Meet Zo
Zo is a Principal at Mercer Advisors. He joined the firm in 2022 and is based in the Woodland Hills, California office. As a dedicated wealth advisor, he collaborates closely with clients to illuminate their financial paths and alleviate uncertainties about their future. As a Director, he leads a talented team of advisors across our West Coast offices, fostering growth and excellence. Inspired by his close relationship with his mother and the belief that money is a means to an end, not the goal, Zo embarked on a career in wealth management. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.A. degree in Communications. Zo has also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ designations.
Zo’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Zo has focused experience in these areas:
- Planning for retirement, from high-earning years to long-term income strategies
- Guiding clients through living in retirement with steady income and smart planning
- For corporate executives, guidance on equity comp, concentrated stock, and evolving financial complexity
- Supporting professional athletes in building lasting wealth from short, high-earning careers, including through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
His working style
Renowned for his thoughtful teaching, attentive listening, and trusted coaching, Zo is unwaveringly committed to serving his clients with integrity.
Zo in real life
What makes you tick?
I was raised in Kansas City by parents who worked blue-collar jobs and devoted themselves to serving others. From an early age, I witnessed the power of hard work and the importance of community — values that continue to guide both my personal life and professional approach.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I spend most of my time with my wife and daughter, cherishing the little moments — whether it’s silly dance sessions with my daughter or laid-back beach days with the family.
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
Working at Mercer Advisors gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact — helping individuals and families align their financial lives with their values and contribute positively to their communities.
Zo’s snapshots
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm evaluates best practices, such as service models, investing models, compliance records as well as revenue trends, assets under management and industry experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
Shook Research’s proprietary methodology and ranking algorithm incorporates in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor across criteria such as client impact, industry experience, client retention, review of best practices, credentials, compliance records, and firm nominations, as well as quantitative factors including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Shook considered advisors born from 1987 to present with a minimum of four years of experience as an advisor. View full methodology here.
Please Note: Limitations. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals are engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A fee was not paid by either Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals to receive the award or ranking. The award or ranking is based upon specific criteria and methodology (see ranking criteria/methodology via the “Read More” links). No ranking or recognition should be construed as an endorsement by any past or current client of Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals.
Meet Zo’s Teammates
Danny Polyakov
Wealth Advisor
What Zo Says
Danny brings a consistently positive attitude to everything he does. He’s a team player, and it’s clear he’s deeply committed to helping his clients achieve their financial goals.
Nina Hernandez
Manager, Client Service
What Zo Says
Nina is the glue that holds my client relationships together. She approaches every interaction with a positive attitude, solves problems with ease, and consistently ensures our clients feel supported. I know I can always count on her.
Mike Turley
Regional Vice President
What Zo Says
Mike is the best at identifying potential clients for the firm and helping match them with the right wealth advisor. He is always looking out for our clients’ best interest.
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