About Us

The Grand Ridge

Located in Victoria’s South East, the Grand Ridge Road meanders through one of Gippslands highest points, Mount Worth. Showcasing some of our regions best scenery and diversity and with strong connections to our community the Grand Ridge Road quickly became the inspiration for our business name. Grand Ridge Financial is a business working together with you and your best interests through all of life’s stages.

The Best of Both Worlds

Grand Ridge Financial is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Melbourne based firm First Financial Pty Ltd. First Financial is one of the largest financial services providers in Victoria. They hold their own Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). First Financial have over 60 staff who provide Grand Ridge Financial several layers of support. Of significance is our investment research process which enables advisers to spend more time with clients. The internal research team analyse and navigate the external investment recommendations from various first class research houses. The outcomes of the analysis are presented in a timely and efficient manner to our advisers who then communicate any appropriate investment changes to our clients based on their own personalised circumstances and attitude (C&A). The C&A process is a unique cashflow based philosophy to ensure you have the income you need when you need it regardless of market conditions. At Grand Ridge Financial you are not just a number in the same box as other clients within a large organisation. You and your specific needs and objectives are at the forefront of our personalised advice.

The strength of a well resourced licencee with years of strategic and investment research experience coupled with good old fashioned service brings together the best of both worlds.

Barry Zeldenryk

Barry founded Grand Ridge Financial in May 2016 with the mission to provide financial advice to put people in a better financial position.

Raised in West Gippsland, Barry is passionate about helping other locals achieve their personal and financial goals – using all of his 17 years experience in changing market conditions, qualifications and connections to do so.

Jason Croft

Jason has almost a decade of financial advice experience behind him, along with a further six years in the accounting and business services industry.

Jason’s extensive knowledge in all aspects of financial planning including superannuation, Self-Managed Super Funds, direct shares, retirement planning, life insurance and income protection helps him assist clients grow and protect their wealth. His professional manner along with friendly demeanour has made him an indispensable part of the Grand Ridge Financial team and to our clients.

Jason is a Warragul local with a young family and has strong ties to local sporting organisations.

Emily Cole

Emily joined the team back in February 2019 as our Client Services Manager. Having worked in the financial advice industry since 2011, she understands that building trusted, long-term relationships is done with efficient and proactive client service.

Emily’s attention to detail keeps us all on track and ensures all your dealings with us are seamless.

Deb Thomas

Deb joined Grand Ridge Financial in August 2016 as the firms Practice Manager. Deb also has a wealth of experience in the financial services sector and her understanding of how a financial planning business operates at all levels provides immense peace of mind for our clients and our team.

Deb’s proactive and professional manner develops strong long-term relationships. We are extremely lucky to have her on our team and we know you’ll feel the same working with her.