BUSINESS PROFILE: Edward Jones – Welcome to our office

PHOTO: From left, Kristy Vickerson, Ashley Michaud and Julie Barter-Lucas. (Submitted photo)

By Julie Barter-Lucas

Located in the Stevens Commons development at 1 Beech St., Hallowell, Edward Jones is not your typical financial advisor practice. For us, it’s more than investment; it’s about building relationships and creating a partnership with our clients.
I joined Edward Jones in 2007. I decided to become a financial advisor in order to make a difference in the lives of others. A couple of years before joining Edward Jones, I experienced an unexpected and life-changing event.
At a very vulnerable point in my life, I was given sound financial advice. During a period of grief and loss, I could have easily been misled or been taken advantage of, but I was fortunate to be guided by financial professionals empathetic to my personal situation and who put my best interest first.
At the time, I did not realize the impact that advice would have on my life. As I reflect, I know it was their guidance that helped provide me with the foundation of the life I have today. This experience inspired me to become a financial advisor to help others live their best lives.
We work with our clients to make sure they feel understood, informed, in control and secure so that they can focus on what is most important to them and their family. We help every client create an individual strategy to help them achieve their goals now and for generations to come. We work confidentially and discreetly with other financial professionals, including CPAs, estate planning attorneys and insurance specialists to make sure we understand each client’s complete financial picture.
As a partner, we are there with our clients throughout life’s biggest moments. During the best of times and the worst, we are there every step of the way.
I have had the honor to be the trusted partner for dozens of families for more than 13 years, navigating education savings, social security and life insurance needs. I have helped so many individuals and couples design a retirement goal strategy, celebrating with them when they transitioned to retirement.
I have walked side-by-side with so many clients as they faced terminal illness. I have been there to listen to how they envision their legacy and then helped their loved ones realize that legacy after they have passed. On many occasions I have helped people who, like me so many years ago, have experienced a sudden and life-changing event.
I chose this career because I understood the meaningful impact I would have on my clients and very early recognized that the impact of serving others could be rewarding. My clients are like an extension of my family, and so many have become close friends. As I am there to support and guide them through their life’s journey, they have also been such a big part of mine.
I am also fortunate to have an administrative team dedicated to client service. Senior branch office administrator Kristy Vickerson joined my team almost five years ago. She brings more than 15 years of experience working in the educational system. Branch office administrator Ashley Michaud joined our team earlier this year and brings a whole new digital aspect to our day to day work. Whether greeting clients, answering questions or managing the day-to-day activities in our office, both Kristy and Ashley are always committed to delivering an exceptional level of friendly and professional service.
We are welcoming new clients. If you are looking for a trusted partner, reach out to us at 207-622-0991. You can also visit us on our website www.edwardjones.com/julie-barterlucas.