Jonathan Kass is a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in New York City. He began his financial services career in 1993 and joined Merrill® in 1995. As a founding member of The Kass/Freeman Group, he draws on nearly three decades of experience to help address the complex wealth management needs of high-net-worth families, busy corporate executives, and business owners.

Jonathan believes that, in addition to offering sound advice and sophisticated planning, quality service is a key to developing and maintaining long-term relationships. A skilled problem-solver, he relishes the opportunity to help clients grow, preserve, and transfer their wealth efficiently. His goal is to be the first call clients make and to help them weigh the risks and rewards for their financial decisions.

Many clients rely upon Jonathan at critical points in their financial lives, including preparing for a comfortable retirement, selling a business, and helping them pass their assets on to the next generation. When their life transitions bring about significant financial challenges, he helps clients make thoughtful, unhurried decisions. And when their business and personal lives intersect financially, he advises on all financial matters—providing corporate executives with personal wealth management and institutions with advice on plan design and implementation of their corporate retirement plans.

Jonathan earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in New York. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designations. Dedicated to using his financial knowhow to help clients build and maintain the lives that they desire, Jonathan’s work has been recognized by the following industry publications:

Barron’s: “Hall of Fame” inductee in 2020 (Published throughout 2020. Rankings based on data current list.) 
Barron’s: “America's Top 100 Financial Advisors” in 2022 for the twelfth consecutive year (Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.) 
Barron’s: “America's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” from 2014-2023 (Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year) and “America's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors” 2009-2013 (Published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.) 
Forbes: “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” from 2018-2022 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.) 
Financial Times: “Top 400 Financial Advisors” in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.) 
Financial Times: “Top 401 Retirement Plan Advisors” in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Published annually May – Oct. Rankings based on data as of Dec 31 of prior year.) 

Additionally, The Kass/Freeman Group was named to Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list in 2021 (inaugural year)and 2022.(*Published annually in April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year)

Jonathan and his wife met in college and currently reside in Westchester County, New York, where they are raising their two sons. An avid New York sports fan, Jonathan has coached various youth sports and enjoys playing paddle tennis and golf. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for The Harvey School in Katonah, New York.

*Source: The Barron's "Hall of Fame" list, published throughout 2020. Rankings based on data from current list.
Each member of the Hall of Fame has appeared in 10 or more of Barron's annual Top 100 Advisor rankings. Advisors considered for the Top 100 Financial Advisors rankings have a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the Advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others. Barron's does not receive compensation from Advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Barron's is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Barron's are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

*Source: The Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors" list, published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.
The Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors" ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and not representative nor indicative of any one client's experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron's does not receive compensation from advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Rankings and recognition from Barron's are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron's is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State" list, published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.
The Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors" ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and w.ho have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. This is a list of the top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state's population and wealth. Other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors' practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and 100-plus points of data provided by the advisors themselves. Rankings and recognition from Barron's are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron's is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in February. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.
Advisors considered for the “America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” ranking have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience and have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the Advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others. Barron’s does not receive compensation from Advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. The ranking or ratings shown here may not be representative of all client experiences because they reflect an average or sampling of the client experiences. These rankings or ratings are not indicative of any future performance or investment outcome.

*Source: The Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK's research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

*Source: Financial Times "400 Top Financial Advisers" list, published annually Mar - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
The Financial Times "400 Top Financial Advisers" (FT 400) list is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisers, broker-dealer home offices, regulatory disclosures, and the FT's research. The listing reflects each adviser's status in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this adviser's future performance. Neither the brokerages nor the advisers pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Rankings and recognition from the Financial Times are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser. All rights reserved.

