At age 9, I bought my first stock with money earned from my paper route. My father, Joe Johnston, was an Edward Jones financial advisor for forty years, and it seems his passion for helping others with quality investments and financial products had already started to influence my path. I’ve enjoyed investments ever since, and I even followed in his footsteps when I chose to become an Edward Jones financial advisor in 1998. Many of the families he served are clients of mine today, including second, third and even fourth generations.

At Edward Jones, I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. Often that means taking a complex situation and simplifying it, helping people create goals and stay on track. I also welcome the opportunity to work with a client’s professional partners like accountants or attorneys and build a comprehensive approach to their financial objectives.

At our branch office, I’m surrounded by smart, dedicated teammates who make it easy to lead. Our branch office administrators, Becky Lohse and Julie Eyler, have a warm rapport with clients and boost our days with their efficiency and attention to detail.

Most of the people I work with are serious long-term investors who seek guidance in setting and accomplishing goals. They’re also located across the nation, so I often use technology for virtual meetings and check-ins. But whether a client chooses to visit the office in person, or we meet over teleconference, my goal is to help them feel as comfortable as possible.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s the importance of living our values. That’s why I cherish time with my wife and our three sons, and outside of work, I dedicate time to youth hockey, youth football and serving our community and church. Working as a financial advisor is another way I live my values—so ultimately, I can help others live their own.