About Me

Austin Stewart, First Vice President, Portfolio Manager, and a Financial Advisor with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley, has over a decade of financial services experience. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2019, Austin spent eight years at Invesco Investment Management where he worked as a consultant partnering with Financial Advisors on investments, financial education, and practice management. Prior to that, he was in construction management where he oversaw infrastructure projects in Houston, Texas and Benghazi, Libya.

Austin has a passion for education and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the University of Houston. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and holds FINRA licenses Series 6, 7, and 66 along with a General Lines of Life, Accident and Health Insurance license. He is also a member of the Portfolio Management Institute (PMI), a society of Morgan Stanley investment management consultants dedicated to the highest ethical and greatest commitment to client service.

When he’s not helping clients improve their financial lives, Austin spends his free time with his family and friends while staying active outdoors. In addition to traveling, playing golf and seeing live music, Austin enjoys hunting and fishing as well as actively supporting wildlife conservation. He serves on the board of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and has participated in one of the largest and most successful African giraffe relocations ever attempted. He and his wife, Michelle, have two young boys, James and Michael that love to spend time at their family ranch in Round Top, TX.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NH, MT, IL, DC, WY, VT, UT, NJ, KS, AL, AZ, WI, TX, MS, MN, TN, LA, CT, WV, WA, VA, PA, IN, GA, DE, OR, OH, NC, MI, ME, MD, MA, ID, MO, CO, CA, AR, SC, NY, NM, FL, AK, OK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1886591
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

Our Mission - Our Values
  • What we do is simple: we work with families that want to improve their financial lives.
  • Our mission is simple: to provide the highest quality, personalized family wealth management services to a limited number of individuals and their families helping them grow and preserve their financial assets over multiple generations. We get satisfaction from working together with clients to help them reach their financial goals.
  • We are committed to establishing trust, respect and a lasting relationship with our clients as we deliver the finest personalized wealth management services available. We serve our clients confident that our integrity and quality of our service will drive success in meeting their needs and goals.
  • Client trust is the cornerstone on which our business is built. Our clients' interests come first. We always take the time to understand clients' changing needs, so that we provide advice that directly meets those needs. It is all about our clients.
  • Our major focuses include preserving the client’s lifestyle, providing for family and future generations, growing and transferring wealth, and developing a charitable legacy.
  • We welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your goals and invite you to become a member of our client family.

Valuable Tools and Resources:

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies that we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About Total Wealth View
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    eDelivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery to securely save, print, send, and receive documents at any time.
    Enroll in eDelivery
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    Spending and Budgeting Tools
    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts. Our Spending and Budgeting Tools makes it easy for you and your Financial Advisor to see your complete financial picture.
    Learn More About Our Financial Management Tools
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    Personal Finance
    Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. Learn from Morgan Stanley thought leaders about how to manage your wealth and help meet your personal financial goals.
    Explore Personal Finance Ideas
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    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Learn More About the Online Security Center
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    2025 Tax Tables
    This helpful resource outlines the 2025 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
    Access the 2025 income tax tables
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    Thoughts on the Market
    Each week, Chief Cross-Asset Strategist Andrew Sheets, or a member of his team, offers perspective on the forces shaping the markets as well as insights on investment opportunities and risk across global asset classes.
    Check Out The Latest Episode

Overview

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of helping clients and families achieve their investment goals, Austin and The Metzger Group have received the following industry awards:
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    The Metzger Group: 2024 - 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Disclosures:
    2024-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2024-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
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    Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
    Individuals certified by the CFP® Board have taken the extra step to display commitment and professionalism by submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These four cornerstones set the foundation for the CFP® professional's ability in helping their clients achieve their goals. Austin's well-rounded skills and knowledge can help clients navigate their financial path. See the descriptions below for more information about the CFP® designation and process:
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    Education
    The CFP® professional must develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing comprehensive coursework and testing. Once obtaining the CFP® trademark, their education does not stop as continued education is part of the recertification process.
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    Experience
    All CFP® professionals are required to complete several years of experience in financial services prior to obtaining the CFP® designation.
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    Examination
    The CFP® Board requires applicants to pass the 7 hour comprehensive Certification Exam, which tests their knowledge in topics such as financial planning, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, and insurance.
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    Ethics
    The CFP® professional is held to high standards and principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, and diligence outlined in the CFP® Board's Code of Ethics.

WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

    Equity Solutions

    Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

    • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
    • Liquidity Events
    • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

    Learn more
    Retirement

    For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

    • Defined Contribution Consulting
    • Solutions-Oriented Plans
    • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

    Learn more
    Deferred Compensation

    Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

    Services include:

    • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
    • Portfolio Construction
    • Wealth Management Services
    Learn more
    Executive Services

    Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

    • Equity Compensation Services
    • Equity Award Analysis
    • Specialized Solutions
    Learn more
    Saving and Giving

    Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

    • College Savings
    • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
    • Charitable Giving
    Learn more
    Financial Wellness

    We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

    • Financial Education
    • Digital Tools
    • Financial Guidance

    Learn more

Location

1330 Post Oak Blvd
Suite 900
Houston, TX 77056
US
Direct:
(713) 968-3138(713) 968-3138

Meet My Team

About Lewis Metzger

Lewis A. Metzger is a Managing Director, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and Senior Investment Management Consultant who heads The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. Lewis and his team work with a limited number of individuals and their families, providing the finest personalized family wealth management services available, including access to our team's private banking group, asset management, and estate and financial planning strategies.

Lewis is among the select few financial advisors recognized with the designation of Family Wealth Director, which demonstrates that he successfully completed a rigorous program that trains advisors on delivering the highest possible standards of experience and extensive range of knowledge in wealth planning and investment advice to the most affluent clients.

Lewis received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Alabama. He also graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Commerce & Business Administration. A proponent of education, he serves on several community boards including The University of Alabama President's Cabinet and has served on the boards of the Spring Branch School District Education Foundation and the St. Francis Episcopal Day School. He is a Cornerstone Lifetime Member of the Houston Methodist Hospital – The Society for Leading Medicine.

Lewis grew up in Mobile, Alabama. With the help of his father, he purchased his first NYSE stock at the age of 12. For more than 40 years, he has lived in Houston, Texas. He is married to Peggy; they have two grown children and two grandsons. An avid sportsman and conservationist, he holds life memberships with the Safari Club International, Houston Safari Club, Shikar-Safari Club International and the Coastal Conservation Association. He actively supports wildlife conservation with a focus on African animals. He financed and his family participated in the largest relocation of African giraffes ever attempted and successfully completed. He funded and has actively taken part in the translocation of giraffe and elephants to safer habits and attaching satellite GPS tracking collars to rhinos, lions, buffalo, giraffe, and elephants. Three of the Metzger wildlife conservation projects are available on YouTube: "Giraffe Conservation Metzger Foundation," "14 Giraffes, 4 Rhinos & 7 Lions," and "Metzger Conservation Elephants Giraffe." He is a board member of the Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance. He also owns and operates the Wolf Springs Ranch, located in Round Top, Texas.

NMLS#: 1273008
Securities Agent: MA, AK, OH, ME, CT, WY, VA, UT, OK, MT, DC, WV, OR, AR, NH, SC, MN, MD, AZ, MO, CO, AL, WI, PA, NM, NC, LA, CA, MS, DE, WA, TX, TN, NY, MI, KS, IL, HI, FL, VT, NJ, IN, ID, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures

About William Crothers

Bill graduated from Harvard University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and is a graduate of the Financial Services Program at Wharton University. Bill began his financial services career in sales and management with Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York in 1969. Bill joined Rotan Mosle in 1979 as President of Rotan Mosle Insurance and later became Director of Sales and Marketing and was a member of the Management Committee and served on the Board of Directors. Rotan Mosle merged into Paine Webber in 1988 and Bill became National Sales Manager for Paine Webber in New York. Bill began working with individual clients in 1989 at Paine Webber. In 1993, he moved to Smith Barney as a Senior Vice President. Bill joined Morgan Stanley in 2005 as a Senior Vice President.

