Imagery courtesy of Heather Wylie
It is my personal mission to help people reach their long-term financial goals.
–Heather Wylie
What was the defining moment in your past that set you on the career path you ended up following?
My career trajectory changed when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. When he was in his early stages of battling Alzheimer’s, his Financial Advisor who worked for Edward Jones, was a great asset to my family. My grandfather’s close relationship with him extended to my family. I was able to see first-hand how working as a Financial Advisor provides an opportunity to make a larger, more positive impact on clients’ lives throughout all kinds of circumstances. From that point on, I knew I wanted to build a career working at Edward Jones so I could be that same asset to people as my grandfather’s Financial Advisor was to my family — having a large positive impact on people’s lives.
Heather in the hospital with her grandfather
What makes you unique in your industry?
I am focused on creating a personal experience for each client I work with. What is important to my clients is important to me. I focus on understanding that each person has a unique set of circumstances and long-term visions for their future. Through combining a personal experience with proven process, I offer my clients a well-rounded experience to help them feel understood and stay on track to meet their financial goals. Ultimately, I see myself in a long-term partnership with the clients I serve.
What is one way you hope to impact your community in the future, either personally or professionally?
Ever since experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s through my grandfather, I am impassioned about working to help cure the disease. I believe that every individual’s small actions combined makes for major strides forward. I am the Edward Jones Regional Coordinator in San Angelo for the Alzheimer’s Association, where I raise awareness and funding while encouraging my clients and peers to get involved. What is exciting to me is the fact that Edward Jones is a national sponsor for the Alzheimer’s Association – it isn’t every day that your professional and personal passions align providing the opportunity for a greater impact.
Heather presenting at an Alzherimer’s walk
If you could sit down with any woman in the world–either from history or who is currently living–who would that be and what would you discuss with her?
I have always been fascinated with genealogy and learning about the ancestors that came before me. The more I have explored my ancestry I have become captivated with my maternal great-grandmother, Mary Opal Watt. She was a Harvey Girl in late 1910s to the early 1920s. As a Harvey Girl she helped serve meals while ensuring railroad travelers were comfortable. She was a young woman at this time, leaving her family in Kansas as she worked throughout New Mexico. I would want to discuss with her why she was motivated to leave her family and travel for work during a time when it was considered adventurous and abnormal. I would like to hear of her journey, understanding what it was like to pave her way during this time, and the advice she would have for me as I work to follow my dreams.
Heather’s great-grandmother, Mary Opal Watt, in front of a Fred Harvey sign
Connect with Heather Wylie at EdwardJones.com/Heather-Wylie, on LinkedIn, and on Facebook.
This profile was (Em)powered by Edward Jones.
Edited from an interview by Eleanora Morrison.