Moved from Wichita, likes Marion’s ‘front porch mentality’

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Chris Hernandez is the new Edward Jones agent in Marion. His first day was Feb. 9. He replaced Tom Kimbrel, who retired.

Hernandez was an Edward Jones agent in Wichita for almost four years. Before that, he owned and operated two businesses and was a client with Edward Jones.

Hernandez, 42, grew up at Arkansas City. Now, he wanted to relocate from Wichita to a smaller community. He petitioned the head office for a change.

“Tom and I have the same philosophy,” he said, “so it seemed like a good fit.”

Hernandez said the transition has gone well.

“This is a little different market,” he said. “It’s slower-paced.”

In Wichita, he served more business clients, but he is finding that farmer clients in the Marion area are businessmen in their own right.

“They think a lot alike and have the same concerns and issues as clients in big cities,” he said.

He is spending time meeting with them in their homes. He said it is easier to connect with clients here than it was in Wichita. He said people here still have the “front porch mentality” that people in Wichita have lost.

“There’s a lot more going on in Wichita and a lot more things to get involved in,” he said, “so it’s harder to connect.”

He hasn’t met all his clients yet but plans to in the next month or so. He appreciates the help his secretary, Helen Reznicek, has provided in the transition.

“Helen and I have hit it off well,” he said. “She plans to retire soon, but she is willing to stick it out as long as I need her. She can stay as long as she wants.”

He has purchased the office building, and he and his wife, Jeanna, plan to move to Marion sometime this summer. She is a principal in the Wichita school district. They have two children in college.

The couple has four dogs, boxers Rocky and Stella, a King Charles Spaniel Kindle, and a stray they adopted named Scrappy.

“My wife loves dogs,” Hernandez explained.

“We’re looking forward to getting to know the people in Marion and getting involved in the community,” he said. “Where there is a need, we are willing to help.”