. The retiring FA is in the driver’s seat and guides: In addition to a thoughtful, turnkey process, Edward Jones offers their retiring financial advisors at all levels of production fair and competitive compensation for their lasting legacy.
“The retirement transition plan at Edward Jones was a big factor in my decision to move from another firm. I knew my clients would be well taken care of, largely because they would continue to work with my BOA [Branch Office Administrator] and their new financial advisor would remain in our local area.”
—Bob Miller, CFP®, Independence KS, transitioned to Edward Jones in June 2022
Finishing your financial advising practice at Edward Jones provides you with peace of mind that you’ve served your clients well and that your dedicated level of care will continue in the future and that you were generously recognized for the contribution of your legacy.
To learn more, visit our compensation program for experienced advisors.
Experienced Financial Advisor
by David Chubak
Financial advisors with decades of experience may want to make a switch—but worry that moving to a new firm will be disruptive and difficult. After all, they already have their own client base and way of doing things. But making the change can have big benefits, from added support to access to sophisticated resources. At Edward Jones, we respect seasoned financial advisors and welcome their interest in joining us. We work hard to make the transition easy and help them grow their business in new ways. I sat down with Rob Hammond II, who joined Edward Jones in 2024, after 41 years at another firm. We talked about what motivated him to look for fresh opportunities, what he expected and how Edward Jones delivered. David: Robert, thank you for sitting down with me today to talk about your journey to Edward Jones. I know you joined with a lot of great experience. Why did you decide to make a change and leave your last firm? Rob: It was a big decision. I was with my last firm for 41 years and there was so much I loved about it. I loved being in a small community and really getting to know my clients and their families and working with them to reach their goals. My individual management team was outstanding and that was also a huge plus. But I was unhappy with the direction the firm was going. David: We have seen a lot of changes in the industry. Can you tell us more about what happened at your last firm? Rob: Being part of a small community was the heart of my practice. My former firm made changes that, I felt, were detrimental to small communities. David: What issues did you encounter as a result of that change? Rob: First, every community is different. As financial advisors, we are most valuable to clients when we understand those nuances. Second, my former firm instituted some policy changes that I felt were detrimental for someone working in a small community. I needed more flexibility to serve a variety of clients. I had spent a long time building my reputation and my client relationships, and I wasn’t going to jeopardize that. David: When you were considering a move, what was important to you? Rob: I talked to four different firms at the time I was considering moving my practice. I was very familiar with Edward Jones and had strong family ties. My oldest son has been with Edward Jones for 15 years and my son-in-law also works here. Over the years, Edward Jones leaders in my local area had reached out to me, but I never pursued it. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had joined Edward Jones years ago. David: What do you think held you back from making a transition earlier? Rob: The main thing was fear. Not knowing. I had great relationships with my clients, but there’s always that fear that they won’t make the switch with you. What I found out was that they cared more about our relationship than which firm I was with. David: That’s a completely understandable fear. In my experience, if financial advisors have taken the time to build trust and a personal relationship with clients, they often return that loyalty. Let’s talk about the transition. Did Edward Jones meet your expectations and needs? Rob: The transition exceeded my expectations. I’m older and I had gotten comfortable at my former firm. Change is hard. But everything went great! I had the opportunity right off the bat to create my own team. My assistant, who is registered, has been with me for years. She was also excited about Edward Jones and came over with me. The recruiter was outstanding, the technology pros were helpful and the integration consultant did so much to ease the transition. My market leader and performance leader are also exceptional. David: We’ve found that providing that support up front and throughout the transition is essential to a successful move. How quickly did the transition process go? Rob: It was really streamlined. I resigned on a Thursday and moved into my new office on a Monday. Edward Jones flew in a whole team to help open accounts and get me up and running. Of course, there’s a lot to get up to speed on and there were times during the first six months when it felt like I was drinking out of a fire hose, but I knew I had the full support of the home office behind me. David: I’d love to hear more about any ways in which you view your practice differently now. What changes have had the biggest impact? Rob: One of the biggest and most welcome changes is that there are fewer—and more flexible— restrictions on the size of accounts. I can work with folks who bring in $100k. Of course, I also enjoy working with larger accounts. But this is a small community, and I like that I can also serve this segment of the market. At my prior firm, when a client reached a certain threshold, I had to refer them to a different department. Now, I can do what’s best for my clients. David: What other differences stand out to you? What do you feel Edward Jones does