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29 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 LARGE COMPANIES [ 250+ employees ] What makes Edward Jones—the fi nancial services giant—a great place to work? "It's the fact that it's an employee- owned company," said Financial Advisor Seth Cheikin. "We're not driv- en by profi ts. We want to grow by doing a great job." Financial advisors at Edward Jones run their own businesses, with extensive firm support. They work in partnership with branch administrators, and even determine office hours. As owners, they receive excellent compensation, and associates who retire in good standing can keep their ownership stake to supplement income in retirement. "A portion of the profi ts is directed back to the associates, so come year's end, we're often paid higher than comparable industry peers, while expenses to clients tend to be lower," Cheikin said. "Tenured advisors seldom leave because they have accumulated so much equity in the company." The firm also offers a premier vacation program, with all expenses paid on trips offered twice a year to associates meeting a reasonable level of performance. The fi rm makes all the arrangements. T h e p r o g r a m r e c o g n i z e s t h e need for a healthy work/life balance. "Anyone—from people in their fi rst year to long- t i m e r s — c a n qualify for these trips," Cheikin said. Examples include trips to Brazil and China, cruises anywhere in the world and skiing in Colorado, with stays in fi ve- star hotels. Each year, two associates receive Super Bowl packages of tickets and luxury accommodations, based on their contributions. The Trimester Challenge is a fun client-related contest, with no limit on the number of winners of gift cards, turkeys, hams or cheesecakes. The training new advisor hires receive is unique to the industry. The fi rm invests around $50,000 in each new associate to help launch their careers. Much of the training is conducted at headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri—fi ve separate trips as new advisors progress and meet their goals—so they're equipped with knowledge on how best to serve clients and grow their business. Training and coaching continues throughout the advisors' and branch administrators' careers, culminating in prestigious conferences where participants learn from the best of outside experts. When associates face personal or professional diffi culties, the company stands by them, with quick assistance, paid leave, medical exceptions, or individual connection. "There's so much care," said Cheikin. "This company is true to its roots. We put people fi rst, both associates and clients." Edward Jones Employee ownership yields top rewards Edward Jones 251 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth 04105 Top local executive: Seth Cheikin, fi nancial advisor Year established: 1922 Maine employees: 99 Website: www.edwardjones.com Human resources contact: Seth Cheikin 207-781-5057 seth.cheikin@edwardjones.com # 1 Maine fi nancial advisors and branch offi ce administrators at a Portland Seadogs baseball game. 207.772.3199 syseng.com/ITME We do. Leave IT to us. Who has the time to deal with daily IT issues? 2016