Edward Jones
Interviewee: Kenneth Faust
KW: Tell us about your business.
KF: I am a financial advisor with Edward Jones. I work with both individuals and businesses who want to invest and plan their financial futures. I work with these groups to identify and understand what is important to them, and then I build personalized strategies to help them achieve their goals. My clients and I partner together throughout their life to help them reach their goals. I have worked in the finance and investing fields for seven years. The last two have been with Edward Jones. Prior to Edward Jones, I worked for both big banks and a local credit union. I also spent nine years as an officer in the Army National Guard. I feel as though my background has made me well-rounded and in a unique position to help my clients plan for their financial futures.
KW: Who is your target customer?
KF: My ideal client is an individual or business interested in developing a financial plan under the Edward Jones model. Many clients are overwhelmed by finances or think they don't qualify for a financial advisor because they don't "make enough" or "have enough saved." But that could not be further from the truth! People deserve to be educated in their finances, and I am here to partner with them, and make this once daunting task much more manageable, and put their financial goals within reach.
My target audience realizes the value of partnering with a professional to create a personal plan and meet their unique needs. Whether their goal is to save for their children's education, plan for their dream retirement, or just secure their family's financial future.
I enjoy working with clients interested in an ongoing partnership to ensure that they meet their milestones to make their dreams a reality. There is a difference between just doing a job and doing the job right. My clients work hard and understand that they deserve a financial plan that is done right.
KW: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business?
KF: I have been fortunate that financial services, like Edward Jones, were classified as an "essential business" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the state and company have allowed advisors to continue to serve our clients from our offices. My branch is small, with only three employees in our office, so we can isolate ourselves in our offices while continuing to be onsite and continue serving our clients.
KW: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference?
KF: I participate in several organizations, including Rotary, Spokane Young Professionals, and Greater Spokane Incorporated. These organizations are actively working to address the needs of the of the Spokane Community.
I have also made a personal commitment to meet with anyone -- no matter their financial situation, to ensure that everyone has access to financial resources. I am the son of a former small business owner and grew up peeling potatoes and sweeping floors. My family lacked a financial education, which caused hardships when I was growing up. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a career as a financial advisor and made me realize that every person should have the opportunity to become educated in their finances and reach out to someone able and willing to help.
I strive to ensure that if someone is interested in bettering their situation, they can access the tools to do so. It is difficult because many people feel that they are not wealthy enough for an advisor, but the truth is that everyone could use professional help to understand their situation.
KW: What is a mistake you’ve made along the way that other people can learn from?
KF: My biggest mistake in growing my business was struggling to find a balance between work and home life. I have an amazing and supportive wife who is an attorney in Spokane. We both have professional careers and try to share our responsibilities. But, that is not always possible, so we follow a policy that sometimes one partner must carry 80 percent of the load, and other times the other partner needs to take the majority of the work. It is easy to get caught up when growing your business, but you should always make time to support those supporting you.
KW: What is inspiring to you today?
KF: I am inspired by the small business owners whom I partner with during these difficult times. No one has been unaffected during recent events, and those with the bravery to strike out on their own have been affected most of all. I have seen resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity that has allowed small business owners to not only survive but thrive. These small acts of everyday courage inspire me to do the same.
Offer: I am offering to set up a no-obligation financial review with anyone interested in making a financial plan. There is no commitment and no pressure to move forward. My goal is to understand what is important to you and develop a lifelong partnership.
Edward Jones
Interviewee: Kenneth Faust
509-328-2115
By Kendra Wiiest
