The Second Time Around Can Be So Much Better: Financial Advisor Tammy McKennon

Being hired right out of college, Tammy McKennon started her financial advising career with one of the big wirehouse firms. “I was ramping up quickly and giving it 110 percent,” she said, “and then my husband and I started a family. That’s when it really got hard to balance it all.” Eight and a half years later, and now with two children and a try at part time, she knew a choice was necessary.

After some soul searching and long discussions with her husband, Tammy chose to put her career on hold and stay home with her children. “Looking back, it’s a decision I will never regret, but at the time, it was tough having to give up a part of me that I had worked so hard to build.”

Seventeen years later, her third child was nearing college, and Tammy decided the time was right to go back. But this time, it was on her terms. “I wanted a firm where I could really focus on my clients and not the numbers,” said Tammy, “and I wanted to be in a firm that would support me and the way I managed my business.” After talking to several different firms – everything from small independents to large bank operations – it was clear to Tammy that the Edward Jones business model offered her the kind of practice where she knew she could jump back in and excel. Within three years of opening her Newport Beach office, her business skyrocketed to one of the highest quartiles of production within the firm. In retrospect, Tammy said, “I wish I had joined Edward Jones in the beginning, because I would have never stepped away!”

Today, Tammy manages over $230M in assets and provides a highly personalized client experience. She has also held leadership roles within the firm and has participated in the firm’s continuing development series offered to financial advisors. Specifically, the Developing Leadership Presence class has allowed her to become more confident in a public speaking environment. “It’s this type of professional development and investment in their financial advisors that really sets Edward Jones apart from other firms. I’ve become a better spouse, parent, friend and overall better person, because of their influence,” according to Tammy. “There’s no other firm that has more moral and ethical beliefs. At Edward Jones, we walk the talk.”

Learn more about taking your practice to the next level at Edward Jones.