Edward Jones leader Jim Weddle retires, reflects on spending career with Des Peres-based firm

Credit Lara Hamdan | St. Louis Public Radio

Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones, retires Dec. 31, after spending his entire 40-plus year career with the financial services company. Edward Jones is one of the St. Louis area’s largest employers.

Weddle, who has led the company for about 13 years, said now is the right time to step aside, even as the company’s succession planning requires that partners retire by the end of the year they turn 65. He is 65.

Weddle joined St. Louis on the Air guest host Shula Neuman and talked about the state of the U.S. economy and how he led the company through the Great Recession of 2008. He addressed the positive assets of the St. Louis region and provided advice to young adults.

“Keep focused on your long-term goals,” Weddle said. It’s likely no coincidence that his advice for young people is the same advice Edward Jones provides to its clients.

“Find something that you’re really, really passionate about, that you really enjoy doing every day,” Weddle continued. “If you’re going to do something that you feel good about, that you feel is important, that you really enjoy, you’re going to have a passion and energy for it.”

Other advice included surrounding yourself with talented people and always taking the blame, but sharing the credit.

Penny Pennington, who’s been with the company for 19 years, will take over as managing partner.

“Penny is terrific,” Weddle said. “She is absolutely the right person in the right place at the right time to lead us going forward.”

Producers’ Note: Alex Heuer is a client of Edward Jones but that had no bearing on the production of this segment.

St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Alex Heuer, Evie Hemphill and Lara Hamdan give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.

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