Edward Jones cuts the ribbon on first Longboat Key branch

Edward Jones is now on Longboat for all your financial needs. 

Financial advisor Michelle Johnson opened the first Edward Jones branch on the island and is excited to bring a personalized financial experience to Longboaters. 

“Our biggest focus is just listening to the clients,” said Johnson. “By listening to people, we provide a higher level of service than most others. Most advisors talk to their clients once a year. For our clients, we work with just a small group of folks so we can have regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year. We really feel like they're part of our family. We go to all the weddings,  baby showers and graduations. I’m just here to listen to your goals and concerns and then guide you in the right financial path.”

The ribbon-cutting for the new branch was hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 28 at the Edward Jones office in Mediterranean Plaza, 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 260, Longboat Key. It officially opened in October 2023.

Chamber president Kim Verreault expressed that Johnson wants clients to feel at home by making her office a more welcoming place than the usual financial boardrooms.

Photo by Petra Rivera

Originally from Wisconsin, Johnson has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting and information systems from Miami University.  Before joining Edward Jones, Johnson owned her own CPA practice, worked in public accounting and was a CFO for a nonprofit. She moved to Longboat Key full-time with her husband seven months ago.

Johnson said she will work closely with clients and their CPA to determine the appropriate financial strategy for individuals and families. Her team includes Linda Dillon and Lauren Harmon. 

The new Edward Jones branch plans to provide services such as monthly scheduled contacts to do quarterly financial reviews, multigenerational planning, clearly defined and realistic financial goals and rapid response for any questions. 

The branch will host its first monthly Dessert Club meeting from 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 21 in its office. This will be a financial power hour to discuss current events, the economy and investing. To register by March 14, call Linda Dillon at 263-7821 or email at [email protected].