As far asthe "GP's kid" thing, the only experince I have with that is the son of a former GP in my region.  He got Goodknighted a very large book (I think he got around 40mm - his Dad still has his own book).  Yes, that can pretty much guarantee you success, but I must say that he is a great guy (he is in his late 30's, used to work for a major consulting firm), smart, modest, and a very hard worker.  Would he have succeeded without those assets? Who knows - his dad started from scratch 18 years ago (first FA in his state). But the point is, I have no real problem with it.  If I was the Dad, I would certainly want to hand off some/all of my book to my kids.  I assume he will get another big chunk of it when his dad retires eventually.

[quote=phever]

I don't want to give out too much info because it is still a competitive situation and I know a lot of my former colleagues frequent this site. I would be glad to discuss at a later date. I don't want to bash Jones because they gave me the opportunity. I just never drank the kool aid and now know that there are a lot of other good firms out there that can be a much better fit if you want the independence that Jones touts. I opened an office very close to my old office.

[/quote]

So that means you're NOT going to tell us your name?

[quote=Spaceman Spiff]

Independance is great.  From what I hear.  It comes with additional baggage that may or may not make it worth while for everyone.  I can see both sides of the coin.  Going independant is not the answer for everyone.

[/quote]

I believe that you should not go independent.....unless you know how to spell it.

I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

phever,

 Congratulations on going indie! You will like it.

It is nice of you to thank EJ for the opportunity but they got paid very well for your time.

Now go get your clients!

Phever,

Good luck with going independent, keep us informed about how many clients followed you to the new shop. I think more and more Jones people like yourself will see the light by going independent or the RIA route. This also applies to the other wirehouses. I am sure Jones has a Newbie in your office trying to keep existing clients from leaving.

Phever:

Congratulations making your own way. You are right to bide your tongue; nothing gets gained by being here.

Sounds like Jones did right by you, Jones did right by me, and hopefully I did right by them in the manner I left them and while I was there. At least, that's my impression of what transpired. They made some "post-Jones" points to me, I tried to abide and play by the rules and they have given me absolutely no problems since.

Work your butt off, and in six months or a year I hope you'll have the time to let us know how you've done.