Indianapolis, good company & 20 years of something special
Our 18th Edward Jones Summer Regional — and why this one hit differently
Some trips are about the destination. This one has always been about the people.
This past weekend we headed to Indianapolis for our 18th Edward Jones Summer Regional. That number means even more when you know that my husband is celebrating his 20th year with the company. Yes, we lost two years to COVID, so 18 regionals in 20 years. But who's counting.
I've been attending these regionals since I was a teenager, because my dad was an Edward Jones financial advisor, too. There's something pretty special about a company that becomes part of your family story across generations. I grew up watching my dad build his career with Edward Jones, and now I get a front-row seat to my husband doing the same. And this year that family story got even sweeter: our oldest son just celebrated his one year anniversary with the company. Three generations of Edward Jones in one family. We couldn't be more proud.
Randy, me, Brendan’s girlfriend, Devon and Brendan
These summer regionals have become our annual tradition, a long weekend somewhere in the Midwest reconnecting with other financial advisors and their families from our Southern Illinois region. We've done St. Louis, Nashville, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, Memphis, French Lick, and more. Every year a new city, same incredible community.
This year's highlight of highlights? Hearing directly from Penny Pennington, Edward Jones's Managing Partner. She is a force. The kind of leader who reminds you exactly why you chose the company you did.
The City
We stayed at the Hilton Downtown, solid location right in the heart of everything. But the real gem was the rooftop bar at the InterContinental Hotel across the street. If you're ever in Indy, make it a stop. Views, vibes, done.
Dinner at St. Elmo Steakhouse lived up to every bit of its legendary reputation (that shrimp cocktail is not a joke). We also caught the USA World Cup game at Tom's Watch Bar and the energy in that place was so fun. We stumbled upon The Ball and Biscuit too, a really great bar that absolutely deserves a spot on your Indy list. And we got to take in an Indiana Fever game, which was a fun bonus. Caitlin Clark and her squad won in OT!
Zionsville Stole Our Hearts
Hands down one of my favorite parts of the whole weekend was a day trip to Zionsville, the most charming little village just outside Indianapolis. We met up with a friend who lives there, wandered the shops, grabbed coffee at Roasted, and had the most lovely lunch at Café Patachou. Then she took us to her club, Holiday Farms, for a pickleball session that you know I loved!
Zionsville, IN is like walking onto the Gilmore Girls set!
The Rest of the Good Stuff
We walked the canal (beautiful), got our workouts in at the hotel gym, and fueled up for lunches at Taxman and The Eagle, both worth a visit if you find yourself in Indy.
But honestly, the best part of every single one of these trips is the same thing it's always been: catching up with friends we only see once a year, watching all of our kids grow up, and being reminded that we're part of something bigger than just a job. Edward Jones has always felt like a community, and this weekend was proof of that all over again.
Here's to 20 years, and many more summers ahead. 🥂
The female spouses and our regional leader!
