Ozarks Profile: Terry Mooneyham

Tell us about your company.

Edward Jones, the only major financial services firm advising individual investors exclusively, serves nearly 6 million clients. The firm offers its clients a variety of investments, including certificates of deposit, taxable and nontaxable bonds, stocks and mutual funds. Edward Jones currently has more than 8,500 offices and the United States and, through its affiliates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Plans call for expansion to 10,000 offices by 2003.

Specifically, what is your job?

A branch office administrator is responsible for the daily operation of an Edward Jones office. This includes providing top-notch client service, supporting marketing activities for the office and staying updated on technological advances. I assist Greg Macchi, the investment representative, in all areas except sales.

What are some of the challenges in your industry?

The Edward Jones philosophy is that customer service to the individual is of utmost importance. The past two years have been especially challenging for our industry. In our office, personal, face-to-face relationships are the norm. With the downturn in the market, we have continued to keep our customers well-informed on the economy, the market and how it is affecting their personal portfolios.

What do you like best about your work?

Edward Jones set up the branch office with one investment representative and one branch office administrator. This can be a challenging working relationship. Greg Macchi and I work very well together. We really function as a team. This is definitely the best part of the job.

Tell us about your family.

I am single and have two daughters, Sara, age 20, who lives in Republic, and Kara, 24, a student at the University of Chicago.

What are your hobbies and spare-time interests?

My spare time usually overlaps with Edward Jones. Greg and I feel strongly about community support and involvement. I am serving as president of the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Republic Business and Professional Women, Republic section chair for the United Way of the Ozarks, a member of the Planning and Zoning Board for the city of Republic, and I am fortunate to have a small role in the annual breakfast for The Victim Center in Springfield. Obviously, I like a good project, but I do allow time to attend National Avenue Christian Church and spend time with my family.

If you could choose another job, what would it be?

A dream job would be one dedicated to our nonprofit organizations. There is such a need for more involvement. I feel fortunate to have a job that allows the time to volunteer.