Thursday, July 24, 2008

Davis a believer in Edward Jones

by Kenneth Lassiter

Before Quentin Davis knew any better, Edward Jones was just another financial company among many. He has since become a true believer and has set up shop on the west side of the square as a financial advisor for the company.

Davis opened the office in the former location of Holland Eye Clinic in May and held an open house and grand opening for the office July 3.

He and his new office administrator, Terra Kabus, are now at work helping clients with everything from setting up retirement accounts to various insurances, college savings plans and other investment opportunities.

Davis' journey to where he is now as an Edward Jones representative in Oskaloosa started after the Osage City native had lived in California and worked in the construction industry there for 15 years. He and his wife, Tracee, a Seneca native, sold Quentin's construction business and moved back to Kansas in 2005. They split the difference in distance between their home towns and settled in rural Oskaloosa, where they bought land and built a home that was completed in late 2006.

Davis decided to go into the financial industry upon his return and joined forces with Edward Jones in 2007.

"I have always managed my own investments and I've always been interested in the investment field. Having owned my own business, I knew I wanted to continue to be a business owner and it was a natural fit to want to do that in the financial and investment industry," Davis said.

He and Tracee have two sons, Luke, 4, and Jack, 9 mos.

"I also knew I wanted to work in town. I didn't want to go to Lawrence or Topeka, I wanted to be able to work here in town so I discussed it with Edward Jones officials and they were gracious enough to allow me to have an office in town."

The fact that Edward Jones focuses on one-on-one interaction with clients and isn't all about selling specific product packages to clients were two of the things that hooked Davis when he was looking into financial firms.

"I really enjoy that you get to meet people face-to-face and meet one-on-one to get to know them and understand their goals, so you can focus on what their needs are and give appropriate advice from there," Davis said.

Edward Jones was formed by Edward Jones Sr. in 1922 and now features more than 10,000 offices globally with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., and Tempe, Ariz.

"We're trying to build somebody's portfolio however it fits them best. Everyone has the need of financial advice at some point, whether it's getting started in a career and getting set up to save for retirement or whether its coming down to when retirement is nearing and you've saved your money and need to finalize plans. Everybody would like to talk to someone, the problem is they don't know who to talk to. They don't necessarily want to drive to Kansas City or Lawrence or Topeka to talk to somebody they don't know."

Davis spent some time prior to opening an office on the square introducing himself around the Oskaloosa area and getting situated in the community. When the Hollands moved their optometry office to a new office along US-59 Highway in Oskaloosa, Davis saw his chance and went after it.

"I couldn't ask for a better location or a nicer building," Davis said.

The space underwent some renovations earlier this year to create office space for Davis as well as a break room and small conference room.

"The Bowsers (who own the building) have been big supporters. Actually, I've had tremendous support from all the business community here. I think it's been uplifting to see a new business come to town and we all want to see it thrive and grow."

Davis' office operates as an independent Edward Jones office but he does meet with other officials from other EJ offices in the region from time to time for conferences. He said one misconception people often have about meeting with a financial advisor such as those from Edward Jones is that they need to have a large amount of money ready to hand over. In truth, Davis said as little as $50 a month put away toward retirement can work wonders over the years.

"People need to be able to have someone they like here who they know they can rely on for good advice," Davis said.

He pointed out the Edward Jones reputation and backbone of nationwide presence also can lend some credence and accountability for clients.

"Sometimes people have a portfolio of investments but they don't know if it's really what they need. A lot of people don't know why they have (certain investments) and don't know the advantages or disadvantages of having them. They might feel stuck with something that doesn't really fit their needs. One of the main reasons I put an office here is I saw a need. You want somebody who can take you through all this and keep you on the right track. Once you have money invested you want to make sure it's doing what you want it to do.

"Oskaloosa is a perfect fit for me. The best thing about it is I can work in the town I live in and help the people in the community and county I live with. I couldn't be happier with the company I'm working for. Edward Jones is the one company that's come out and said they'll put their client's needs first every time. The support of my clients has been great. You feel very attached once you get to know the people you're helping. You want nothing more than for them to succeed and meet their goals. I look forward to a 35-year career sitting behind this desk and, who knows, maybe someday my sons will want to take it over."