
Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Frederick office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

Prior to beginning his career with Northwestern Mutual, Josh received a Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, and an MBA from the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business. In the fall of 2007, Josh made a career change to...
Prior to beginning his career with Northwestern Mutual, Josh received a Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, and an MBA from the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business. In the fall of 2007, Josh made a career change to join Northwestern Mutual. He has embraced the business, and enjoys helping his clients improve their financial future, and assisting business owners to plan for risks and protect the future of the business. He moved into a leadership role as a Field Director in January of 2009, and was promoted to Managing Director in November 2014. Currently Josh serves as a Wealth Management Advisor and President and CEO of Northwestern Mutual's Frederick and Hagerstown offices, and works to mentor new Financial Advisors in the career and expand the firm's presence in Frederick County and beyond. .

Ariel Rodriguez Mercado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended Rutgers University as a Division 1 student athlete. He then returned to Puerto Rico to pursue his professional volleyball career. After retiring from volleyball, Ariel and his family moved to Maryland in 2010 where he began his career in Financial...
Ariel Rodriguez Mercado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He attended Rutgers University as a Division 1 student athlete. He then returned to Puerto Rico to pursue his professional volleyball career. After retiring from volleyball, Ariel and his family moved to Maryland in 2010 where he began his career in Financial Services. After 3 years as an advisor, Ariel joined New York Life in 2013 as a Senior Market Manager and then later became a Partner and Senior Partner with the firm. He established himself as a strong leader in the community with a unique ability to recognize and build a successful team of advisors, making him a perfect fit for the culture at Northwestern Mutual. Ariel is currently a Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in Frederick, and is building a strong team of entrepreneurial individuals who are successfully growing their business in the financial services industry.