Business Administration majorFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones
Jackson Thomas ’20, a business administration major, is a financial advisor for Edward Jones. The youngest of eight, he has learned to appreciate the intentionality of his parents and the perspective of their backgrounds as they raised their boys to see the world in a unique way. (His dad is from Trinidad and his mom is from Ohio.)
“I grew up on sports teams with my brothers — soccer, basketball, skiing, anything outside that was competitive, we were there. My family also holds the world record for the number of Eagle Scouts in one family, all 8 of us! As the youngest, I was blessed to learn from and see what paths all my brother chose to endeavor upon, which helped me understand what career and life I wanted to live.”
“I very quickly realized I wanted to be in business because of the freedom it allows; the impact you can have on your clients by going above and beyond; and because of the impact it can have on your family. My time at Asbury, as well as selling each summer with Southwestern Advantage, confirmed that I wanted to be in business,” Thomas said.
As a financial advisor, Thomas helps individuals with their investments. He utilizes the resources of large firms while growing his own practice.
“Everyone has an initial gut reaction when they hear “investments” and I get to partner with my clients to help relieve that stress of money,” says the young alum. “Money is not everything but it does impact each area of life and I truly enjoy helping my clients hit their financial goals. Clients don’t just want money, they want the freedom which allows them to pay for their kid’s schooling, give more to charitable organizations, go on family trips and so on. In my role, I get to partner with clients and walk through each stage of life and it is a blessing to serve in that way.”
“Because I ran my own business from the ground up, worked in business to business sales, and completed my education at Asbury, I am able to serve my clients best by having a real understanding of what drives business and where to invest their money.”
When he reflects on his Asbury experience, he speaks of the investment of the faculty and the rigor of his classes.
“After you leave Asbury, you appreciate what you have learned and how it still helps you in your everyday life,” Thomas explained. “Dr. Allen truly cares about his students. He is a wonderful teacher and knowledgeable in many areas, has a servant’s heart, is a wicked good salesman and always pushed me to be better and dig deeper for what God wanted me to do with my talents. He and his wife invested in me and my girlfriend at that time, now wife, Renee. We truly enjoyed that relationship. One of my main focuses in life is to live in such a way that when I am gone, I am confident that I used my gifts and talents well for Him.”
‘I made lifelong friendships with the other students and professors who mentored me, as well as getting a wonderful education.You will be pushed by your friends and professors to be the best that God created you to be. The professors help you with connections and our alumni are very willing to help. Asbury is so much more than just a college.”