better than some other firms? Rob: The research here is top-notch. Edward Jones is a real investment firm. We can share high-quality information with clients, thanks to an excellent marketing team. I also love the power of the Edward Jones name. The name recognition is great. Everyone has heard of us and respects the brand. We’ve had people move to town and just walk in the door to open an account. I have complete confidence in Edward Jones’ resources and what I do for my clients. David: You continue to lead a thriving practice, but I know you’re also thinking about leaving a legacy. What does that mean to you? Rob: For me, it’s all about my clients. I have an older client base, and many were worried about me retiring. That honestly made me want to keep working. I really enjoy what I do. I also can’t say enough about how much it means to me that my oldest son and son-in-law are here. So many of my clients know them. Even my youngest son is working on getting into the business. David: What advice would you offer to other experienced financial advisors who are considering moving their practices to Edward Jones? Rob: I mentioned that I was fearful at the time, but experienced financial advisors can wipe that right out of their minds. I’ve gotten so much help from people here. I also want to say that, in my opinion, everything at Edward Jones—the products, the investments, the materials and the research—is top-notch. For my whole career, I have believed in listening to my clients, taking care of them and doing what’s right for them. Edward Jones is the best place to do that. Everything that experienced financial advisors need to deliver for their clients is right here. Even if you’ve been in the business for two, three or four decades, there’s always more to learn and more to contribute. Edward Jones can help you leave your comfort zone and achieve more, at any career stage. **** A big thank you to Rob for sharing his experiences and insights. I loved hearing how experienced financial advisors with decades of experience can find everything they need to continue building their practices and caring for their clients at Edward Jones. If you’re seeking to make a switch and are seeking a smooth transition and excellent support, consider Edward Jones.
If you’re an experienced financial advisor, discover how Edward Jones makes transitioning firms seamless—with personalized support, strong research resources, and the freedom to serve clients your way.
Awards & Accolades:
In April 2025, Financial Planning listed Edward Jones as the number one firm for Best Advisor Pay for the $2M, $1M and $600K production levels and second for the $400K production level.
Experienced Financial Advisor
by David Chubak
Would you like to put more purpose back in your life and work? If you’re an experienced financial advisor, business and family probably take up most of your time. But making time to connect with your community can be rewarding both personally and professionally. To make that happen, you need to find a firm that empowers you to pursue your purpose and grow your business. Here are two guideposts to consider—resources and culture. Whether its technology or supportive team members, the right resources can add time back in your day. Working with a dedicated client support team professional or even an associate financial advisor can drive better outcomes and give you flexibility. You could also benefit from technology that helps your team more efficiently manage and track client relationships. It comes down to this: when you have more time and support, you can make more of an impact. Creating Space for Community Connection I know plenty of financial advisors at Edward Jones who actively work toward sharpening their competitive edge—and dedicate time to charitable and community activities. But to do this you need time to meet people outside of your existing network. When you’re out in the community, you can create connections and learn things you can’t from behind the desk or in a LinkedIn feed. For example, what emerging concerns are you hearing from the town hall meeting? What are neighbors talking about in the carpool lane? You can’t do any of this, though, without a supportive culture, one that respects your autonomy and adapts to your needs. At Edward Jones, our watchwords are freedom and flexibility. Shared Purpose Builds Deep Relationships Shared purpose can create powerful bonds. Experienced financial advisors have the opportunity to build deep relationships with clients and prospects alike when they have time to give back. And philanthropic leadership roles can raise your professional profile. Speaking from personal experience, I’m so proud of the impact I’ve made in my work with the American Heart Association and I’ve built strong professional relationships along the way. Purpose affects how we show up in our work too. As colleagues at Edward Jones, we’re fueled by a shared purpose –– to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. I see this come to life every day as financial advisors and associates donate their time, talent and treasure to causes that are important to them. In 2024, our associates logged 308,107 volunteer hours and gave more than $47.4 million through corporate, Edward Jones Foundation and associate philanthropic support. If that resonates with you, please check out our Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report to learn more about what we’ve accomplished together. The Right Firm is Essential If you are at a point where pursuing purpose is a priority, you need to be part of a firm that shares your values and invests in resources to help you give back. At Edward Jones, we do what’s best for our clients, our communities and one another. If you’re an established financial advisor who wants to achieve more at work and serve your community, Edward Jones could be the place to grow your practice and pursue your purpose.
