Mark Fricks

As the daughter of a banker, I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to earn it. I rolled my dad’s spare change for a 10% cut and birthday presents were stock certificates … not exactly on my wish list. At 16, I was already investing in the stock market and experiencing the sense of freedom and independence that comes when you understand your money. With this knowledge, I was paving the way to live life on my terms. This was so intoxicating I became a financial advisor to share my passion with others. As a financial advisor, I quickly learned that most women did not share my love of investing. In fact, many felt intimidated, guilty, and uncomfortable with their lack of knowledge, yet they yearn for financial independence. That’s why my true purpose as a financial advisor is to create an environment where women (and those who love them) feel heard, where they are encouraged and supported to express their fears and concerns without judgement. My unique brilliance is creating a positive wealth management experience, so they become more engaged in the conversation, while building the knowledge and confidence they need to live life on their terms.

As a life-long learner with great curiosity, I've seen a lot over the years and learned what works and what doesn’t. My experience led me to join a long-time friend to build a firm that is mission-driven…not profit-driven. A prior mentor would often say, “Always do what’s right, and everything else will work itself out.” That stuck with me and it still (along with my faith) guides me today. Now, we're working to redefine wealth management. We help families and individuals gain clarity and empower them to live their best life. Ultimately, life isn't about the money...it's about the journey, the memories you create, and the legacy you leave behind. Everyone deserves to live their best life! Sampling of how we help families and individuals (we do much more): - Clarify what's important (life goals, decisions, priorities, etc.) - Build for retirement (using 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, etc.) - How to tax efficiently produce income in retirement - Invest wisely using low cost, tax-efficient funds - Coordinate with CPA on tax saving ideas and opportunities - Coordinate with attorney on estate planning - Integrate charitable planning with the investments and tax planning - Protect your assets and income through insurance planning (note: we don't sell insurance) - Fund current or future education for children/grandchildren - Review company benefits during open enrollment I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional. I'm also a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute and hold the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, completing the program administered by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. I also received training at the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, which has given me the tools to have much more meaningful conversations about life goals with the families I serve. I am a 2018 graduate of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Leadership program and a 2019 graduate of the Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute, led by the three Balser Professional Advisors Council partnership organizations: the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta. In my personal time, I enjoy being with my kids, dating my wife, working our farm, dabbling in woodworking, hiking, learning new things, and singing in my church choir. Favorite quote: "When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy E. Disney What is a problem in the industry that you want to fix? How firms view their clients as "numbers". Some firms refer to their client as "A, B, or C" clients while others reference the portfolio size (a "$5 million client" as an example). I want the industry to stop putting dollar signs above clients' heads. A client is a "who" not a "what". Advisors should be here to serve people, and our industry (and clients) will thrive once we embrace life-centered planning over asset-centered planning. What are the values that drive you? I value faith, integrity, family, and service. To learn more, visit: https://journeybeyondwealth.com/the-jbw-difference/who-we-are

I’ve served as a personal financial planner for a quarter century. I’ve worked in multiple roles, including leadership positions, but I’ve always served as a client relationship advisor. I’ve worked for very large firms, and I’ve co-owned a startup which developed into a leading multi-state firm. Today, I own and operate a boutique firm designed to offer concierge family office services and trusted financial guidance to select individuals and families. Wood Family Wealth Advisory, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. We offer comprehensive, fee-only, financial planning and investment management. Russ Wood is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner who holds a Master of Science degree in Financial Planning and a diploma in Executive Coaching. Russ is also a former engineer and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Desmond Blue is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill, specializing in serving business owners, athletes, and families. He holds multiple professional designations including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA), among others. Desmond focuses on areas such as business exits, liquidity events, complex wealth transitions, tax-smart strategies, retirement planning, and legacy planning. Desmond earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lee University and an MBA from Liberty University. His professional experience is informed by an eight-year career as a financial advisor and his prior experience as a professional basketball player across five continents. He partners with clients to design strategies for investing, wealth transfer, and managing new wealth. Residing in Canton, Georgia with his wife Jill, Desmond is involved in community organizations including City of Refuge and City Takers. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys playing drums and spending time with his family.