The advice of a knowledgeable financial advisor can play an important role in an uncertain economy, and The Eagle’s readers have recognized Edward Jones as the 2009 Readers’ Choice for “Best Financial Advisor.”
The Eagle’s readers aren’t the only ones to recognize Edward Jones for its quality of service. BusinessWeek named Edward Jones the highest-ranking brokerage firms for 2008 and SmartMoney magazine named Edward Jones the number two full-service brokerage firm in its June 2009 edition. For the 10th year, Fortune magazine listed Edward Jones as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.”
Since its inception, St. Louis-based Edward Jones has taken a personal, long-term approach to investing.
Until the mid-1950s, Edward Jones looked much like any other investment brokerage firm. In 1955, however, Edward D. "Ted" Jones Jr., son of the firm's founder, brought to life his vision of how investments should be delivered to individuals. His experience convinced him that when important financial decisions are involved, most individuals prefer to work face-to-face with a trusted professional.
Starting with the first branch office in Mexico, Mo., Ted Jones devoted his energy to building a network of small neighborhood offices, each run by a single financial advisor and full-time support person, the branch office administrator (BOA). The mission of each of those offices was the same - to provide quality investments and personal service to investors in the local community. Back in St. Louis, the home office was organized in a hub and spoke manner to provide branches with technological, marketing and operations support. By 1980, there were more than 300 Edward Jones branch offices.
John Bachmann succeeded Ted Jones as the firm's managing partner in 1980. Under John's leadership, and continued focus on a strategic approach to investing, growth of the branch office network has continued. In 1994, the firm expanded into Canada, and in 1998 the first branch office opened in the UK. Today there are more than 11,000 offices throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
In addition, Edward Jones is the nation's only major financial services firm that retains a partnership form of ownership.
The Edward Jones philosophy is that service to the individual is of utmost importance. Its financial advisors provide this personal brand of service by discussing the clients’ individual needs on a one-on-one basis. Edward Jones financial investors provide long-term investment opportunities that include a broad mix of municipal, government and corporate bonds; common stocks; mutual funds and tax-advantaged securities.
Edward Jones offers a variety of services such as annuities, business retirement plans, education savings plans, estate considerations, fixed income investments and IRAs. Edward Jones clients can also enjoy life and health insurances, or get a better grasp on their investments with Edward Jones’s investor education programs.
Growth has transformed Edward Jones from a regional firm with only 304 offices in 1980, to a national and global presence of more than 11,000 offices. To support this growth, the firm created a nationally-recognized training program for its financial advisors.
Although many of the offices are in rural communities, Edward Jones has developed a strong presence in metropolitan areas, including Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Seattle. There are 10 locations in the Bryan/College Station community (more than 1,000 overall in Texas), meaning you’re always close to investment advice.
Brian L. Cobb, financial advisor at the 3002 Texas Avenue, College Station location, said it was an honor to be recognized by The Eagle’s readers. “From the employees of Edward Jones, thank you for the opportunity to provide a service to the community and for letting us be a part of this incredible place we call home,” Cobb said.
