In 2012, Ryan Pederson began his career with Edward Jones in Waconia, a city that, at the time, was new to both him and his new wife, Jamie. He started by walking door-to-door, introducing himself and the services he offered to community members. Now, in 2024, his business has grown significantly thanks to his diligence, passion, and commitment to his clients. With this growth came a need to add another financial advisor to his practice - or should we say… team.
About 8 years ago, former college basketball players Andy Jones and Ryan met at a Tuesday evening basketball league and hit it off. Since they laced up their sneakers for that first face-off at Excelsior Covenant Church, they’ve bonded over their love of the game. This shared passion has led to a strong friendship, and these days, they find themselves sharing the floor as business partners at Edward Jones.
On and off the court, Andy and Ryan are unstoppable. While they each bring their unique qualities and strengths to the business, the client-focused teamwork you’ll find at 641 Marketplace is one you want on your roster.
Andy, welcome to Waconia! Tell us a little about yourself.
My wonderful wife, Rachel, and I live in Victoria. We are deeply involved with Grace Church and love finding opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. I was raised in Excelsior, graduated from Minnetonka High School, and then moved on to St John’s University, where I also played basketball. I’ve spent the majority of my professional career on the acquisition side of sales, but when an opportunity arose to build a business with one of my best friends, Ryan, I had to take it.
How has your relationship evolved over the past 8 years?
Andy: Ryan has become one of my best friends. When initially meeting anyone new on the basketball court, I tend to be a bit overly competitive, which typically isn’t conducive to a healthy friendship. Over the past 8 years or so, Ryan and I have been able to create awesome chemistry on the court which has translated to an incredible relationship, both professionally and as friends.
Ryan: Our relationship has primarily evolved from spending time playing basketball on Tuesdays to becoming great friends off the court, where we’ve connected over our shared passions of faith and finances.
What made you decide to work together?
Andy: Ryan has been blessed to build an outstanding business through hard work and dedication to his craft and clients. As a result, he needed to be thoughtful about scaling his business in a way that wouldn’t negatively impact any of those relationships. The thought behind adding me to the team was to elevate the client relationships by working as partners to ensure each client would receive top-tier service.
Ryan: My business had grown to the point where I needed help to maintain the high level of service we provide our clients. When considering adding another financial advisor to our office, I was very particular about the type of person I was looking for. Andy met all of the qualities on my list and he was in a place professionally where he was ready for a change, so it was the perfect timing and fit.
What qualities does the other bring to your professional partnership?
Andy: Ryan is a seasoned veteran who displays a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, empathy, and intentionality with his clients. When planning your financial future, these qualities are ingredients for an excellent experience.
Ryan: Andy brings a high level of integrity, which is the most important quality a financial advisor needs to have. Our clients walk away knowing they are working with someone who truly cares for them and has their best interests in mind.
How do you balance your friendship with your professional relationship?
Andy: Honestly, it’s very easy. We disagree on very few things. So long as we’re striving toward an agreed-upon goal, business cohesion is second nature.
Ryan: Working together has been a great experience so far. It makes coming to the office fun every day, and it gives me a huge peace of mind to know that our clients are well taken care of by one of my best friends, whom I completely trust.
How do you think your shared history in college basketball has contributed to your success in working together?
Andy: Business is, in many ways, the same as any sport. We have desired outcomes we’re striving to achieve, and to perform at a caliber that’s beneficial to our clients, we need to make daily adjustments. The beauty of our business is that winning isn’t exclusive to us – it’s client-focused. When our clients win, so do we. Because of this, our daily challenge is to work towards achieving our clients’ goals. Our success is a product of our clients’ victories.
Ryan: I think our shared college basketball experiences gave us the level of discipline and hard work that is required to maintain and grow a high-performing business, and as a result, we continually strive to find ways to exceed our clients’ expectations and elevate their experience with us.
What skills or lessons from your basketball days do you apply to your current work?
Andy: The team is more valuable than the individual. To be successful, selfishness has to be removed from the equation. In basketball, all five players on the court need to be on the same page. The same can be applied to our business. We must deeply understand client wants, wishes, needs, and goals, and work as a team to pursue those ends.
Ryan: We both played the game at a high level, which takes many years of discipline and hard work. We each bring those same qualities to work every day and strive to provide the highest level of service and expertise for our clients.
What are your future goals and aspirations as a professional team?
Andy: We would love to reach as many people in the community as possible. Everyone can benefit from a tangible plan – investing to achieve financial goals is no different.
Ryan: Our business has been growing rapidly, and at some point in the near future, we have aspirations to move into a new permanent, multi-advisor office here in Waconia that will allow us to continue to serve our clients at the highest level.
This Edward Jones branch is comprised of Financial Advisors Ryan Pederson and Andy Jones, as well as their Branch Office Administrator, Kim Taylor. Each is an essential part of making this business a complete team. To meet this team, visit:
https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ryan-pederson
https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/andrew-jones
Ryan and I have been able to create awesome chemistry on the court which has translated to an incredible relationship, both professionally and as friends.