Music
teaches people about discipline – it’s mathematical, said Larry
Thomas, a general partner at Edward Jones, responsible for
recruiting diverse financial advisors.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Two of his biggest life influences were band directors at his small-town, Mississippi high school, where he played saxophone in the band.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“As you are developing your musical skills, I think back at all the collaborating, all of the work, all of the give and take,” Thomas said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Musicians are strong-willed people. In the business-world, you work with a lot of different kinds of people that have a lot of good ideas. And you have to work with them. At the end of the day, with any musical piece you want a great result, and that’s so true in business.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>On Wednesday, November 9, Thomas will receive the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Corporate Executive of the Year at the Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Once Thomas was accepted at Washington University, he curtailed his dreams of becoming a professional musician and studied finance and business. Thomas began his finance career in 1977 as an intern at Edward Jones and was named a partner in 1983. In his position, Thomas created the BRIDGE program, which stands for Bringing Results through Inclusion-Driven Efforts, to increase the number of diverse financial advisors.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As Thomas sees it, about 34 percent of the U.S. population is made up of minorities, with the largest groups being African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American. However, minorities make up less than 10 percent of Edward Jones’ financial advisors.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Diversity – it’s one of our core competencies,” he said. “Are we where we want to be as far as diversity? No, but I think we are striving to get there.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Thomas also works on increasing diversity outside of Edward Jones through supporting higher education.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“One of the most wonderful things that I’ve been able to accomplish is graduating from college,” Thomas said. “It was very important for my family to get a good education.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Thomas received a scholarship when he came to Washington University, and now he works closely with various scholarship commissions. He went on to earn MBAs from Lindenwood University and Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg School of Management. He also is a graduate of the Securities Industry Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Thomas serves on the executive committee of Washington University’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Alumni Board of Governors, where he served as its president during 2001-2002. He also sits on the National Advisory Council of the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University and is a member of its Executive Alumni Association, serving a term as president during 1994-1995.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>His grandfather was a man he truly looked up to, he said. Though he only completed the eighth grade, he made sure his daughters received a college education if they chose.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“He was a self-made man,” he said. “He taught me the value of economics. It’s about providing for one’s health and those around you. He used to say, ‘You pay yourself first. If a dollar comes into the house, you save a quarter. One of your responsibilities is to never be broke.’ That’s one of the legacies he left me.”
St. Louis has a rich history of giving back,
he said. Thomas said he would not have had the same life without
the people he has met along the way. For two years, Thomas chaired
the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ African American Leadership
Giving Society (Charmaine Chapman Society). The society has become
the largest African-American giving initiative for United Way
throughout the country.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“What a wonderful way to give back and what a wonderful message it sends to our African-American young people,” he said. “I am proud to have opportunity to give back. It is one of the most enriching things that we all do in this community.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Thomas also serves on the executive committees of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, The St. Louis Zoo, and Forest Park Forever (St. Louis). He sits on the boards of the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Provident Inc., and the Securities Industry and Financial markets Association Foundation (SIFMA).
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;”> The 12th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, networking reception at 11 am, luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 for more information or to purchase tickets.
