Today we’d like to introduce you to Citadel Nicolas-Penn.
Citadel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While I was attending National University to get my Master in Business Administration specializing in International Business, I was working as a Caregiver to support myself financially. I didn’t want to get a student loan. I took care of several clients from seniors with Alzheimer’s to young people who became paralyzed due to accidents. After I graduated with my Master’s degree, my cousin Rey and I started Nicolas Creative Touch Events and Photography because of our entrepreneurial spirits and our passion for photography. We collaborated with other professionals in creating beautiful photoshoots like themed mock weddings and open it to other photographers so they can take beautiful photos to put in their portfolio. While doing that, I became a personal assistant of a Financial Advisor in Newport Beach, California who became one of America’s Top Women Advisors. She inspired me on how she helps her clients in every financial decision they need to make.
I realized if I become a Financial Advisor, I will be in a better position to help seniors, young people, and business owners build and protect their wealth and get the level of care and service that they deserve. I did my research on what investment firm has the same values and culture as mine. I found Edward Jones. For the 21st time, Edward Jones is named one of the 2020 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® by Great Place to Work® and named One of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE Magazine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride. One week after I got hired, I found out I was pregnant. My husband and I weren’t ready to have a child, but we also know that this is God’s gift to us. I studied for all my Securities Licenses and Life and Health Insurance while cooking a baby. Feeling nausea, sleepy, and throwing up while taking exams. Despite all these, I passed all my exams and did my field training with a big baby bump. I was so passionate about becoming a Financial Advisor and find the people who need my help and guidance. After I became an official Financial Advisor, people are concerned that I’m not coming back after my maternity leave.
Based on their experience, new Moms tend to quit their jobs and take care of their babies full-time. I assured them that I will be back, they just need to give their 1% trust to me. I delivered my sweet baby girl via C-section and two weeks after that I had an appendectomy surgery. When it rains, it pours, as the saying goes. I am very grateful that I left the hospital a few hours before New Year’s Eve. A month before I go back to work, I started going to different networking events to meet other professionals. A few weeks after, our government ordered residents to stay at home due to Covid-19. I came back to work on March 23rd when the market fell 34%. The lockdown continued and we stopped meeting people physically. I continue communicating and serving my clients and other people through phone calls and video conferencing.
We’d love to hear more about the business.
I am very blessed and proud that I’m an Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones Investments has been around since 1922. No. 7 on the 2020 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For, Highest in Overall Employee Advisor Satisfaction, According to J.D. Power, Highest in Investor Satisfaction According to J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Full-Service Investor Satisfaction Study. With the help of my company and our team of experts and analysts, I help and guide other people in reaching their financial destination with financial peace. I came to Edward Jones to help seniors, young people, and business owners understand more about their investment strategies using the many tools that Edward Jones provides advisors. I always take extra time to get to know my clients before talking about investing. Understanding what is most important to our clients and developing a long-term strategy to help them achieve those goals is what my branch is all about.
We want them to understand their options. I am known as a compassionate visionary who cares about the future and the health and financial wellness of the people around me. Holding their hands to make sure they are on track in achieving their goals despite life challenges. When my clients are going through difficult times, they need someone who’s on their side thinking: What can we take out of this to make you stronger and feel better, and to tell them their future can be better than their past. When it comes to investing, other Financial Advisors can do what I can do, what differentiates me is the level of care, service, and commitment I give them. I am very passionate about helping my clients build and protect their wealth so that they can continue to live a comfortable lifestyle.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I do a Financial Focus Conference Call every Tuesday to give education to my community to help and guide them with their financial decisions they need to make. Every 1st Friday of the Month, I am hosting a virtual seminar about How to Outsmart the Scammers. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, I am hosting a seminar that focuses on timely Financial issues. Every last Wednesday of the Month, I’m hosting a Seminar via Conference Call for Employers. Also, I plan to do once a month event that focuses on helping my community like Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Food Drive, etc.
Contact Info:
- Address: 13400 Sabre Springs Pkwy Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92128
- Website: www.edwardjones.com/citadel-penn
- Phone: 858-391-2777 / 760-891-9040
- Email: citadel.penn@edwardjones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citadel_penn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJAdvisorCitadelPenn
Image Credit:
Monique Hoppe
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