Behind the Counter: Edward Jones Investments

Edward Jones is a leading investment firm with nearly 7 million clients in the U.S. and Canada. Professionals in this company specialize in everything from retirement and estate planning to life and long-term care insurance.

Locally, Greg Panjian operates the Edward Jones office in Suffield Village. He moved to the community from Ellington in 2006, and opened the office two years later. 

Panjian is community-minded, and currently serves as President of the Suffield Rotary Club. He is also on the Finance Council at Sacred Heart Church, and has been a board member of the Suffield Chamber of Commerce.

Patch asked him to tell us some more about the investment business, and here's what he had to say:

Patch: When did your business open, and what is your role with the company? 

Panjian: My branch opened in July 2008, with the grand opening in Suffield Village in April 2009. The Suffield branch is one of 12,000 offices in the USA and Canada. It is owned by our employees, both managing and limited partners. My position is branch Financial Advisor.

Patch: What services do you offer at your company?

Panjian: We offer individual investors and small businesses a broad range of investments to assist in retirement planning and insurance needs. Annuities, Stocks, Bonds (Tax Free Municipal, Corporate and Government), Mutual Funds, CDs, Retirement accounts including 401K, 403B, 457, Roth, Traditional IRA, SEPS and SIMPLES. Life Insurance, Disability and Long Term Care are also offered. 

Patch: Why did you decide to open in Suffield, and what made you interested in your field?

Panjian: It's a career that has always interested me. I enjoy helping people, and this is a service many need professional assistance with. I was living in town when I accepted a position with Edward Jones. I could have selected in any part of the country, but I liked Suffield and the people and thought this would be a great place to start a branch and become part of the community.

Patch: Do you have a business mantra you live by?

Panjian: My Branch Vision is: To be the preferred financial solutions provider in Suffield and the surrounding communities. Focusing on preparing for and living in retirement. We provide personalized solutions to meet and maintain client goals.

Patch: Can you tell us about your business background? What did you do before you opened your business? Have you owned other businesses in the past? Any notable awards?

Panjian: Previous to joining Edward Jones, I was a small business owner for 20 years that employed as many as 50 people. We manufactured framed decorative art and mirrors and sold them by mail order and B2B. I had permanent showrooms in High Point, NC and Las Vegas. I have received several awards from Edward Jones, most notably the Pioneer Award given to those who open an office in a town for the first time. I also received the Regional Leader, Pacesetter and Ted Jones Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.

Patch: Finish this sentence. When I'm not working I'm...

Panjian: When I am not working, I can be found at a museum, a local theater or a car show, but more often eating at a Suffield restaurant.

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business Name: Edward Jones Investments
Address: Suffield Village, 68 Bridge St., Suffield, CT 06078
Phone number: (860) 668-5983
Web site: www.edwardjones.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; other hours and house calls by appointment