The Friedman Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
2555 East Camelback Road
Suite 900
Phoenix AZ 85016
(602) 954.5912
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Our mission is to help families be purposeful with their wealth. The Friedman Group works with multigenerational families to empower them to define the purpose of their wealth and to be intentional about its impact. Through a deep understanding of each client’s values, goals, and priorities, we strive to help sustain wealth, preserve family legacies, and support what matters most across generations while adapting strategies as lives and markets evolve.
The Friedman Group
Welcome
Managing wealth is deeply personal. It begins with building trusted, long‑term relationships and taking the time to understand your family, your values, and what you hope your wealth will represent over time. At Merrill, we believe meaningful wealth management starts with listening so we can gain a clear understanding of what matters most to you and those you care about, today and across generations.
We work collaboratively with you to help develop personalized wealth management strategies designed to evolve with life’s changes and market conditions. Our team‑based approach is relationship‑focused and intentional, providing continuity, multiple perspectives, and ongoing attention as your needs and priorities become more complex over time. Through regular dialogue and thoughtful planning, we strive to remain aligned with your goals while helping you navigate important financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
With access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking, lending, and credit capabilities of Bank of America, we help coordinate the various elements of your financial life into a cohesive approach. Our goal is to support families as they seek to preserve wealth, sustain values, and thoughtfully steward their legacy while recognizing that wealth is not only about financial outcomes, but about the relationships, purpose, and impact behind it.
Recognition
Brian Friedman
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Barron's "Top 1200 Financial Advisors", 2014-2025
(Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2022-2026
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Barron's "Top 1,500 Financial Advisors", 2026
(Published on March 20, 2026. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2025.)
The Friedman Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
About Us
Philosophy

No two individuals or families are alike and neither are their financial lives. As a result, we believe there is no single approach to wealth management that is appropriate for everyone. What matters most to you is what matters most to us, and our philosophy begins with taking the time to understand you fully.
Through meaningful, ongoing conversations, we seek to learn about your priorities, goals, risk considerations, time horizons, liquidity needs, and what you want to accomplish over time. Only with this understanding can we work together to help you navigate financial complexity, identify potential challenges, and recognize opportunities as they arise.
Our team thoughtfully applies its experience, perspective, and resources to help guide you through life's decisions, recognizing that circumstances, markets, and objectives evolve. We view wealth management as a long‑term relationship, grounded in trust, collaboration, and careful stewardship. By staying aligned with what matters most to you, we strive to help you pursue your goals with intention, clarity, and confidence over time.

Meet Our Team
Brian Friedman
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
602.954.5008
Kenneth Grossnickle,

ADPA™, CPWA®, CRPC™

First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
602.954.5026
Lisa Kubica
First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
602.954.5912
Tracie L Wendt
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
602.954.5033
Zack R Gieszler
Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
602.954.5046
Griffin Barasha
Officer, Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
602.954.5050
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Jonathan Close
Wealth Management Lending Officer
NMLS #988343
Bank of America, N.A.
Brad Frandsen
Wealth Strategist
Merrill
About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

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Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor™, ADPA™, and the ADPA™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.