NMLS#: 1282529
Securities Agent: MT, MA, TN, OR, OH, ME, KS, FL, CA, VT, MI, MD, WA, HI, CT, AZ, AL, VA, TX, NH, NC, MS, MN, CO, NM, DC, PA, IL, AR, WI, UT, NJ, MO, LA, ID, GA, SC, OK, WY, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures

About Gary Miller

Gary Miller C(k)P® is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Manager with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He offers over 28 years of combined financial services experience. Gary has decades of experience in private wealth management, helping individuals achieve their financial goals, whatever they may be.

Gary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his C(k)P®, Certified 401(k) Professional® Designation from The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with the UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education. A successful former restaurateur, Gary owned a UK-based chain of Tex-Mex restaurants which he sold in 1995.

Gary is committed to helping his clients preserve and grow their wealth by providing comprehensive wealth management strategies. He has extensive knowledge of retirement plans with experience in helping companies manage their fiduciary responsibilities, restructure their 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) or pension plans, eliminating conflicts of interest, lowering costs, reducing retirement plan committee members' and Trustees' liabilities while increasing services.

Gary resides in Houston with his wife, Neda, his three daughters and two sons. On weekends, he enjoys fishing, cooking, and playing backgammon.

NMLS#: 2151732
Securities Agent: TN, AL, MT, MO, MI, PA, OH, CT, WA, VA, ME, MD, IL, ID, WI, VT, NM, LA, HI, DC, SC, NY, MN, FL, WY, OK, GA, CA, AZ, UT, TX, OR, NJ, NH, NC, KS, AR, NV, MA, MS, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
CA Insurance License #: 4306079

About Mikel Ham

Mikel R. Ham, CFA, is a First Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Financial Advisor with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley, where he has 25 years of experience and service at the firm. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he worked as an Economist with a consulting firm in Los Angeles, California. Mikel has also served as a volunteer Treasurer for the Houston Economics Club.

Mikel earned a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and a MA and BS from the University of Houston. He is also a CFA Charterholder. Mikel holds FINRA licenses 3, 7, 8, 9, 31,63, and 65, along with a General Lines of Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License.

Mikel offers comprehensive financial advice to individuals and business owners based on developing a deep understanding of his clients’ objectives and risk tolerance which helps them make informed decisions about growing and preserving their assets and estates. The markets and world events are continually changing—presenting risks, but also investment opportunities. By fully accessing the thought leadership and investment choices available through Morgan Stanley, he strives to bring fresh ideas and solutions to his clients to help them stay focused on achieving their financial goals. Mikel's commitment to his clients is to always act with integrity, competence, dignity, and in an ethical manner.

Mikel was born in Houston, Texas and currently resides in the Lake Houston area near Kingwood, TX with his wife Holly and their 2 children, Nikolas and Elizabeth. Their Bichon Frise, named Charlamagne, or “Charlie,” is also an enthusiastic participant in many family activities. Outside the office, Mikel enjoys snow skiing and camping with his family. Fishing is also a passion—saltwater fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast during the summer months and fly fishing in the many cool rivers in Vermont. When back indoors, he’s usually occupied reading several books, playing chess with his son, or catching up on the latest developments in numismatics.

