One of the most important things a financial professional can do for clients is help them avoid making choices based solely on emotions or fears, says Jeff Kitchen, Edward Jones financial advisor and division activation leader, who recently relocated the local office to 535 N. Church St., Suite 275 (second floor).
After 25 years elsewhere, Jeff says they were able to secure this renovated, more spacious location with superior parking, known as the Hartshorne Mansion or the beloved Barclay House. "Our office provides a great, calming atmosphere that combines the best of our area's history and its modern amenities, with our conference room overlooking the park," he adds.
He says having a private, inspirational place to converse with clients is a benefit as they partner to help them understand strategic financial planning is about more than just monetary investments.
"We serve as a trusted partner and guide in each financial decision our clients make. The personal experience we deliver sets us apart," assures Jeff.
Jeff says the guidance they provide to clients often intersects with goals for their health, family, their own purpose, as well as their finances. "You might use the word 'well-being' to describe what we're talking to our clients about. They’re seeking financial advisors who understand the way they think about their goals now and who have longer-term pictures in mind, coaching them to and through life’s phases and complexity.
Knowledge requires understanding and guidance, weighing complex tradeoffs and developing financial and non-financial solutions," he says.
"On the other hand, empathy requires deep, personal relationships, paired with intuitive listening skills that show a desire to understand clients’ needs. The work we do matters, and is needed more than ever," he adds.
Since Edward D. Jones Sr. opened the doors of the firm 100 years ago, the company's focus has been helping people connect to their own purpose and achieve things in their lives they might not have known were possible. "That purpose is our why," Jeff adds.
Jeff says they're proud and appreciative to live and work alongside those they serve. "We pride ourselves on making positive impacts one person, one colleague and one community at a time."
From being headquartered in St. Louis, Edward Jones’ teams provides financial services in the U.S., and through its affiliate, in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.8 trillion in assets under care.
Because every person has unique financial goals, circumstances, savings habits, interests and comfort with risk – and because these factors are constantly changing as life evolves -- Jeff says he uses an established process to understand specific needs of each client and to provide a human-centered approach to develop a custom-tailored strategy.
"Our personalized approach with investment strategies is as individual as each client is, which is why they can feel confident as we work toward reaching those goals and navigating life’s ups and downs," he says. "It's a privilege to be invited into my clients' lives, and work with them to grow and protect their wealth and help them provide for future generations."
Jeff has an accredited asset management specialist designation, and was named a 2022 and 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor.
610.430.1320
jeff.kitchen@edwardjones.com