Our Story and Services

Growing a copper beech tree is the perfect metaphor for the journey of long-term wealth development and preservation.  Taking over 150 years to grow, no individual that plants a copper beech tree will ever see it full grown.  Natural hardships and manmade impediments may impact the tree’s development.  Generations must nurture and invest in the tree for it to reach its potential.  Once a copper beech tree fully matures, it will live for centuries.  We have developed relationships that have lasted for decades and span generations.The Copper Beech Tree Group at Morgan Stanley develops a tailored approach to help clients preserve and grow their wealth based on each client’s unique financial needs and personal aspirations.  We are hands-on investment professionals that seek to provide the highest level of service with all of the issues associated with wealth.  Our team strives to help our clients achieve their goals through consistent open dialogue, prudent counsel and our commitment to excellence.We understand the challenges and complexities of wealth and are prepared to help you accomplish your goals and objectives.  For the seeds you may sow, whether they be family, philanthropic or social, we are honored to assist you in your journey.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Experience

With over a century of combined experience in financial services, our team is prepared to help our clients with the challenges that wealth brings such as: estate planning, liquidity needs, family governance, risk management strategies, as well as dealing with the liability side of a client’s balance sheet. 


Our team couples individual capabilities and a collaborative platform with a willingness to embrace today’s technologies to best service our clients.  Strategic planning and tactical discussions with our clients create the actionable steps needed to execute customized plans.  Listening to and understanding each client’s needs enable our team to focus on long-run wealth development.  We are proud that our clients have weathered market cycles time and again with us in their corner.

Working With You

Our relationships with clients venture far beyond investing, with a primary focus on life’s broader issues. We take time to get to know you, understand your desires and gain insight into your needs and goals. Only after understanding what is truly important to you, can we begin to craft your appropriate financial plan.


Once we fully comprehend your overall financial standing, we thoroughly review all existing holdings utilizing sophisticated allocation models to create a portfolio specifically designed to meet your objectives. Our comprehensive plan illustrates both performance and risks associated with those returns. We then discuss this proposal with you and any advisors you wish, providing a complete understanding of the potential ramifications. If you agree with our recommendations, the plan is implemented and continuously monitored with periodic feedback and professional dialogue.


We are able to offer a full complement of services to help you manage your way to a better financial future. As part of one of the largest financial institutions in the world, we have tremendous resources ranging from private banking and liability management to fluid investment in domestic and foreign securities. Whether we employ institutional portfolio managers for particular asset classes or design a customized portfolio, we take to heart our responsibility to track ongoing performance and suggest changes as market conditions or life's unexpected circumstances dictate.

Our Clients

We understand that financial wealth is accumulated through a dedication to excellence.  Our clients are sophisticated, successful individuals and demand a lot from themselves and their advisors.  It is an honor to counsel and assist them in planning their life decisions.  Our satisfaction stems from helping our clients achieve their financial goals, preserving and growing their hard-earned wealth.


Who we serve:
• High Net Worth and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals and Families
• Foundations and Not For Profit Organizations
• Small to Midsize Companies

Location

225 W Santa Clara St
Suite 900
San Jose, CA 95113
US
Direct:
(408) 947-2266(408) 947-2266
Toll-Free:
(800) 444-4752(800) 444-4752

Meet Copper Beech Tree Group

About Kurt F Carrasquilla

Kurt was recruited to Morgan Stanley in 1993 and assists clients with all aspects of their Financial Planning from portfolio construction to life planning. In addition to being a Executive Director, he has earned the designation of Senior Investment Management Specialist. This coveted distinction is awarded to Financial Advisors, by the Consulting Group, who have exemplified a comprehensive understanding and thorough knowledge of professional asset management. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he worked in Corporate Finance for a Silicon Valley technology company. Kurt saw all sides of the business from its start-up phase to the initial public offering.
Originally from the Bay Area, Kurt holds a BS in Finance (San Jose State University), an MBA in Finance (Golden Gate University), a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (University of California, Berkeley) and was a graduate in Wharton’s first class of the Private Wealth Management Program (University of Pennsylvania).

Kurt has time and again demonstrated a strong commitment to his profession and community. He currently volunteers or has served in leadership positions with the following organizations: Pat Tillman Foundation (Advisory Board), CFP Program - University of California, Berkeley (Advisory Board Chair), Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Advisory Board (President), Financial Management Association - Silicon Valley Chapter (President), Youth Re:Action Corps - Leland High School (Mentor Board Chair).

Since 1998, Kurt has taught the Investments course in their highly regarded Financial Planning Program for the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley he has won multiple teaching excellence awards. In 2009, Kurt developed and taught the inaugural Essentials of Wealth Management course for Stanford University in their Continuing Studies Program. Additionally, his biography has been published in the directory of Who’s Who of Professionals and Who’s Who in America.

Kurt lives in San Jose, California and cherishes time spent with his sons Kyle and Connor.
Securities Agent: WI, NC, FL, PA, KY, MT, GA, AK, CA, SC, IN, DE, KS, DC, MD, CO, MI, ID, TX, WA, VA, HI, NM, VT, AR, MA, AZ, NY, NJ, OH, NH, OR, IL, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1261926

About Lawrence Lo

Lawrence began his career with Jordan Walters and Kurt Carrasquilla in 1998. During his tenure, Lawrence has developed professionally, having passed the Series 7, 63 and 65 examinations. The breadth of his responsibilities include portfolio management, asset allocation analyses, proactive strategic discussions, and, as with all team members, client contact and excellent responsiveness.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Lawrence gained extensive management experience and communication skills while working in the retail service industry. He aptly combines a wonderful attitude with his experience in his daily client interactions.