NMLS#: 1401603
Securities Agent: HI, OR, MS, MD, DC, OK, NY, UT, TN, WY, IL, VA, NJ, NC, MA, GA, AL, PA, OH, FL, CT, CA, VT, TX, ME, KS, ID, WI, WA, SC, MT, MN, NM, MO, NH, MI, LA, CO, AZ, AR; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures

About Jonathan Cole

Jonathan Cole is a Financial Advisor, Vice President, and Insurance Planning Director with the Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He’s an experienced investment professional who brings a disciplined and personalized approach to managing portfolios and investments for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and executives. In addition to focusing on individuals, Jonathan has experience working with non-profit and endowment organizations. He understands the trends of today. Leveraging his extensive education and Morgan Stanley’s vast resources, Jonathan identifies opportunities that align with his client's values. His goal is to empower clients to be confident in their financial decisions through education and knowledge.

Jonathan is committed to helping his clients preserve and grow their wealth by providing comprehensive wealth management strategies. He is focused on creating and delivering strategies tailored to all aspects of their finances, including cash management, lending, investing, and wealth transfer. By creating financial strategies and providing thoughtful advice, Jonathan has developed a successful practice built on trusting relationships. His favorite part of the business is gaining an understanding of his client’s goals.

Previously, Jonathan was an entrepreneur with a proven track record of business success. His first business was acquired in early 2016. Following his venture, Jonathan became a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in 2016 to pursue his interest in managing investments and supporting like-minded individuals to grow their portfolios. He has also attained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. The CFA® charter is a globally recognized credential for investment analysis competence and integrity and portfolio management.

Jonathan is an active member of the Baylor Alumni Network, Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation, Houston Black Leadership Institute, and CFA Society of Houston. He resides in Houston, Texas with his wife, Veronica, and children, Aden, Mila, and Merritt. Jonathan is an avid international traveler and outdoorsman. He has an interest in the local food scene and is extremely passionate about sponsoring micro-entrepreneurship and promoting financial literacy around the world.

Education:
• MBA with a concentration in Finance from Baylor University
• MS in Information Systems from Baylor University
• Series 7
• Series 66


Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 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 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

NMLS#: 1665149
Securities Agent: NM, AZ, MT, LA, KS, FL, CA, RI, WY, OR, NJ, NH, NC, TN, PR, OH, MO, CO, AL, TX, MD, IL, WI, PA, AR, UT, SC, ME, MA, DC, NV, NY, ID, GA, CT, MS, MN, WA, VT, VA, OK, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
AR Insurance License #: 18390483

About Dominic Cellitti

Dominic Cellitti is a Wealth Advisor, First Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He's been with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms since 1988.

Dominic graduated Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 1988. In the spring of 2004, he received a Master’s of Science degree in Financial Planning. Using the resources of the American College, Dominic became a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner in 2001 after three years of course work. As a CFP practitioner, he has experience in investment planning, income tax planning, estate planning related issues, retirement planning, and insurance issues.

Dominic works closely with a small number of wealthy families, foundations and businesses. His objective is to help achieve and maximize his client’s financial position through extensive knowledge of a wide range of financial products and services. Since Dominic enjoys philanthropy, he has written a number of published articles on philanthropic topics. His network of personal and professional contacts has been an asset to his growing client base.

Dominic enjoys his involvement in charitable activities such as the 4th Wall Theatre and New Avenues to Independence. In his spare time, his hobbies include collecting and creating art, racing his bike, reading business related books, taking his therapy dog to medical centers, and showing his Golden Retriever in confirmation dog shows.

NMLS#: 1401642
Securities Agent: OK, AL, WY, PA, KS, CT, TX, MO, MA, GA, UT, SC, NM, LA, CA, VT, MS, MD, AZ, AR, WA, OH, NY, ME, FL, DC, WI, TN, MT, IL, VA, OR, NJ, NC, MN, MI, ID, NH, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
CA Insurance License #: 4169109

About Alexandra Lucy Wilson

• 20+ years of financial services experience
• BS degree from the University of Baltimore
• Personal: Married; Scott, attorney
• Two daughters: Sophia and Chloe

About Paula F. Scales

Paula joined Morgan Stanley in 2015. She has 30 years of industry experience and has attained her Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and completed her Master of Business Administration in Finance from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Working with The Metzger Group, Paula uses the experience she’s gained over the years in the client service area and takes personal interest in helping clients and their families.

