Our Member Spotlight this week shines on Paul Applegate, financial planner at Edward Jones. Paul’s a Premiere Member of the North East Chamber!
Originally from New Jersey, Paul graduated college in 2008 and found “it was not an ideal time to find work, with the global economic meltdown going on. I wanted to be in law enforcement, and my then fiancé, now wife, gave me a list of states she would potentially follow me to. I applied to every law enforcement opening in those states, and Elkton, Maryland was the first to say yes. So I moved down here and worked for the Elkton Police Department for the next 15 years, until I was diagnosed with PTSD and had to leave.”
Paul and wife Amanda bought their first house in Timberbrook, North East, which they still own but are currently renting. They live with their daughters Avery, 9, Aubrey, 7 and Alex, 2 on Oldfield Point Road. “Our address is Elkton but we’re just as close to North East,” Paul says. “We really like living by the bay and we love how laid back it is here, but at the same time having access to so many different things living between two major cities.”
Paul got into the investment field while planning for his own future. “Being a police officer, I always knew my pension wouldn’t be enough. With 3 kids, I was always investing on the side, forecasting and planning, and I talked to other police officers about investing as well.”
Paul made a connection with Edward Jones financial advisor Jason Lim, who encouraged him to join the business when he retired. “Jason said, “’you already know most of it, and you’re good with people.’ When I told him I couldn’t make it to retirement, he said, ‘send me your resume and we’ll move forward from there.’”
“Since joining Edward Jones in 2024, I’ve learned that trust and connection are the keys to the business,” Paul says. “I like to focus on first responders and veterans due to my background. And it does help to be a former police officer when building trust with people.”
Paul says that the market is doing well, which has helped him grow the business. Another key element is face-to-face meetings. “I like going to events, such as the recent Ocean City Fire Convention, meeting business people, making them feel comfortable with where to go to invest. My primary focus is retirement planning, helping with college expenses, showing how to consolidate 401K plans, basically how to come up with a solid plan for the future.”
Paul enjoys every aspect of his career but his biggest challenge is balancing home life and work. “Meeting new people, helping them grow their wealth, how can you not enjoy it? I would probably work 90 hours a week if I didn’t have kids. Shutting off the work life to be with family can be a challenge.”
Being a North East Chamber member is important to Paul for many reasons. “The North East Chamber community is one I really enjoy. I’ve met a lot of really good businesspeople, and people in general, here in North East. I like being involved where I live. I have friends that have businesses on Main Street, and if I can help in any way, I’m happy to. It’s one of the better ways to give back.”
Thank you Paul!!
