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THE MENDOZA GROUP

Welcome to the Rockefeller Global Family Office

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The Mendoza Group is a multigenerational, diverse, and highly experienced team dedicated to providing proactive advice, sound investment solutions, and exceptional client service.

Our team’s approach goes beyond investment management; we pride ourselves on understanding that cultivating deep, meaningful client relationships, translates into financial achievement. Having a transparent relationship with clients allows us to navigate the complexities of wealth management and provide sustainable, financial solutions. We deliver a personalized experience and custom solution for each client, as we understand every client has unique needs and goals. Our belief is private wealth management must be delivered in a customized way.

There are four key elements to private wealth management – Investments, Cash Management and Lending, Business/Professional Services and Wealth Structuring. Our belief is that private wealth management is a holistic endeavor and to truly have successful outcomes these four elements need to work in harmony with one another.

As part of Rockefeller, we act as trusted partners and prioritize doing what is in the best interest of our clients. We will continue to help you define and build a durable and lasting legacy.

THE MENDOZA GROUP

(669)-499-4451

Mendozagroup@rockco.com

750 University Avenue
Suite 240
Los Gatos, CA 95032

“Historically there has been a substantial gap between the performance of individual investors and institutions. It’s our job to close that gap.”

Matthew Mendoza, Private Advisor, Managing Director

We aim to provide the most exceptional service experience our clients will ever encounter.

DAVID MENDOZA

Private Advisor, Managing Director 
DMendoza@rockco.com
(669)-499-4450
Biography +

ELIZABETH MCKOWN

Private Advisor, Vice President
EMcKown@rockco.com
(669)-499-4453
Biography +

MATTHEW MENDOZA, CPWA®, CRPC®

Private Advisor, Managing Director 
MMendoza@rockco
(669)-499-4451
Biography +

SANDY TRAN

Client Associate, Associate Vice President
STran@rockco.com
(669)-499-4455
Biography +

MAX PODLONE, CEPA, CPFA®

Private Advisor, Vice President
MPodlone@rockco.com
(669)-499-4452
Biography +

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A leading private wealth practice...
Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax, & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your CPA to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax, & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your CPA to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

merged with holistic advisory and family office services.
The Rockefeller difference is our combination of holistic and specialized services, designed to complement customized wealth planning and advisory.
  • Investment Advisory
  • Wealth Advisory
  • Family Office Solutions
  • Strategic Client Solutions
  • Trustee Services and Estate Planning
  • Philanthropic Advisory

Rockefeller Capital Management provides strategic advice to ultra-high-net worth families, family offices, individuals and corporations. Families that own businesses or are interested in purchasing a business can come to Rockefeller Capital Management for thoughtful, tailored advice on whether to sell a business, sell a portion of a business, purchase a business or grow an existing business.

Rockefeller Capital Management also works with corporations seeking customized, innovative solutions and independent advice on strategic transactions. Our focus is to deliver exceptional results for our clients through flawless execution and to help clients achieve their strategic goals.

Rockefeller Capital Management provides securities activities and services through Rockefeller Financial LLC, its registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC.

  • Differentiated, independent advice for entrepreneurs and business owners
  • Execution across private and public companies owned or operated by our clients
  • Mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital raises
  • Real estate advisory
  • Sports franchise advisory

Rockefeller Asset Management offers equity and fixed income strategies across active, multi-factor passive, and thematic approaches that seek outperformance over multiple market cycles, driven by a disciplined investment process and a highly collaborative team culture. Drawing on the intellectual capital built over the past 40 years, Rockefeller Asset Management offers investment solutions integrating ESG research and a constructive engagement approach.

Equity Strategies
  • We offer global, U.S., and non-U.S., thematic dedicated environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) equity strategies for institutions and individuals. A core differentiator of Rockefeller’s approach is our well established practice of constructively engaging shareholders in a way that drives long-term value creation across portfolios and improves ESG standards globally.
Fixed Income Strategies
  • We offer a range of tax-exempt and taxable fixed income strategies, serving high-net worth and family office clients. Our fixed income investment process employs an analysis of macro-economic conditions complemented by fundamental credit research set within a sophisticated risk management and portfolio construction framework.

We are pleased to offer our clients and their families special access and privileges through a handful of thoughtfully vetted and selected partners – each preeminent providers in their respective fields – providing highly personalized support on how to simplify, navigate, and elevate modern life.

Private Aviation
• A unique private aviation platform designed exclusively for Rockefeller Capital Management Clients

Private Health Advisory
• Proactive health and wellness support, travel/emergency contingency 24/7 and complete management of any health concern.

