NEIGHBOR: Larry HarNess

Two images that paint a picture of American history solely through numbers hang on the wall behind Larry HarNess’ desk.

The first is a government bond from 1864 when the United States was rejoining to become one union. The second is a corporate railroad bond from 1873.

Both, HarNess says, symbolize the history that he loves — the things that have built America and made it strong.

And now, as a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments, the River Club resident is hoping to help East County families build a strong financial future as well. He opened his new office in San Marco Plaza in Lakewood Ranch May 26.

“I wanted to be in the new part of town, closer to home,” says HarNess, who moved his office from Sarasota. “Plus, the majority of my clients are here. You live and work and serve the community you live in.”

With 18 years in the financial industry, HarNess has been responsible for more than $800 million in assets for large corporations such as PNC and Fifth Third Bank. HarNess moved to Florida from Maryland in 2005, taking a position with TCC Florida.

“I had many opportunities, but what intrigued me most was being able to bring that large corporate experience to the individual,” he says.

With TCC, he continued to work primarily with corporations until joining the team at Edward Jones about a year ago.

As a firm, Edward Jones manages more than $430 billion and has more than 7.7 million clients. The company was ranked No. 1 in “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms” according to J.D. Power and Associates from 2005 to 2007 and in 2009. It ranked second in 2008.

“There’s still a place you can go that the No. 1 thing in the firm is the relationships,” HarNess says.
HarNess says he chose to work with Edward Jones because the company is privately held, which means that it can make decisions that are best for its clients instead of being forced to shareholders.

FAST FACTS
HISTORY BUFF
Harness has a collection of stocks and bonds that represent eras throughout the United States’ history. “That was an easy way for me to (showcase my love of history),” HarNess says. “They didn’t take up much space, but they represent what interests me.”

CULINARY MASTER
HarNess loves to cook, and it’s a passion that may have development because of the traveling he’s done throughout the United States and internationally through previous employment.

SAILOR MAN
HarNess has sailed all over the world, including trips from San Diego, Calif., to Hawaii, all around Australia and through the Indian Ocean to Pakistan. In fact, he lived on his sailboat until he met his wife about four years ago.