Hartford Business Journal

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN CONNECTICUT Large Cos. www.HartfordBusiness.com • March 9, 2020 • Hartford Business Journal BPTW 17 Edward Jones provides its advisors a second-career opportunity By Liese Klein Special to the Hartford Business Journal A gathering of Edward Jones employees in the Hartford area might bring together a former teacher, ex-engi- neer or manager who once worked as an attorney at a top law firm. Many of the financial advisors at the investment firm's local offices are on a second career and have a track record of achievement in other fields. "We're always trying to work at getting more diverse and more inclusive," said James Zeller, the Edward Jones regional leader for the area that includes Hartford, northern Connecticut and western Massachu- setts. "We do a great job of onboard- ing folks that want to enter this profession; we provide a lot of ongo- ing support through existing advisors and branch-office administrators." Beyond financial expertise, Ed- ward Jones advisors are called on to work with clients throughout their lives to achieve their personal and family goals. That mission tends to attract "folks who really enjoy work- ing in a face-to-face, one-on-one en- vironment with clients," Zeller said. In order to facilitate the firm's mission, Edward Jones operates as a partnership instead of as a publicly traded company, incentivizing work- ers to take a big-picture approach. "It's allowed us to have a longer- term vision; it's helped us evolve as clients' needs have evolved," Zeller said of the partnership structure. Employees with three years of tenure and good performance are eligible to become limited partners and eventually general partners, en- abling them to retire early if desired. Advisors and administrators can also earn bonuses each trimester and benefit from annual profit-sharing. An additional benefit arising from the firm's client-focused approach is a flexible schedule. "We have a lot of moms and dads who enjoy family time," Zeller said. "It is an extremely time-intensive business — if you are doing that work and it's good work, you're go- ing to be able to tailor it around the needs that you may have." Nationwide, the firm employs nearly 47,000 people in 1,300 locations to serve its 7 million clients, but the Hartford-area Edward Jones team re- mains a tight-knit group, Zeller said. Part of what unites the New England workers is dedication to the cause of Alzheimer's research and treatment, an issue of primary importance to many Edward Jones customers. "We recognize in the work that we do and the conversations we have, what a large impact Alzheimer's has on our client families," Zeller said. For Zeller, it's working with families over time that is the main benefit of working at Edward Jones. "I like the idea of sitting across the desk from a client, working with them ... and making recommendations aligned with what they value," he said. Barnum Financial Group B arnum Financial Group offers investment and risk- management products to a range of clients nationwide. Employee Benefits: Offers a suite of financial literacy programs to workers including personal con- sultations to plan retirement and health coverage. New program helps employees pay off their student loans. Training: "Barnum University" enables em- ployees to obtain leadership train- ing along with in-house education toward industry certifications. Diversity: Celebrates Interna- tional Women's Day with breakfast and free house plants for all women in the company. Community Service: Company supports employees with leadership roles in community groups. Shawmut Design and Construction S hawmut Design and Construc- tion is an employee-owned construction-management firm focusing on complex and logis- tically challenging projects for aca- demic, corporate and retail clients. Employee Benefits: Shawmut pays for all or part of employees' childcare needs, either on a regular basis or during busy seasons, and hosts after- school and summer programs for school-aged chil- dren. The com- pany provides elder-care assis- tance, including transportation to medical ap- pointments, meal delivery and counseling support for care- giver stress. Employee Bonuses: Each worker receives annual contributions averaging 12% of their salary toward retire- ment, in addition to 401(k) company contributions of 50% of the first 8% of an employee's contribution. Recognition: Shawmut hosts an an- nual awards ceremony honoring em- ployees across the company for client service, safety and high performance. Communication: A weekly newsletter called The Buzz goes out company-wide, highlighting team and individual achievements and sharing employee stories. RANKED 2 ND RANKED 3 RD RANKED 4 TH Edward Jones CT Headquarters: Thomaston Industry: Financial services Website: edwardjones.com Twitter: @EdwardJones Top executives: Penny Pennington, Managing Partner Headquarters: Shelton Industry: Financial services Website: barnumfinancialgroup.com Top Executive: Paul Blanco, founder & CEO CT Headquarters: North Haven Industry: Construction Website: shawmut.com Top Executive: Ken Procino, Regional Director

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