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B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 7 28 LARGE COMPANIES [ 250+ employees ] Edward Jones is the nation's larg- est fi nancial-services fi rm in terms of branch offi ces, with more than 12,300 U.S. locations. Every aspect of the business, from investment types to branch locations, is designed to cater to more than 7 million clients in communities where they live and work. Financial advi- sors work with clients to understand personal goals – from college sav- ings to retirement – and create long-term invest- ment solutions that em- phasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and- hold strategy. The typical branch has one fi nancial advisor and one ad- ministrator. The fi rm pays expenses, installs technology and provides all the training and support. Financial advisors are paid to study for licenses, then go on salary plus earned commis- sions and bonuses, and get subsidized benefi ts in their early years. They eventually transition to commission earnings supplemented by profi tabil- ity bonuses and profi t-sharing, and even enjoy the possibility of limited partnership. The fi rm pays branch of- fi ce administrators hourly, but they earn bonuses, get profit-shar- ing and are of- f e r e d l i m i t e d partnership, too. All are fi rm as- sociates, strong- ly supported in t h e i r r e g i o n s and by home- offi ce personnel. This is a thriv- i n g c o m p a n y. Hiring efforts for branches all over the country never slow, and the company continues to open new branches in all 50 states. As a partnership, all income after expenses is paid to associates through bonuses, profi t-sharing and partner- ship earnings. Partnership is a unique reward that few companies offer. Any associate in good standing with three years of service can be offered partnership. When associates face personal or professional diffi culties, the fi rm stands by them. This might mean quick assistance in a natural disas- ter, paid leave or medical exceptions, cards and emails, or dozens of associ- ates showing up at a funeral. Volunteerism is fundamental to the culture. Home-offi ce associates get one paid Day of Caring annually. Each year, thousands of finan- cial advisors earn all-expense-paid Edward Jones Travel Award trips to exotic destinations around the globe. The fi rm's Trimester Challenge is a fun client-related contest launched ev- ery four months, open to any branch offi ce administrator. There's no limit on the number of winners and branch associates can win gift cards, turkeys, hams or cheesecakes. Health and wellness benefi ts in- clude up to $1,560 in annual health premium discounts and distribution of Fitting in Fitness packets. Edward Jones Profi t-sharing and limited partnership Edward Jones 251 U.S. Route 1 Falmouth, ME 04105 Top local executive: Seth Cheikin, Financial Advisor/Regional Leader Year established: 1922 Maine employees: 109 Website: www.edwardjones.com # 1 Maine fi nancial advisors take part in Edward Jones' winter regional meeting. The SHRM Maine State Council congratulates the 2017 Best Places to Work PREMIER SPONSOR SUPPORTING SPONSORS A special thanks to our sponsors who helped make the Best Places to Work Awards Celebration possible PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR 2017 RECEPTION SPONSORS Member FDIC