John Bridgford is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads a team with over 100 years of combined experience, serving high net worth individuals across 36 states. His advisory approach focuses on safeguarding client assets through diversification and risk mitigation aligned with clients’ desired lifestyles. John’s client expertise includes family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income planning.
John began his career in finance after earning a bachelor's degree in Economics from Arizona State University in 1990. He joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1992 and co-founded the Bridgford & Cromer Group. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations, which support his commitment to providing personalized financial strategies to help clients pursue long-term goals.
In addition to his professional work, John has nearly two decades of community involvement in the greater Scottsdale and West Valley areas. He has served as Chair of the Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee for Benevilla™, a nonprofit supporting older adults, adults with developmental disabilities, and children. John is also a member of the Fighter Country Foundation Blue Blazer Squadron. Outside of work and community service, he spends time with his wife and three children and participates in coaching and supporting his children’s sporting and artistic activities.