The first thing I notice about Paul Dries—besides his striking smoking jacket, which he’d worn to the Troy Chamber of Commerce meeting he had just come from—is his calm, easygoing energy. Within moments, I can tell this is someone who genuinely gets fueled by helping others.
“I treat every client like they’re a member of my own family or one of my closest friends,” Paul says, and from him, these don’t sound like mere words. There’s a respectful caringness to Paul, the kind of energy that puts people at ease. It probably serves him well in his profession, because finances can be a daunting subject for many.
In fact, Paul’s caring nature is part of why he was drawn to being a financial advisor: he tells me he had “a desire to help people and families feel confident about their financial futures.” Paul chose Edward Jones because they’re client-focused: the company believes one size does not fit all, so they make sure to understand each client’s differing needs and goals.
What impressed me most about Paul’s answers was how much people, not money, matter to him. When I ask Paul what success means to him, his answer isn’t about numbers on a page—it’s about the lives those numbers impact: “It’s helping clients achieve the life they envision, whether that means financial independence, supporting loved ones or charitable causes, or pursuing their passions,” he responds.
He tells me about a young couple who started their journey with little financial knowledge. “I guided them from the basics of budgeting to building a solid investment strategy,” Paul recalls. “Over time, they saved for retirement and eventually purchased their dream home.” Making his client’s dreams come true seems to be the outcome Paul focuses on.
Paul’s style is rooted in education and trust. “I simplify complex concepts, provide clear explanations, and ensure clients feel comfortable asking questions throughout the process,” Paul shares. And he makes sure to talk with his clients in terms they can understand—”not industry jargon,” he assures me.
His approach seems to resonate: Paul recently sat down with two prospective clients who’d seen multiple advisors before him. “When the meeting wrapped up, they told me they’d never had someone sit down and explain their entire financial picture so thoroughly,” he remembers proudly.
Paul specializes in intergenerational planning and wealth strategies, which, as he puts it, comes down to clear communication, no matter someone’s age or income level. “I focus on fostering communication across generations, to make sure everyone’s priorities are understood and addressed while preserving and growing family wealth,” Paul declares.
Whether his clients are focused on sending their child to college, retiring, or planning a legacy, Paul breaks those major life transitions into manageable steps—making sure his clients feel supported every step of the way.
What really moved me, though, was Paul’s passion when he spoke about his wife JoJo, and her nonprofit, On The Wings of Angels. Paul makes it clear how important to him it is that they both be part of his story.
JoJo met Paul when they were kids. For JoJo, whose childhood was marked by trauma and abuse, Paul represented something rare: safety and kindness. "He was the calm to my storm" is how JoJo describes it. Jojo came to rely on their friendship, but when things turned romantic years later, Jojo’s abuser got in the way. Paul essentially told Jojo he couldn’t rescue her—she needed to rescue herself first.
After Jojo finally did reclaim her power, life brought the two back together in an extraordinary way: they were matched on Match.com, rekindling a love story that blossomed into a Valentine’s Day wedding.
Jojo’s experiences overcoming her own hardships inspired her to create On The Wings of Angels, a nonprofit that helps women escape domestic violence and rebuild their lives. From providing emergency housing to offering resources for long-term stability, the organization is a beacon of hope for survivors. “It meets survivors where they are,” Paul adds, “and helps them take the next step toward healing.” On The Wings of Angels is always looking for mental health professionals and attorneys to volunteer their services, and gratefully accepts donations; sign up for either or both at onthewings.org
Paul serves on the board of the nonprofit, and volunteers wherever he’s needed—at food banks, animal shelters, and with youth organizations. Simply put, community is something Paul and Jojo value the most. “It’s about making a meaningful impact,” Paul notes.
Before we wrap up, I ask Paul if he has a single piece of advice to share—a financial ‘life hack.’ His answer is deceptively simple but wise: “Start early, even if it’s small. Time is one of the greatest assets you have when building wealth.” I remember that truism about time from my college finance courses: time harnesses the power of compound interest.
Here’s my hack about time: spend it wisely, with people you feel comfortable around, people you sense have your best interests at heart. That’s the kind of confidence I believe you need to feel in order to trust someone with your financial future. And that’s the strong sense I get from Paul: genuine, steady—the kind of person who doesn’t just build portfolios, but peace of mind.
To connect with Paul Dries at his Utica Edward Jones office, visit edwardjones.com/paul-dries or call 586-254-0881.