Personal Security
• A total security solution tailored to each client and location, assessing their needs and goals.

Emergency Travel Services
• The world's leading organization providing medical, security, evacuation, travel risk and crisis management services.

Art Advisory
• With access to specialists in art and collectibles globally, experts will provide guidance through the sales and acquisition process.

Next Gen Advisory
• Career and life coaching for emerging professionals, as well as health and wellness resources for young adults.

Elder Care
• A unique benefit that can help with everything related to aging, elder care or special needs.

Virtual Specialty Care
• A virtual specialty care platform that leverages sophisticated technology to curate access to a network of leading doctors across 48 US hospitals for expert insights on specific health concerns.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences
• Almost any “bucket list” wish can be fulfilled for Rockefeller clients with VIP-savvy concierge experts who can pave the way to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether meeting global stars, participating in iconic events, or realizing other long-held dreams.

Unique Travel Experiences
• A leading travel concierge service that offers exclusive planning and booking for Rockefeller clients seeking unforgettable vacations. Clients have access at member-only rates to unique settings and destinations with family privileges.

Purpose-Driven Wine Platform
• A leading wine-appreciation platform offering a single source for Rockefeller clients interested in fine wines, insider offers and access to unique experiences. Clients can obtain allocated, reserve, library and collector-level wines. Through the Rockefeller Live Well Do Good Membership Program, a portion of profits go to support The Ocean Foundation.

Cyber Security
• An exclusive boutique company with a proven history of providing elite cyber-protection services for all digital security needs of individuals and their families to eliminate the risk of cyberattacks.

"By remaining steadfastly focused on our client’s long term goals, portfolio construction and allocation, rather than emotion and opinion, we have been able to successfully navigate the ups and downs.”
David Mendoza, Private Advisor, Managing Director
"When people ask me why I think the family has succeeded, I say that the family has chosen to have high-level advisors whom they totally trust and who are not just yes-men and -women but you know give their honest opinions"
David Rockefeller Jr.
“Investing is an emotional process. An informed and objective partner can help manage those emotions, leading to better investment decisions.”
Elizabeth McKown, Private Advisor, Vice President
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News
Business Wire - April 3, 2023
IGM Financial, a Member of the Power Corporation Group of Companies, Making Long-Term Strategic Investment in Rockefeller Capital Management; Becomes Shareholder Alongside Majority Investor Viking Global Investors
Business Wire - January, 13 2023
Rockefeller Capital Management Expands Presence in Texas, Welcomes First Austin-Based Private Advisor Team
Business Wire - November 4, 2022
Rockefeller Capital Management Welcomes The Maxwell Group, of The Woodlands, TX, to its Rockefeller Global Family Office
Business Wire - October 20, 2022
Rockefeller Asset Management Expands Team to Scale Existing Capabilities and Position Growth Centered on Strategic Partnerships
Business Wire - October 7, 2022
Rockefeller Capital Management Welcomes the Mooney Stanley Group, of Pepper Pike, OH, to its Rockefeller Global Family Office – Expanding Presence in Midwest
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck

Rockefeller Financial LLC is a broker-dealer and investment adviser dually registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);Member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Rockefeller Financial LLC is not a bank. Where appropriate, Rockefeller Financial LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Rockefeller Financial LLC are not FDIC insured, may lose value, are not bank guaranteed, not a bank deposit, and not otherwise insured by any federal government agency.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results and no investment or financial planning strategy guarantees profit or protection.

Rockefeller Capital Management LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
David Mendoza

David Mendoza

Private Advisor, Managing Director 

 

David Mendoza joined Rockefeller in May of 2022 after being with Merrill Lynch since 1981. This extensive industry experience has given him a clear understanding of how changing markets can affect portfolio outcomes. As a relationship manager and team leader, David draws on this understanding to help business owners, executives, professionals, and families pursue their goals and navigate complex financial situations. He values the client relationships he has formed and finds it extremely gratifying when several generations of the same family turn to him for advice and guidance on their wealth management issues. 

David helps clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategy, selecting from a wide range of model portfolios and third-party investment strategies.  

David earned a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and began his career at EF Hutton before moving to Merrill Lynch in 1981. He has two sons, and his hobbies include fitness, playing golf, and skiing.  

 

Named #30 on the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2022. * 

 

*The Forbes “Best in State Wealth Advisors” rankings discussed above were designated on April 7, 2022 and last for a period of one year until new rankings are released. 