*Source: Financial Times "401 Top Retirement Advisers" list, published annually May - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Dec 31 of prior year.
The Financial Times "401 Top Retirement Advisers" list is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 401 is based on data gathered from advisers, regulatory disclosures, and the FT's research. The listing reflects each adviser's status in six primary areas: DC plan assets under management, DC plan growth rate, specialization in DC plans, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, and compliance record. This honor is not indicative of the adviser's future performance. Rankings and recognition from the Financial Times are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser. Neither the advisers nor their parent firms pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 401. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list, published annually in April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.
The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list is a ranking of wealth management teams that specialize in serving individuals and families. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, the regulatory records and credentials of their members and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron’s and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s does not receive compensation from advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Rankings and recognition from Barron’s are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

In working with families facing complex wealth management needs, Bob uses a detailed goals-based methodology to help them pursue varied goals simultaneously, drawing on his depth of experience and professional training. "I want to be able to see clearly where families want to go and how they may be able to get there," Bob notes. "I've found this tremendously effective in helping families develop a structure that fully encompasses their income and assets."

Wherever clients are in their lives and careers, Bob can offer guidance on investments, monetizing equity compensation*, retirement income, life insurance, and wealth transfer. He can offer access to Bank of America's business and personal financing strategies. Bob joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1992.

Bob holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM certification, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and the Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®) designation. He also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, CPFA® designations.  Bob is licensed to sell life and variable annuity insurance. He earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Lehigh University. A father of three, Bob and his wife, Karen, currently reside on Long Island where they have both been life-long residents.

*Monetization strategies can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Prospective investors are required to meet certain qualifications and acknowledge they understand the risks associated with certain monetization strategies that may not be appropriate for all investors.

Robert is licensed to sell insurance in: AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, PA, RI, TX, VA
Merrill Life Agency's Arkansas License Number 245306
Merrill Life Agency's California License Number 0522776

Brian Premo is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in New York City. He began his career at Merrill® in 2007 as a Client Associate and became a Financial Advisor in 2012. Today he helps a diverse clientele of high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and corporate executives with a wide variety of financial strategies. He takes great satisfaction in his ability to help clients resolve problems, enhance clarity, simplify complexity, and identify needs they may not realize they have.

One of the most important functions Brian undertakes is to address the intricacies that can accompany significant wealth and to help clients prepare for “what’s next.” Long before he formulates any specific strategies, he spends considerable time asking questions and listening to what is important to clients and their families.

Rather than focusing on generic questions such as “What does retirement look like for you,” Brian digs deeper, which, in turn, helps him craft a more meaningful approach to helping clients plan for their family’s future. Thoughtful and deeply interested in clients’ unique situations, Brian brings a level of customization to every wealth management plan he helps create by asking detailed questions such as, “What are the top three things that concern you right now, what passions or hobbies would you like more time to explore, and if you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?”

Brian earned a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification and the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designation. Brian was named to the Forbes “America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list in 2018 (*Published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018), the Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list in 2019 (*Published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019), and the Forbes "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" list in 2023 (*Published on August 8, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023). Additionally, The Kass/Freeman Group was named to Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list in 2021 and 2022.(*Published annually in April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year).

Originally from New York’s capital region, Brian currently resides in Manhattan with his wife and daughter. In addition to spending time exploring parks with his family, he enjoys traveling, running, and skiing.

*Source: The Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018.
Forbes’ “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.
Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list was developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors considered for this ranking were born in 1980 or later with a minimum 4 years relevant experience; advisors have: built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures: telephone and in-person interviews, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criteria because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

*Source: The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list, published annually in April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.
The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list is a ranking of wealth management teams that specialize in serving individuals and families. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, the regulatory records and credentials of their members and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Quantitative and qualitative measures used to determine the advisor rankings include: client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement, among others Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron’s and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s does not receive compensation from advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings. Rankings and recognition from Barron’s are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

*Source: Named to the 2023 Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list. Published on August 8, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023.*
2023 Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC considered advisors born in 1984 or later with a minimum 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have built their practices, lead their own teams, joined teams, are considered future leaders, or combinations thereof. Ranking is based on in-person and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect all client experiences, endorse any advisor, indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.