Name: KariElle Thalman.

Age: 32.

Business name: Edward Jones, 14755 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd, Ste No. 108, Sun City West; 623-546-1722; Karielle.thalman@edwardjones.com.

Town/neighborhood: Sun City West.

Personal background highlights: I’ve worked at Edward Jones since I was a senior in high school. I took over my dad’s local Edward Jones office. He had one of the first branches of our company in this part of Arizona back in the 1990s.

Professional background highlights: Graduated from Brigham Young University in 2015 with a degree in Spanish literature and culture. I served a 2-year service mission for my church in 2012 where I learned a second language. For nine years I was an office administrator for various Edward Jones advisors and branches between Utah and Arizona. In 2017, I officially moved into my current office, serving the community as a licensed financial advisor.

What I do: I help people’s dreams come true! I listen to my clients’ long-term goals and we partner together to create a financial plan to accomplish those goals.

What I like most about doing business here: Sun City West and Sun City Grand has by far the best clientele. It’s a small community with big heart. Everyone watches out for each other.

Previous occupation and why I left: I could have stayed as an office administrator for someone else, but I enjoy work autonomy and flexibility with my time. Being the “boss” allows me to spend more time with my family and allows me to cultivate my hobbies all while supporting my clients.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: The financial industry has a bad reputation for being selfish. I’d like to see changes in this area by measuring success based on how much we care for our clients.

What am I promoting: I focus primarily on keeping my retired clients retired, and helping my working clients reach retirement early. I’m here to manage 401ks and business accounts and helping you spend your money on what matters most to you.

What I’m excited about and why: I love meeting new people and learning about them. I’m fortunate to have a career where I get paid to do it!

Favorite community cause and why: I volunteer with the local Meals of Joy, raising awareness and funds to provide meals to seniors who need assistance with cooking and having healthy food at home.

When and why I started my business/employment here: I started at Edward Jones in 2008 and worked for my dad. I thought I wanted to become a doctor or a vocal performer. When I realized I enjoyed talking to people more than blood I changed career paths.

Where I came from and why I left: For a while I thought I would open an office in Park City, Utah, but my dad got sick in 2015 and I moved back to Arizona to be close to family. In 2017, my father passed away and the firm offered me his book of business. I couldn’t imagine a better legacy. Now days my clients are a mix of people I have known my entire life who were originally my dad’s clients and new people who I have grown close relationships with.

My family: My mom is also a financial advisor, we work in the same branch office but serve our own books of business. My three siblings all live in Utah with their families.

My interest and hobbies: I love interior design and organizing. I sing. Going to live sports is my favorite way to get out of the house. You’ll catch me on an international vacation a few times a year, too.

My guiding philosophy: Be kind and be a source of good, improve the lives of others because they know you.

My advice to today’s youth: Work hard to create the life you dream of, not the life someone else tells you you’ll have!