18 JUNE 2026 I f Richard Ross had just owned and operated an information systems consulting firm, that would be quite something. If he were simply an accomplished brand manager for Kraft Foods, managing a $1 billion product portfolio, that would be impressive as well. And if he were merely running venture capital-driven start- ups, that too would have been something to applaud. These corporate jobs, though financially rewarding, didn’t hold his attention or capture his heart. He was more interested in working directly with people. In 2008, Ross earned all the required licenses and became a financial advisor, beginning his practice with Edward Jones in Chicago. “I love working with people one- on-one and helping them achieve their goals. Having taught economics to eighth graders, I’m an educator at heart – but with a collaborative approach,” he said. “Twenty years later, many of my clients are like family and I can’t tell you how many of their birthdays, graduations and weddings I’ve attended.” Ross found his way to Phoenix just in time for the Great Recession, bought a house in Arcadia and then acquired his sister’s Edward Jones practice, growing it substantially. He and his two sisters grew up in Woodbury, New York, a small town on Long Island. As a youngster he thought about becoming an archeologist and attributes those interests to “all the museums my parents took us to.” He graduated from Emory University and then earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, a solid foundation for what he is doing today. Ross has as many personal interests and aspirations as he does professional achievements. Travel, food and the arts are among his passions. He has already been to 50 countries on five continents and claims he plans to visit at least that many more before he’s done seeing the world. “I love experiencing different cultures and seeing the amazing sights the world has to offer,” he said. Lately the only thing that Ross loves as much as travel is ceramic making, and he admits it has become a bit of an addiction. After taking classes at Shemer Art Center and then again at NAU, he was hooked. “When I’m not working or sleeping, I am usually thinking about ceramics. I have actually done a TEDx-type talk called Confessions, Insights and Lessons of a Pot Addict ,” he said with a laugh. He hopes to study with ceramic masters around the world one day and then eventually open his own art studio. Not surprisingly, he has already formulated a five-step business plan. “I’ll start by making nice gifts and hopefully end up by making great pieces that actually sell,” he said. In Arizona, Ross has never lived anywhere but in Arcadia and he gushes about the iconic neighborhood. “Arcadia is simply the best and what makes it so are the people living here, the neighbors…it’s a real neighborhood.” Ask Ross about his proudest achievement and you won’t hear a word about career or hobbies. It’s about caring for his centenarian parents. “My sister and I took care of our elderly parents and that was a real honor, giving back just a little bit of what they did for us,” Ross reflected. Richard Ross is a man of many pursuits; he is thoughtful, talented and expressive. Were he able to chisel his own tombstone, he’d hope it simply reads: He helped people and did good. Richard Ross I’m an educator at heart – but with a collaborative approach. High Place 1/2 H