If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.
This episode features Edward Jones Financial Advisors Jill Hitchcock and Bryn Henderson discussing Edward Jones’ transparent and multi-layered compensation structure.
This episode features Edward Jones Financial Advisors Michael Fessler and Kristy Stadnyk discussing the opportunity for growth, partnership culture and support that attracted them to Edward Jones — and makes them stay.
This episode features Edward Jones Financial Advisors Jill Hitchcock, Michael Fessler, Susie Atondo, Nicholas Pennino, Kristy Stadnyk and Bryn Henderson talking about what it is that makes the Edward Jones culture so different.
This episode features Edward Jones Financial Advisors Nicholas Pennino and Alexander Kerford discussing how Edward Jones’ investment in technology — co-created with our financial advisors and tailored to their business needs — is helping us better serve the increasingly complex needs of high-net-worth clients.
Experienced Financial Advisor
by David Chubak
It’s time to act. Client demand for financial advisors will soon be at an all-time high and that means even experienced financial advisors need to advance their acumen to serve these clients and differentiate in a competitive market. With an eye on the future, here at Edward Jones we’re investing in development opportunities for our financial advisors, including supporting professional designations. Cerulli research shows more than 37% of industry advisors will retire over the next decade – a group responsible for more than 41% of total assets. It’s no surprise that I’m often asked by established financial advisors how they can attract more clients. To which I reply: Have you considered how to stand out when trying to attract clients whose financial advisors are retiring? One of the most common recommendations I provide is being proactive about pursuing personal development. Professional designations are an opportunity for financial advisors to level-up their knowledge and serve clients more deeply. These certifications can help a financial advisor become more competitive or establish a niche for their practice, but they are a significant commitment of time and resources. That’s one reason Edward Jones is supporting our financial advisors along the way. If you’re looking to be more competitive, do two things: Assess your competitive edge First, have an honest conversation with yourself about what you can offer clients. As investors think about their next financial advisor relationship, it’s important to position yourself as a credible partner-of-choice – and professional designations can help. After all, the CFP Board tells us that 90% of consumers see a financial advisor’s certifications as important, and 86% of consumers prefer an advisor who has passed a certification exam and rigorous education program. When investors can filter financial advisor options as easily as selecting a show to watch, designations can quickly communicate your qualifications and “stop the scroll.” Not only does this show potential clients you’re committed to continual improvement, but it also conveys specialty. Your professional development should always align with your practice goals. Think about where you are trying to take your business. If you’re trying to show general experience to a broad pool of prospective clients, maybe the Certified Financial Planner®, or CFP®, certification is right for you. But if you serve business owner clients, a Certified Exit Planner Advisor, or CEPA®, designation might be better to show that you focus on succession planning. An added bonus of obtaining a certification? Confidence. That’s what Durham, NC Financial Advisor Julie Kelly told me was one of the results she saw when she pursued her CFP®, “you have a seat at the table for comprehensive conversations. When you can look across a client’s whole financial life, those conversations are impactful. Also, your business becomes more referrable.” Seek support from your firm Once you have the conversation with yourself, take stock of the resources you have access to that can help you achieve a designation. Does your firm provide study support? What about financial incentives? At Edward Jones, we provide coaching resources to help our financial advisors create goals for their practice. With a clear plan, our financial advisors can determine which professional designations best serve their ideal client. Edward Jones supports 24 designations. We provide financial support for certification programs and offer coaches and mentors to help along the way. Investing in our financial advisors’ acumen will help us serve clients more completely and as a private partnership, it’s good for our business. It’s making a difference; we’re No. 1 in the industry for most CFP® professionals, with more than 4,500 associates in the U.S. field and home office as of December 31, 2024. Your clients and prospects have complex lives, and with that comes varying expectations of their financial advisors. Professional designations can help you understand the depth of client needs and advance your industry knowledge, making your more competitive in the process.
If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.
