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March 4, 2019 BEST PLACES TO WORK IN CONNECTICUT 2019

Support from Edward Jones takes many forms

Edward Jones is the national presenting sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and associates nationwide participate.
By John Stearns

Ranked 2nd: Large Cos.

Edward Jones

CT headquarters: Thomaston

Industry: Financial services

Website: www.edwardjones.com

Twitter: @edwardjones

Top CT executive: James Zeller, Regional Leader

Kevin Young left a good job as a wholesaler in the insurance industry to become a financial adviser with Edward Jones — a positively life-altering move.

“It's been a difference maker in my life, my family's life, and it's given me the opportunities to … positively affect other people's lives,” Young said. “I can't ever see me changing careers.”

He praised being able to open his Edward Jones office close to home (he chose Manchester), ample training and mentorship, immense support from corporate, scheduling flexibility, pride of ownership, meaningful and impactful connections with clients, work trips that include his wife and children, and more.

“I think one of the biggest fears I had when making a career change and going to something completely new and different was: Am I going to feel all alone or am I going to feel supported?” Young said. “And the amount of effort and resources put in to my career in the very beginning from Edward Jones was amazing.”

That included three weeklong trips to St. Louis headquarters, support while studying for his licenses, connections to mentors and other training. He enjoys ongoing support from about 6,000 staff in Arizona and St. Louis who vet research and offer resources for advisers to be confident they're providing the best information to clients. Young also enjoys fellow advisers' support.

“Nowhere has there been such a team atmosphere, my local colleagues in South Windsor and Vernon, elsewhere throughout Connecticut, they're not competitors, they're actually colleagues — everybody wants to see everybody succeed here,” Young said.

Seven years after joining Edward Jones, Young is a part owner through the company's limited partnership program and walking testimonial for why the company is a great place to work.

His branch office administrator, Lucy Harrison, also earned a limited partnership.

The company noted in its Best Places to Work survey that it offers 401(k) plans and profit sharing. It shares 24 percent of net profits annually (which boosted pay 4.6 percent in 2018), with staff employed six months or more who work at least 20 hours weekly. The money is deposited into retirement accounts. Remaining firm profits are distributed annually to principals and limited partners.

Young, whose office is one of about 70 Edward Jones offices in Connecticut and 13,000-plus nationwide, enjoys the company's family atmosphere. That's demonstrated, in part, by annual New England regional meetings to which spouses and children are invited and connect with other families.

“You almost build an extended family on top of everything else,” he said.

There also are regional holiday parties and Young has a holiday extravaganza for clients, with whom he builds relationships.

“That, to me, is as rewarding as any financial benefit that's out there,” he said.

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