Edward Jones

Despite being in the investment business during the worst recession since World War II, Ken Wheelans considers his life ”pretty laid back." One of nearly 700 Canadian financial advisors with the financial services firm Edward Jones, Ken has lived and worked in Yarmouth since moving from Toronto 30 years ago.

His clients are mostly retired investors, many of whom have worked in the fishery, and who are now concerned about securing a retirement income. ”These are people who have worked hard all their lives, and who now want to ensure that the proceeds from the sale of their boats or their licences will provide a secure retirement income,” Ken says. “They don’t want to take chances, and they want to work with someone they know.”

And that is exactly the client group that fits the Edward Jones philosophy. Located in communities across Canada, Edward Jones financial advisors focus on individual investors whom they serve personally. They also work with them on community projects: Ken is a member of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and has served on Yarmouth Town Council. His office on Main Street keeps him in touch with his clients and his community.

“I serve people who are careful with their life savings - but they’re also resilient,” he says. “People in this area have learned to deal with cyclical business - the fishery and tourism are both subject to global shifts. But, events like the Tuna Tournament and the Shark Scramble help both of those businesses get through a downturn.

“Twenty years ago, Yarmouth had to deal with the loss of 300 jobs when Dominion Textile closed, but today, smaller businesses are key employers. Many of them are selling their products around the world, and providing a more diversified economic base in the town,” Ken says.

”The waterfront is starting to come into its own. And, this September, the International Air Show will return to Yarmouth. Along the shore, in Digby, the Wharf Rat motorcycle rally will attract nearly double the 17,000 who attended last year.”

While major events are an attraction for visitors to the area, Ken is seeing acceleration in the number of people moving to Yarmouth.

“And why not?” he says. “It’s peaceful, the crime rate is low, the housing is affordable, and work is always available.

“Moving here 30 years ago uncomplicated my life. And when I get home, and look out to the lake, I just think: ‘Man, are we lucky!’”