Coming Full Circle: Blaine’s Return to Edward Jones

“Edward Jones was the only financial services firm I knew of that held true to its core value of caring for people and I craved to work in an environment that fostered and appreciated human relationships.” – Blaine Johnston

Blaine started his career at Edward Jones, and after years of experience at other financial services firms, he came back. Why? Because through decades of market changes, Edward Jones stayed true to its core values of client service and employee recognition. Here is his story:

“I began my career in financial services at Edward Jones while I was in my 20’s. Although I had a successful start at Edward Jones, personal circumstances led me to the decision to leave the community where I lived, in search of a new start.

“I parted ways with Edward Jones on amicable terms; in fact, my Regional Leader referred me to a wholesaler role in another firm. I eventually found my way to a private investment firm in Kamloops, BC, where I spent the next 13 years building portfolios for high net worth clients.

“In 2018, I returned to Edward Jones. I had become dissatisfied with the level of service I was providing to my clients; I did not have the time each deserved. I realized that the relationship between client and advisor had eroded throughout our industry. My book size was immense and growing, but with very limited administrative support. It was becoming impossible to provide meaningful client service and highly stressful to keep up with the volume of work. I felt that I needed to work for a firm where I could be more effective for my clients while being fairly compensated for my hard work. I craved to work in an environment that fostered and appreciated human relationships.

“Even though I knew this was Edward Jones’ philosophy, out of curiosity I chose to interview at several firms to learn of their transition packages. It was quickly apparent that what Edward Jones was offering was the most impressive. I told my wife, an avid traveler, about the opportunity for a bonus of the Travel Award Program (TAP), and we agreed that Edward Jones was the only choice. The Edward Jones TAP trips are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and Edward Jones advisors have an opportunity to join every year.

“As I began the move to Edward Jones, I was given a dedicated transition specialist and an experienced branch office administrator (BOA). I wasn’t familiar with the systems, so having a BOA to work with was extremely helpful. I am thankful that I was able to focus my energy on my clients instead of learning a new technology. I now have the support of 2 BOAs and we serve over 200 households, of which 40% transitioned from my former firm.

“Edward Jones is our industry’s best kept secret, so I was worried that my clients would be reluctant to move here. I was wrong. The trust they have in me combined with Edward Jones’ tools and research made it an easy choice. Those who moved are happy they did!

“Ours is an ever-changing industry. Edward Jones has adjusted to various market conditions, but never adjusted its core belief of looking after people, clients and associates alike. That is what, I believe, separates Edward Jones from all others.”

If you’re ready for a rewarding career as a financial advisor, you can click here to learn more about the opportunity and apply.