Edward Jones Business Model
Financial Adviser (FA) runs branch like an independent entrepreneur
Local market focus
Focus on long-term investments & diversified holdings
Small office size provides flexibility to establish in rural & suburban areas with little competition
Local FA’s website has information for local stocks of interest
St. Louis HQ provides support functions
HQ provides IS infrastructure
FAs have access to local database on the distribution of household net financial assets
Extensive training for new FAs
New FAs receive HQ assistance in setting up new location
Community presence through advertising, networking, & educational seminars
All clients treated the same and with same access to service (regardless of investment size)
Focus on individual customers only
Personalized customer service
Focus on building relationships
Various incentives, including eligibility for partnership
Discourage competition; encourage cooperation & volunteerism
Experienced FAs provide moral support to new FAs
Central belief in delivering value to clients
“Prospecting”=Pounding the pavement to gain new customers
Each location has one FA & one BOA