On Feb. 12, Edward Jones Investments located at 2812 E. Main St., held a ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce new financial advisor C.J. Robinson.
A native of Wausau, the 32-year-old father of three brings with him a sense of familiarity with Merrill, complete with many fond childhood memories.
“My mother Mary (Gruling) Robinson is originally from Merrill and taught elementary art in Wausau schools, including Maine and Berlin,” Robinson explains. “My father, John, was often out of town or busy with meetings while he represented the 85th Assembly District and served as Mayor of Wausau when I was growing up. So I would spend a great deal of time with my grandparents, Bob and Eppie Gruling, here in Merrill. I have many fond childhood memories of experiencing the rodeo, exploring the Council Grounds and and playing in my Great Uncle Roy Schulz’s wrecking yard. Merrill has always been my home away from home.”
C.J. went on to attend UW-Stevens Point as a Business and Public Administration major with an emphasis on finance. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree, he later earned a Professional Masters Certificate from Indiana University.
Before joining Edward Jones in 2013, C.J. has held various occupations including owning and operating his own Entertainment Event and Production business since he was 16, officiating weddings as an ordained minister as well as Professional Fundraising employment with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County and the UWSP Foundation. C.J. was also elected to and served as an Alderman on the Stevens Point City Council.
According to Robinson, his venture into the Investing and Financial Planning industry was an interesting one to say the least.
“I had been investing with Edward Jones for about 10 years and every year when I would go in for my review, my advisor would ask me to join the firm!” he adds with a chuckle. “I agreed and joined the firm in early 2013, worked in Wausau with a Merrill native by the name of Scott Muschinske. Scott was not only from Merrill, but also happened to know my family.
“I ended up doing very well and was successful in Wausau. Then last December, when the previous advisor here in Merrill left the firm, I was asked to assume responsibility for the branch. I not only had deep roots in Merrill, but I had proven experience with the firm allowing me to step in and lead the office right away.”
The move would end up being very fast paced, and a move Robinson will admittedly not soon forget.
“I accepted the position the Thursday before Christmas,” he said. “That following Sunday I found myself on an airliner bound for St. Louis to meet with our transition team. I then returned late on December 23 and my first day here at the Merrill office was Christmas Eve! It definitely made our holiday travel plans interesting, but here I am. It happened so fast, but I am so glad to be here!”
C.J. is now taking appointments and offering free financial and insurance reviews.
In his own words, he is ready to reach out and help anyone who has financial goals and is interested in participating in the accomplishment of those goals.
Even though the term “investor” can be intimidating, Robinson explains his mission in very straight forward, easy to understand terms.
“It all comes down to anyone and everyone being a potential investor. Whether someone is interested in putting away $50 every month for retirement, or their children’s education, or someone who just hit the Powerball jackpot! I can help. I’m here to help folks identify their financial goals and tailor a strategy to get there. I will also be there to review and adjust our strategy as needed along the way. For me, it’s all about helping my clients and building personal relationships. I want everyone who comes into my office to understand the path to their financial future and achieve their serious, long-term financial goals.”
C.J. holds office hours from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. In exercising his commitment to his clients and accommodating their schedules, C.J. also takes appointments every other Saturday and outside of his office hours upon request.
C.J. Robinson can be reached at 715-536-8509 or via e-mail at [email protected].