Paula, a native Houstonian, moved to Dallas 12 years ago and resides in North Dallas with her husband and pup named Lafayette. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community and spends time with her grandchildren.

About Rachel Stephens

- 9+ years of financial services experience
- Licensed in 2014
- Personal: One daughter, three sons

About Michelle Katona

Michelle is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. She helps shape the future of service by modernizing the client experience through an elevated model. Michelle truly cares about our clients and works hard to help them simplify and manage aspects of their financial life. She strives to provide every client we serve with a world class customer experience.

Michelle cultivates and enhances new and existing client relationships through active communication, processing client requests, resolving inquiries, and making sure key information and documentation remains current. She helps run our business with an eye on each administrative detail and finds the issues that need to be addressed. She is a fantastic partner within our group.

Michelle majored in International Business and Spanish at The Ohio State University. She graduated in 2019 with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of the Arts. Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2020, Michelle has acquired her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Michelle is from Columbus, OH. Outside of work, she enjoys running, playing sand volleyball, and volunteering. Michelle also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

About Alvin Zheng

Alvin is a Registered Client Service Associate (CSA) with The Metzger Group at Morgan Stanley. He helps shape the future of our service with his desire to be thorough, efficient, personable, and effective. Alvin is modernizing the client experience through our technology and is elevating our client experience. He truly cares about our clients and works hard to help them simplify and manage aspects of their financial life. He strives to provide every client we serve with a world class customer experience.

Alvin cultivates and enhances new and existing client relationships through active communication, processing client requests, resolving inquiries, and making sure key information and documentation remains current. He helps run our business with an eye on each administrative detail and finds the issues that need to be addressed. He is a fantastic partner within our group.

Alvin majored in Finance at LSU. He graduated in 2020 with his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Minor in Internal Auditing. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2024, Alvin worked at Deloitte. He has acquired his Series 66 and Series 7 licenses.

Alvin grew up in Ville Platte, LA. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, sports and being outside. He also likes spending quality time with family and friends.

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Ben Cucuzza

Ben Cucuzza is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Texas.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Ben began his career in financial services in 2005, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Affluent Segment Leader at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Ben is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He lives in Houston, Texas with his family. Outside of the office, Ben is involved in the Junior Achievement as well as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He also enjoys fishing, sports, and watching the Georgia Bulldogs.
NMLS#: 703137

About Joe Saadi

Joseph Saadi is the Regional Trust Specialist for Morgan Stanley’s Central Region. Within the Trust Services Group, Joe is responsible for delivering the “Open Architecture” trustee platform, which consists of several unaffiliated third-party trust companies who serve in a fiduciary, agency or custodial role for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. Joe and the Trust Services Group help Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors, clients, prospects and the professional community understand the corporate trustee services available through Morgan Stanley and how their corporate trustee partners provide fiduciary services to clients. The process involves reviewing trust documents and statements as well as analyzing family dynamics. Joe then uses this information to help clients select one or more of the Firm’s corporate trustee partners to possibly serve as trustee, co-trustee or administrative agent for client trust accounts.

Prior to joining the firm, Joe’s 30 years of legal and comprehensive wealth planning experience include positions as Managing Director at TIAA Trust Company, Market Trust Director at JP Morgan Trust Company, Trust & Estate Specialist at Merrill Lynch Trust Company, and District Attorney General at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Joe obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from John Carroll University and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Joe is a member of the State Bar of Ohio and holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.

About Lisa D'Alessandro

Lisa is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, she collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, she will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Lisa provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

She earned her undergraduate degree from The University of New Hampshire] and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Lisa is originally from New Jersey and currently resides there.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

This is a video content

Equity Compensation

Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

  • Vesting events
  • Option expirations
  • Restricted stock units
  • Tax implications

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
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2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Austin Stewart today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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3Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 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 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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5Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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6Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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7When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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9Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)