This month, we are proud to feature Harvey Ivory of Edward Jones as our Member of the Month. With a career spanning over three decades, Harvey’s journey in the financial world is both inspiring and instructive.
Harvey’s dedication to his clients, his community involvement, and his continual pursuit of professional growth embody the spirit of the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to have him as our Member of the Month and commend his efforts in making a significant difference in the lives of those he serves.
Enjoy this interview with Harvey, discussing his career, his family, and his involvement in the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce.
How Did Your Journey with Edward Jones Begin, and in What Ways Has It Influenced Your Professional Life?
“My journey began over 30 years ago when I graduated from college and started my first career as a software developer for an engineering software company. I was presented with the option to invest in a company 401(k), and I realized that my education up to that point had not prepared me to make these types of investment decisions. This created a desire to learn about how investing can make my money work for me, and continued over the next 25 years, initially with my 401(k), then starting an investment club in 2000, then helping my mother and sister with their investments and continuing to learn about investing on my own.
Then, about 8 years ago, I realized that my work-life balance was out of balance, and I needed to make a change. I thought about what I wanted to do and realized that I wanted to help people. I thought about my experiences with starting and maintaining the investment club, as well as helping my family with investing. I realized that without financial advice and support, people can end up making simple mistakes. These mistakes can be huge expenses or missed opportunities. I decided to focus my efforts on helping people invest better.
When I started my new career search, I did not have a finance degree or necessary licensing to work directly with clients. Most companies would only offer entry-level positions; Edward Jones was different. They look at the individual, the person who will be the face of Edward Jones in the branch office, and when they find someone who can be a strong representative of Edward Jones, they train them to be a financial advisor.
It’s been almost seven years since Edward Jones made that offer to me to become a financial advisor. I truly enjoy the opportunities they have given me to make a difference in people’s lives. For some, it is getting started, for others, it is making the most of opportunities during their peak earning years, for others, it is making sure the retirement they have is the best one they can afford.”
What Motivates Your Active Involvement in the Aliso Viejo Community, and Are There Specific Causes or Projects That You Are Passionate About?
“I want to be a part of the Aliso Viejo community. Edward Jones built its business on meeting the clients where they were, in the local towns and areas outside of financial centers. It was part of my vision from the beginning of my financial career to be the face of Edward Jones in Aliso Viejo, where I first moved to in 1999 before it was even a city. That vision became a reality 2 years ago when I relocated my office to Aliso Viejo.
I have 3 kids who are almost all grown up now, but I am still passionate about youth sports, including soccer, baseball, theater arts, and the Robot Dolphins from Outer Space. All three of my kids played soccer, my oldest was involved with the robotics club at her high school, my middle child did stage craft all four years of her high school career, and my son has played baseball for the last 11 years, and hopes play in college and someday in the majors.
I think these types of opportunities give kids a great place to learn about teamwork, having success, dealing with adversity, and sometimes defeat. These are great life lessons to learn. Everyone should have an opportunity to participate in fun, safe, activities the whole family can enjoy.”
Could You Share Your Business Philosophy and How It Has Played a Role in Your Success?
“My business philosophy is to help people invest better. Sometimes, better means taking advantage of IRAs or retirement plans that are available that clients may not be aware of.
My education is in mechanical engineering. I approach financial advising like an engineer, with various tools on my toolbelt. Each client situation requires its own unique set of tools to solve the issues they are facing. It is important to understand the client’s circumstances before making any recommendations.
I feel it is that engineering approach that has impacted my overall success, in that I am able to help people see options they did not know they had available to them, and how it can benefit them, their family, their legacy, or their company.”
Can You Recount a Significant Challenge You’ve Faced in Your Career and the Triumph That Followed?
“I think completing my CFP® certification represents a significant challenge in my career. It requires a year of coursework and preparation, covering details in multiple financial disciplines, while maintaining my business. Having completed the process, I feel better prepared to help my clients with investing matters, while considering other important aspects of their complete financial picture. It was clearly worth it when I brought on a client this summer who mentioned one of the criteria for selecting me to work with was my new certification.”
What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Professionals, Especially Those Entering the Financial Sector?
“If this is really what you want to do, don’t have a plan B. This is hard work, constantly hearing no, but not letting that stop you from asking the next person if you can help them. The people I have seen leave always seem to have a plan B that eventually looks better than continuing to do the hard work on plan A. I think that applies to most professions, in that, if it was easy, everyone would do it.”
What Are Your Personal and Professional Aspirations for the Future?
“I would like to continue my professional growth. I started this process seven years ago without a license or formal training. Edward Jones provided the necessary training to get me fully licensed. They encourage us to seek professional designations, and last year I received my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. I plan to continue furthering my knowledge base with certifications more focused on businesses and business owners.”
What’s Your Favorite Aspect of Being a Part of the AVCC?
“I enjoy learning about what is going on in our local community. There have been presentations on the Chet Holifield Building (Ziggurat Building) and the Lowe’s Building, to see the current visions for these properties. And learning about the new businesses in the area and the people. I have met some really great people as part of my time in the AVCC.”
Join The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce
As we celebrate the achievements and dedication of members like Harvey Ivory, we extend an invitation to you to become a part of the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. Joining our Chamber means connecting with a network of professionals who are committed to both personal growth and the development of our community.
If you represent a business or would like to get involved with our business and community leaders, we welcome you to join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is dedicated to growing our local economy and connecting like-minded Aliso Viejo residents through professional relationships.
We hope that you’ll visit our sign-up page, fill out a form, and join our Chamber as we work together to promote and serve our community. There are so many benefits for members!