Experienced Financial Advisor
by David Chubak
Every financial advisor wants to help clients achieve their goals and build a thriving practice, but a firm’s purpose and culture can determine whether a financial advisor can succeed in these pursuits. At Edward Jones we’ve created a community and support system that is designed to help every financial advisor grow their practice and develop personally. We’re proud to provide every financial advisor with the resources we believe they need to succeed. But what does that look like in practice? I had the chance to speak with Financial Advisor Troy Nelson about our culture, his purpose and how both have helped him build an Edward Jones practice that manages $1.2 billion in assets with clients in 30 states. Keep reading to learn more about his keys to success. David: Thanks for making time to speak with me, Troy. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you become an Edward Jones financial advisor? Troy: So great speaking with you, David. Always appreciate the chance to connect with our Home Office leaders. Growing up I was really inspired by my dad, who trained financial advisors at a few different firms about complex estate planning matters. Investing was always a topic at the dinner table, and I was interested in the markets from a young age. After studying finance in college, I applied to be a financial advisor several places, but Edward Jones was my first choice. I still remember the day I got that “we regret to inform you” letter from the firm. I was so dejected, but realized they had it all wrong. They just needed to know me better. The recruiter’s phone number was on the letter, so I called her up and respectfully explained all the reasons I was going to make a difference in people’s lives. The recruiter was impressed with my perseverance, and I was welcomed into the hiring process. The rest is history. “I have learned more from the valleys than the mountain tops. To be able to communicate that in a real and practical way can help folks avoid the same mistakes and learn from my successes.” – Troy Nelson, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Principal I started my practice with no assets in North Dakota. Today, Nelson Wealth Management is a team of ten. David: That’s an incredible story, Troy. You’ve been so successful here at Edward Jones. What are the qualities of a financial advisor who’s successful at the firm? Troy: First and foremost, to succeed at Edward Jones, you need to have a deep level of care for the clients you serve. I always say that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Our culture is one that puts the focus on serving others – we want to leave clients better off than when we found them. Second, every Edward Jones financial advisor should bring a growth mindset to their practice. They should always want to be a better version of themselves and be curious enough to continually learn. David: Great insights, especially about learning and development. I’m so proud of the growth resources and ongoing training we provide to every financial advisor in the firm. Experienced financial advisors, like you, are an important part of the support we provide our financial advisors. You mentor Edward Jones financial advisors and travel around the country to speak. What do you say to those financial advisors? Troy: A lot of it is telling people about my journey as a financial advisor. Sharing successes and sharing my failures – both personal and business. I hate to admit this, but I have learned more from the valleys than the mountain tops. To be able to communicate that in a real and practical way can help folks avoid the same mistakes and learn from my successes. It’s also sharing how my role had changed as a financial advisor throughout the years. I used to be a holistic financial problem solver, but now I’m also a much more of a counselor/psychologist/coach to clients. A guide for life’s ups and downs. That helps me know my clients much more deeply. David: You’re highlighting the nobility of the profession and it’s clear you are purpose-driven in your role. The firm’s purpose — to partner for positive impact, to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and communities – drives us all here at Edward Jones. Tell us more about how you live out our purpose in your practice. Troy: I have a personal mission statement – to use my gift of influence to help leaders grow in emotional health and vulnerability for bigger impact. It’s helped me in so many ways in life in general. When opportunities come at me, I have a filter to run opportunities through. This not only guides me as I serve clients, but when the firm asked me to become a General Partner, I knew that I could influence financial advisors in the journey to serving clients more completely and help the Home Office know what financial advisors need to be successful. As a partnership, Edward Jones’ culture is collaborative. So, I can not only be heard by our Home Office, but also dedicate time to mentoring others. David: We know that our purpose-driven culture is unique and attractive to many in the industry. If someone was considering making a switch to Edward Jones, what would you tell them? Are there certain signs a financial advisor should look for to know it’s time to make a move? Troy: It really does come down to culture. A financial advisor should ask themselves, is the culture helping or hindering my practice? Do I have the flexibility to serve clients the way I want to? What’s my vision for the future and does it align with my firm’s? The culture at Edward Jones is all about people who create it. We don’t have just a few great associates; we have a ton. That’s why the culture is unmatched in the industry. Don’t underestimate the value of our partnership either. We’re the last standing partnership in the industry and that means we collectively share in the success of the firm, which is really unique. David: One last question. What’s one thing you would tell a financial advisor who is considering joining Edward Jones? Troy: You can do everything you’re doing for clients today at Edward Jones, but also enjoy unmatched culture and you get to share in the success. When you have everything else, plus culture, it’s unmatched. **** A big thank you to Troy for sharing his experiences and insights. It’s inspiring to hear how his purpose and our culture are driving his success. If you’re seeking a more purpose-driven culture in which to build your practice, consider Edward Jones.
If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.
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