PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
The Palombo Group provides each client with a powerful blend of industry knowledge, expert resources, teamwork and dedicated client service. We partner with a select group of clients to provide them with the information and support they need to find solutions to make prudent financial decisions. Understanding that people generally need to hear a number of voices and opinions, we collaborate with clients and their other trusted advisors to develop fully integrated strategies to complex financial issues based upon each client's risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs and overall investment goals. Every member of our team is committed to putting clients first and being available to answer their questions promptly and honestly. A commitment to service is a key component of our consultative, relationship-based approach.
A Family Team Focused on Family Needs
At The Palombo Group, we are very involved in clients' lives and work closely with them as financial needs and concerns evolve over time. We serve families, corporate executives and business owners who face a complex array of challenges that require customized solutions and sophisticated approaches. Our understanding of each client, coupled with the support and resources made available by Merrill Lynch, enables us to develop and implement wealth management plans that address issues that include retirement planning, education planning, philanthropic giving and wealth transfer. We also have extensive experience helping clients with needs that range from managing concentrated stock positions to dealing with the challenges of major lifestyle and liquidity events, such as retirement, inheritance, the sale of a business, divorce or the death of a family member. Over the years, we have been able to help several clients make successful transitions—e.g., from business owner to independent wealth and from CEO to retired philanthropist.
A Focus on Wealth Preservation
Our investment strategies seek to balance wealth preservation and reduction of volatility with opportunities for continued growth. To achieve these goals, we employ an active investment management approach and use research and analysis to help anticipate and mitigate risk. Merrill Lynch has one of the most respected research organizations in the world and provides us with access to a wide array of investment guidance, manager due diligence and sophisticated modeling tools. On an ongoing basis, we provide constant performance monitoring and periodic reviews of each client’s progress towards reaching their financial goals.
Professional Biographies
John M. Palombo
Senior Financial Advisor
John Palombo joined Merrill Lynch in 2008 with over 15 years of financial experience with firms such as Alliance Bernstein, UBS–Brinson Partners and American Express Retirement Services. He has worked with many private client families and numerous institutional clients, including Kaiser Permanente, Arthur Andersen, Hallmark Cards and McDonald’s.
John received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing, from John Carroll University. He also attended the London School of Business. John has served as a board and/or committee member with Twin Cities’ Habitat for Humanity, P.A.C.E.R, LearningWorks, The Ordway and The Children’s Museum of Minnesota. His interests include hunting, deep-sea fishing, reading and the outdoors. He and Susan have lived in the Twin Cities since 1984.
Susan Grant Palombo
Financial Advisor
Susan Grant Palombo has over 25 years of experience advising clients that include senior executives at Fortune 100 companies, owners of closely-held businesses, entrepreneurs and their families. She has extensive experience helping clients in areas such as succession management, mergers and acquisition due diligence and legacy planning, and has served on a number of corporate boards.
A major theme of Susan’s life is “helping people” and she is a frequent speaker and writer on issues related to charitable and philanthropic activities. As a member of The Blake School Board of Trustees from 2001-2007, she chaired the Governance and Advancement Committees and served on the Investment Subcommittee. She has also served on the boards of LearningWorks, the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and the Carlson School of Management Executive MBA Council. Susan earned a BA with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Susan has lived and worked in the Twin Cities since 1984. She and John have raised three children who are currently in college and graduate school.
Julie Greenberg
Registered Client Associate
Julie has worked in financial services since 1983. She joined Merrill Lynch in the Private Banking Group in 2008. As a key point of client contact, Julie seeks to provide premier client service by anticipating clients’ needs, working proactively to address any issues and delivering optimal solutions. Julie’s financial services experience includes tenures with Robert W. Baird and Co. and RBC Wealth Management, where she was integral to client service, administration, and operations. Julie enjoys gardening, bicycling, and traveling. She lives in Chanhassen with her family.