Vantaggi
Training and education systems and resources are exemplary. Multiple levels of support, accountability, teamwork, mentorship, coaching available. The roles are clearly defined. Employees can become partners regardless of roles. Well developed relationships with product partners. For the most part, advisors are not pushed or incentivized to sell certain products.
Svantaggi
The old culture has seriously deteriorated. Edward Jones used to be about always doing the right thing, taking care of family and community, not making money the reason for your life "money has never been my god..." The home office used to treat advisors like they served the advisors. It was a respectful collaborative effort. Now it feels like policy, how you operate your office, what product and how you push clients to those products is emphasized. Too many people focused on increasing revenue from existing clients. Home office people can often be rude, home office associates can occasionally be found that "talk down" to advisors. The culture of respect and collaboration are largely dead. It's senior management driving policy to areas and regions, and regional leaders trying to shove policy down the throats of advisors and their offices.