Changing Firms After Decades in the Business with Robert Hammond

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.

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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.

Interested in the Edward Jones Financial Advisor Opportunity?

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.