GoldCaddy:

It is because Jones will hire anybody with a pulse to pass the series 7 and become a broker unlike the big wirehouses.  If they make it past the first two years then they go on to make a good living.  100 grand a year plus nice vacations in a small town makes it very difficult to leave.

It is only when the pain of staying at Jones becomes very real (either compliance or business) that a broker will decide to leave and go Indy.  It is only then that they realize how much pain they endured and how much happier they are now.  My wife reminds me daily.

IndyEDJ

I agree with IndyEDJ.  I was at Jones for about 6 years and the compliance was a nightmare to go through.  And I understand that in a setup with no onsight branch manager you have to be cautious but oh my gosh...sometimes it was down right brutal. 

When I was leaving Jones I considered going to another brokerage and was told that it was pretty easy to transfer a book because of the abundance of products and service.  I was honestly a little bit burnt out and decided to go to inside sales at VA.  It was a great decision for me because I am now an external and I really enjoy it.  I will say that the insurance company and mutual fund company makes a difference.  If you go somewhere with name recognition, there is a chance you won't have to prospect as much. 

Most of the folks that seem down on Edward Jones seem to have experience.  Where would you recommend people start then?  I have been lurking here for a while.  I haven’t been able to decide where I would start if I go that route.  Every time someone mentions a company, someone else has a disparaging opinion of it.

[quote=techo]Most of the folks that seem down on Edward Jones seem to have experience.  Where would you recommend people start then?  I have been lurking here for a while.  I haven't been able to decide where I would start if I go that route.  Every time someone mentions a company, someone else has a disparaging opinion of it. [/quote]

You will find that in any company, in any industry.  No firm can make everyone happy all the time.  You have to decide what makes you happy, and what is important to you, as well as what bothers you.  Then do a lot of research based on those criteria.