Liz Kennedy, Financial Advisor
Fair Lawn, NJ
When Liz Kennedy was reentering the workforce after time at home with children, she had two opportunities to become a financial advisor: one with Edward Jones and one with a big wirehouse. She took a short-term gain and joined the wirehouse – a decision she would later rethink. While working at the wirehouse, Kennedy experienced an unexpected accident.
“I had a horrific fall and was rendered handicapped. Doctors were unsure if I would walk again,” she recalled. “Although my business was strong, [the wirehouse] lacked support.”
Kennedy’s wirehouse paused her business and give her clients to another financial advisor until she recovered. She was dismayed to learn that they would restart her production clock when she returned, and she would be forced to rebuild her business in short timeframe.
Disappointed by their response to her situation Kennedy sought out Edward Jones. For Kennedy, the difference in the two companies was apparent.
“I called Edward Jones and told them what had happened including the full details of my recovery. They welcomed me with open arms, offered me an opportunity and told me to focus on my recovery without any pressure,” said Kennedy. “I was blown away by that.”
Kennedy recovered and, impressed by Edward Jones’ response and purpose-driven culture, joined the firm in 2022. She was supported by the home office and a robust local community of fellow financial advisors who not only encouraged her in her recovery, but provided mentorship that helped her launch and grow her practice.
“When I tell other professionals in my network that they’ll get help from other local financial advisors, they think I’m kidding,” she said. “Edward Jones recognizes financial advisors for helping their fellow colleagues.”
Kennedy’s experience is not unique within Edward Jones. As the largest standing private partnership in the industry, Edward Jones financial advisors can put their clients’ interests first and collaborate with colleagues without the fear of losing business. The success of every financial advisor is collective success.
Like so many others, she was drawn to the culture, but it was the future partnership opportunity that ultimately brought Kennedy to the firm.
“Edward Jones is owned by the employees of the firm, including financial advisors, and that’s so unique to the industry. Becoming a partner is an extraordinary opportunity.”
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*Based on the most recent quarterly earnings results, and FINRA registration for producing advisors.
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