Group Story

Johnston Hooks Group is a boutique wealth management practice within Morgan Stanley. We provide trusted advice and prudent planning with an emphasis on wealth protection strategies.  

Our Clients

We work primarily with successful individuals, mutigenerational families, and business leaders, who understand the importance of professional money management and prudent planning. Our clients work hard and want their money to work even harder. We are dedicated to helping you build, protect, and transfer your wealth and will work to strengthen your family’s financial security for generations to come. 

Our Philosophy

We develop a tailored strategy that lays out a clear path to your goals. Working together, we combine our collective wisdom and experience, along with the intellectual capital of Morgan Stanley, to deliver custom solutions. We filter vast amounts of information to focus on the important issues that affect you. The strategies we recommend are carefully structured to provide a solid foundation through various life, economic, and market cycles. We apply the principles of “seed, time, and harvest,” along with diversification, to our portfolio construction process. 

Our Commitment

Finally, we deliver first-class service in a first-class way and take on a servant’s attitude toward helping clients. We come to work every day engaged in making a real difference in the lives of our clients.Click Here to view our brochure
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Process is Focused on You

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    1. Getting to Know You
    Our process starts with getting to know you, discoveries made during our initial conversation will be the foundation of a "big picture strategy" based on who you are and where you want to go. The discovery process is vital in creating a goals-based plan that addresses a broad range of topics that will likely influence your future. By taking time and care to get to know our clients we make sure that we are the best fit for you.
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    2. Analyzing Your Needs
    We begin with a review of your financial life and goals. We analyze income and cash flow needs along with balance sheet optimization, risk objectives, and legacy goals. We coordinate with outside advisors, including attorneys and CPAs, and consult with Morgan Stanley’s team of experts. Finally, we collaborate as a group to discuss the best solutions for meeting your needs.
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    3. Tailoring a Custom Plan
    We use a goals-based approach that measures progress towards what is most important to you. While your plan is comprehensive, it focuses on your most important needs first. Ultimately, planning provides you with a roadmap to achieve your goals today and tomorrow.
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    4. Implementation
    We execute your plan by utilizing the intellectual capabilities of our team and the vast resources of Morgan Stanley. Using our vision and wisdom, we help you to help grow, transfer, and protect your wealth.
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    5. Continuous Monitoring and Review
    We are committed to regular meetings to review and keep you on track towards achieving your goals. Over time, we fine-tune your strategy to reflect ever-changing priorities in your life and current market conditions. We are committed to walk with you every step of the way.
Advice
We often collaborate with specialists within Morgan Stanley as well as other professionals within the industry who are considered experts in their field. We work closely with your accountant and attorney to gain the precise knowledge needed to effectively manage all aspects of your wealth.
Time is a Precious Commodity
We understand your time is valuable. We filter vast amounts of information to focus on the important issues affecting you. The strategies we recommend are carefully structured to provide a solid foundation through various life, economic and market cycles. We apply the principles of “seed, time, and harvest.”
Communication
We listen to you. Our conversations allow us to develop an understanding of you and your values. Once we understand your perspective, we take the time to explain complex strategies in simple terms so that you can make informed decisions to help achieve your goals.
Diversification
A disciplined investment process is critical to achieving your goals – especially in today’s complex market environment. Our portfolio construction process includes foundational, traditional, and alternative investments where appropriate. Our experience and belief is that properly diversified portfolios are best to weather the storms of the various market cycles.



Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
Uncommon Service
Your priorities are our priorities. Successful wealth management begins with personalized service and attention. We pride ourselves on delivering first class service in a first class way. We are committed to developing a relationship that provides special value to you and your family for generations to come.
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    Neda Hooks, CFP® – Certified Financial Planner™
    The Certified Financial Planner™ designation is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated proficency in the areas of Education, Investment, Tax, Retirement, Estate and Insurance planning. CFP® professionals must accrue several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass a comprehensive exam before calling themselves a CFP® Professional and are held to strict ethical standards to ensure financial planning recommendations are in the best interest of their clients.
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    Neda Hooks, CRPC® - Certified Retirement Planning Counselor
    A CRPC® is dedicated to client-centric problem solving and is dedicated to offering clients a "road map to retirement"
    A CRPC® will take into account the many different factors that affect your retirement planning, including:
    • Meeting financial objectives
    • Sources of retirement income
    • Personal Savings
    • Employer sponsored retirement plans
    • Income taxes
    • Retirement cash flow
    • Asset management
    • Estate planning

Location

Two Urban Centre
4890 W Kennedy Blvd., Ste. 700
Tampa, FL 33609
US
Direct:
(800) 326-4662(800) 326-4662

Meet Johnston Hooks Group

About Robert M Johnston

- Licensed in Financial Services Industry since 2000
- Former Over-the-Counter Equities Trader at Raymond James
- BA – Business Administration from the University of Florida
- Alternative Investments Certification
- Consulting Group Advisor Certification
- Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation, Clearwater, FL – Past Board member
- Professional Advisory Council on Planned Giving – Straz Center
- Series 7, 31, 55, 63 and 65 Licensed
- Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance Licensed
Securities Agent: NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, NH, AR, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1261792

About Neda Hooks

With her passion for the markets, Neda helps her clients address their most pressing financial concerns and achieve their most important personal goals. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Neda has an in-depth knowledge of each step of the retirement planning process and assists many of her clients in creating a roadmap to enjoying their retirement years.

Neda begins the advisory relationship by taking the time to get to know her clients on a personal level – who they are, what they value, and what they hope to accomplish. A believer in the value of taking a long-term view, she places emphasis on helping to manage risk appropriately according to each client’s unique situation and time horizon.

Neda regards herself as a friend, and delights in seeing them make progress towards their goals. She feels grateful for the trust clients place in her when they turn to her for guidance in making major life decisions or navigating transitions. Having immigrated from Iran to the U.S. with her family at a young age, Neda appreciates the substantial effort in pursuing the American dream and, as a result, the concept of financial responsibility has always been central to her life. This perspective enables her to empathize with her clients, whom have worked hard to achieve their wealth.

Starting her career as a financial advisor in 2007, Neda joined Morgan Stanley in 2010. In addition to her CFP® and CRPC® designations, she holds Series 7, 66, and Life, Health and Variable Annuity licenses. She earned her B.S. in Finance from University of South Florida.

Neda and her husband Hamilton have two children, a daughter and a son. They enjoy traveling, the arts in all forms, and hosting dinner parties in their home in Lakeland, Florida.
Securities Agent: WI, WV, TX, VT, VA, OK, OR, RI, OH, SC, NY, GA, PA, UT, TN, MA, NM, MN, MI, NJ, LA, ME, NV, MO, IL, NC, WA, CA, AZ, MD, CT, IN, NH, CO, FL, DE, DC, AR, MT, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282482
CA Insurance License #: 0H78272
AR Insurance License #: 9471145

About Cindy Huang Engle

Cindy Huang Engle
Senior Registered Client Service Associate

Cindy was raised in China and moved to the US more than twenty five years ago. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Baruch College in New York and has worked in the financial industry for over twenty years. Cindy has experience in all aspects of finance including brokerage, trading, insurance and banking most recently as a relationship banker. Cindy is registered and shares our commitment to first class service.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Johnston Hooks Group 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 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.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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2Morgan 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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3When 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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4Morgan 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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5Morgan 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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6Morgan 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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7Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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)