Trust & Integrity

From the beginning, Kevin Martin knew Scottrade was different from other places where he had worked.

"Everyone seemed to be very open. You can actually talk to anyone in St. Louis that you need to. Everyone is really friendly, eager to talk and willing to help. We're all a team," said Kevin, Branch Manager in Peachtree City, Ga.

Knowing he has co-workers who he can trust and that everyone at Scottrade is empowered to act with integrity helps Kevin and associates in other branch offices assist customers with whatever they need – answering questions, opening new accounts, depositing funds, or showing customers how to use Scottrade's trading tools.

"There have been numerous times where I needed paperwork processed or to get something done for a customer and all I have to do is call and someone is there to help – even if it's a special request," Kevin said. "I've called back office reps after hours and they are still there and are willing to do it. And the customer appreciates it greatly."

Once, a customer called just before closing time to say he was trying to drop off a check before the office closed but was stuck in traffic. He asked if Kevin would stay late until he arrived, about 20 to 30 minutes after the office was scheduled to close.

"I said, 'Sure, I'll wait for you.' He thanked me for staying. They appreciate that. And I would say it's quite ordinary for something like that to happen," Kevin said. "I don't mind doing something like that. I can see myself in their shoes and I would be very grateful for that, too. I like to treat people the way I would like to be treated."

Jane Wulf has worked with Founder and CEO Rodger Riney since 1986. She started part time doing clerical work at minimum wage. Now she's the company's Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing areas including human resources, training, branch development, facilities management and the National Service Center.

Her responsibilities have changed dramatically but her relationship with Rodger never has.

"It's built on trust," she said. "Whenever I had an idea to add a benefit or change a policy, he would ask me, 'Do you really believe in that, Jane?'

"Of course, that put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. I had to really do my homework, so I could answer, 'Yes.'

"Then he would say, 'If you think it's the right thing to do, ok let's do it."

Jane and many others at Scottrade said Rodger had an almost uncanny ability to hire the right people. People he could trust.

But they had other virtues. Today, if you travel from one Scottrade branch office to the next across the U.S. and visit at one desk after another at headquarters in St. Louis County, you would find men and women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions. But they have much in common.

Many, if not most, held jobs when they were kids. Not all went to or finished college. But if they did, most worked their way through school. Many are overachievers at work, but all treasure the time they spend with their families. They are unfailingly friendly when approached and always seem eager to help even when it's not their job.

And there's something they notice about each other. "We aren't political," Scott Preble said. "No one gets ahead here by currying favor with the boss or putting anyone else down."