As a graduate of San Jose State University with a BS in Business/Finance, Lawrence is committed to the pursuit of continued study. He has earned the designation of Consulting Group Analyst after completing a comprehensive advanced training program. Additionally, Lawrence has been awarded the title of Financial Planning Specialist after completing extensive coursework, passing a rigorous exam and fulfilling significant annual continuing education requirements.

Lawrence is a Bay Area native and enjoys the diversity, attractions and spirit within the community. He and his wife live in Daly City with their daughter and son.

Lawrence has been involved with a variety of charitable events, passionately donating his time and giving back to those in need. Annually, he participates in the Sports of the World's Children Benefit Tournament, helps serve food during the holiday season at St. Anthony's in San Francisco and coaches the Junior Giants and his church's youth softball team.
Securities Agent: NY, KS, AZ, SC, HI, NV, MI, IN, CA, AR, CT, TX, PA, MD, AK, WA, TN, CO, NC, IL, FL, DE, WI, NM, NH, DC, VA, OR, MT, ID, GA, VT, OH, NJ, MA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1877460

About Joseph Bummer

Joseph was recruited in 2000 and has since surpassed all of our team's expectations. Drawing from his years of industry experience, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and clients. In addition to his daily pursuit of precision, timeliness and proactive attention to our clients, he is well versed in our financial planning processes and investment strategies.

Before joining Morgan Stanley, Joseph earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from San Jose State University. In addition, he earned the Financial Planning Specialist designation after successfully completing the firm's rigorous and lengthy examination. He has obtained several security licenses, including the Series 7, 63 and 65. Joseph continues to strengthen his understanding of sophisticated and complex strategies, expanding and deepening his knowledge base.

Joseph enjoys living on the coast with his wife and four children. He is an avid contributor to various charitable organizations, and enjoys volunteering for others. In addition to spending quality time with his family and community, he enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and a persistent effort to lower his handicap on the golf course.
Securities Agent: OR, KY, WI, NH, MD, CA, OH, KS, IN, ID, UT, NM, MA, AZ, NV, DE, AR, IL, FL, WA, VA, TX, SC, PA, NC, DC, HI, NJ, MT, CO, VT, TN, NY, GA, AK, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1879615

About Daniel Kaypaghian

Years of diverse experience, understanding risk and how to mitigate it, competency, and resources of a formidable firm allow Daniel to pursue his interest in enabling others to achieve their goals.
Daniel has spent years in the financial services arena including positions at Apple Computer, Inc. (Treasury-Capital Markets, Corporate Finance, and Foreign Exchange) and Deutsche Bank (Managing Director - Debt and Equity Capital Markets and Sales & Trading covering corporations, high net worth individuals and private equity firms). Additionally, he worked several years as a Chemical Engineer for GE in Upstate New York.
After having spent his childhood in Ethiopia, Daniel moved to the United States in 1975 where he attended high school at Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He then received his B.S. in Engineering from Cornell and went on to get his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business.
Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients including asset allocation, hedging and monetizing of concentrated positions, foreign exchange and alternative investments. He speaks Italian and Amharic and is interested in world affairs.
Bonnie, Daniel’s wife, and he have two young children, Marina and Alessandro. They find pleasure in spending time together: playing, helping both with school work, and guiding their development as engaged citizens. Daniel and his family live in Saratoga, California.
Securities Agent: WI, AR, CT, OR, NY, IN, MT, NM, HI, FL, GA, TN, AK, AZ, IL, KY, MA, TX, DC, MO, NC, KS, SC, NJ, MI, VA, NH, PA, VT, MD, NV, ID, OH, DE, CA, WA, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282637

About Nicholas Chin

Nicholas has been in the financial services industry since 2004 starting his career at Bank of America. He was promoted quickly and ultimately supervised a fast-paced, highly respected team at the bank. Nicholas was then recruited to Morgan Stanley and continues to build upon his industry knowledge and experience. With hard work and vigor in mind, Nicholas is committed to precision and diligence in our clients daily operational needs.  With a Business/Finance degree from San Jose State University, Nicholas strives to utilize his academic foundation to better assist clients on a daily basis.
As a San Francisco native, Nicholas enjoys the Bay Areas diverse community. Although he lives in San Jose, he makes frequent trips to San Francisco to spend time with his family and friends. Outside of the office, he is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys following the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors year round. Nicholas has a very charitable spirit and volunteers his time with various non-profit organizations in the community.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

About Karlene Calma

Karlene started her career in financial services as a Bank Teller with U.S. Bank in 2016 and was quickly promoted to a Banker. In 2022, she was recruited to Morgan Stanley and initially worked on the operational side of the firm. In 2023, she joined the Copper Beech Tree Group as a Client Service Associate and clients have expressed appreciation for her can-do attitude and attention to detail.

As a finance major at San Francisco State University, Karlene is looking forward to graduating in May 2024. Additionally, she was awarded an Associates Business Degree from Bellevue College in Washington and is a California Notary Public. Karlene enjoys giving back to her community and cherishes volunteering with her church and the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. When she is not at work, Karlene loves traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
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
Article Image

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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
Article Image

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 
Article Image

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 Copper Beech Tree Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

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

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2When 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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3Morgan 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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4When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

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6Morgan 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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7Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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:
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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)