Each advisor—selected by SHOOK Research—is chosen based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including: in-person interviews; industry experience; compliance records; revenue produced; and assets under management. No compensation has been provided in connection with obtaining or using this award.

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Matthew Mendoza, CPWA®, CRPC®

Matthew Mendoza, CPWA®, CRPC®

Private Advisor, Managing Director 

 

Matthew Mendoza joined Rockefeller as a Managing Director, Private Advisor, in May of 2022. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in 2007, where he served the wealth management needs of affluent clients.  Matthew focuses on investments, portfolio management, financial planning, lending, and estate planning/wealth structuring.  He has established lasting relationships with his clients and has a deep understanding of their financial goals and needs. Matthew holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designations.

Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University and a MBA from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Matthew lives an active outdoor lifestyle. Matthew enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, and playing golf and tennis.

Named to Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2022. *

Named to Forbes “America’s Next-Gen Advisors” list in 2021. *

Named to Forbes "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors" list in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 *

 

*The Forbes “Best in State Wealth Advisors” rankings discussed above were designated in 2022 and last for a period of one year until new rankings are released. The Forbes “America's Next Gen Advisors” rankings discussed above were designated in 2021 and last for a period of one year until new rankings are released. The Forbes “Top Next Generation Wealth Advisors” rankings discussed above were designated in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 and last for a period of one year until new rankings are released. 

Each advisor—selected by SHOOK Research—is chosen based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including: in-person interviews; industry experience; compliance records; revenue produced; and assets under management. No compensation has been provided in connection with obtaining or using this award.

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Max Podlone, CEPA, CPFA®

Max Podlone, CEPA, CPFA®

Private Advisor, Vice President 

 

Max Podlone joined Rockefeller in May of 2022 as a Vice President and Private Advisor for The Mendoza Group.

Prior to joining Rockefeller, he was an Assistant Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, beginning in 2016. Mr. Podlone offers a comprehensive approach to wealth management that begins with understanding the client’s needs in order to offer a goals-based solution. 

Mr. Podlone earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He earned his law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and is currently working toward the completion of a Master's in Finance at Harvard University. He is a member of both the California and District of Columbia Bar Associations. He holds the professional designations of Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, CPFA™, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA ®. 

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Elizabeth McKown

Elizabeth McKown

Private Advisor, Vice President 

 

Elizabeth McKown joined Rockefeller in May of 2022 after serving clients at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management for the past 10 years. She began her financial services career in 2010 with Merrill Lynch as an Office Operations Lead. In 2012 she joined The Mendoza Group as a Client Associate, where she managed relationships with clients, assisted in account development, and ran team operations. In 2015, Elizabeth transitioned to a Financial Advisor and has since been committed to building long-term relationships and providing clients with attentive, timely, and personalized services. Elizabeth works closely with Matt and David to conduct retirement analyses, and portfolio reviews as well as manage the team’s operations.

Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in financial economics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She and her husband currently live in South Bay, California, with their two kids and golden retriever. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with friends and family, chasing her kids around, traveling, and cooking. 

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Virginia McDonald

Virginia McDonald

Client Associate, Associate Vice President 

 

Virginia joined Rockefeller in May of 2022. Prior to Rockefeller she worked for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management since 1983 and has long been the face and voice of The Mendoza Group to clients. She and David have been working together for over 20 years. Her professionalism and caring attitude have allowed her to form close relationships with many of the families with whom she works with. Some of her many responsibilities include opening and servicing accounts, processing documents and wire transfers, client communications and requests, planning client appreciation events, providing administrative support, and managing the team’s calendar. Friendly, dependable, and knowledgeable, Virginia is dedicated to meeting and exceeding clients’ expectations, answering questions quickly and accurately. She lives in San Jose and has two daughters. In her time away from the office, Virginia enjoys working out, walking her Maltese, Latte, and singing in her church choir where she is also a worship leader.  

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Sandy Tran

Sandy Tran

Client Associate, Associate Vice President 

 

Sandy joined Rockefeller in May of 2022 after previously being at Merrill Lynch. She began her financial services career in 2010 as a Bank Teller for Wells Fargo. She worked as a teller at Fremont Bank and US Bank before joining The Mendoza Group at Merrill Lynch in 2015. She considers herself a problem-solver and demonstrates a talent for interacting well with clients. When timely answers are needed on account questions, Sandy is often the first stop for advisors and clients. 

Sandy enjoys cooking, entertaining family, and friends, and traveling internationally with her two kids.

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