Travis Fling, C(k)P, CPFA, CRPC®
Executive Director, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Corporate Retirement Director
Phone:
(614) 473-2491(614) 473-2491
Fling Willmer Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(614) 473-2491(614) 473-2491
Our Mission Statement
Our purpose is simple. We are here to serve you and your family’s needs.
We are a group of highly specialized individuals backed by world class resources and research.
We are a group of highly specialized individuals backed by world class resources and research.
The Fling Willmer Group
Known for their long standing commitment to closely held, family owned, middle market business owners, but also to exemplary professionals throughout the community. Over the years since the practice was founded in 2008 they have worked with business owners, individual investors and families, CPA’s, attorney’s, valuation firms, ESOP’s, Private Equity, Strategic buyouts, leveraged buyouts, succession plans, acquisitions, workouts and rollouts to provide intellectual capital and experience to help provide a plan to arrive at a desired outcome. Many times clients have been so focused on execution that while they have contemplated an exit or retirement strategy, they haven’t sat down to think about fully executing a plan, and maybe aren’t certain exactly how that might play out. Experience is key here with dozens of successful transitions completed to date and a constant quest for knowledge in an ever changing landscape. Every family is different, and there are so many options to consider that having an impartial party acting as a fiduciary on their behalf is extremely beneficial to your final outcome. You will absolutely find that any transactional partners you engage in the process will all have a specific niche that they tend to prefer, but they’re rarely involved after a transaction. Having a party involved that can help you think through outcomes for your family that will be involved for decades to come to help you see those outcomes through is imperative to their success.
Often times people have broad similarities but incredibly different and complex business structures and families that require customized solutions. This is where The Fling Willmer Group’s foundation lies. There are often several generations to consider, philanthropic needs, family needs and supporting your own lifestyle in retirement, while also considering anonymity and your right to privacy. Couple that with estate tax potential, Generation Skipping Trust triggers, proper Portfolio Management and asset allocation, tax efficient strategies, tax payments on large asset sales, large asset purchase financing, commercial real estate financing, continued holding companies and LLC’s…The list continues and gets more complicated. We also frequently engaged in the companies ERISA functions and fiduciary functions under ERISA law including 401k’s, Cash Balance Plans, Profit Sharing, Floor Offset’s, Money Purchase, etc. and considering their continuity and your obligations pre and post transaction. Like anything else in life… the more you see and experience, the more situations and solutions you’re exposed to the more it helps you understand what’s happening above and below the surface. The issue is that typically your business is the culmination of your life’s work and you won’t have the ability to see and experience dozens and dozens of transactions prior to engaging in your own. Having a solid working relationship 3, 5 or even 10 years prior to an event gives you the foundation and knowledge, preparation and planning and time to build a team of professionals to help you navigate an incredibly important piece of your life with dignity and purpose.
Awards:
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24
Often times people have broad similarities but incredibly different and complex business structures and families that require customized solutions. This is where The Fling Willmer Group’s foundation lies. There are often several generations to consider, philanthropic needs, family needs and supporting your own lifestyle in retirement, while also considering anonymity and your right to privacy. Couple that with estate tax potential, Generation Skipping Trust triggers, proper Portfolio Management and asset allocation, tax efficient strategies, tax payments on large asset sales, large asset purchase financing, commercial real estate financing, continued holding companies and LLC’s…The list continues and gets more complicated. We also frequently engaged in the companies ERISA functions and fiduciary functions under ERISA law including 401k’s, Cash Balance Plans, Profit Sharing, Floor Offset’s, Money Purchase, etc. and considering their continuity and your obligations pre and post transaction. Like anything else in life… the more you see and experience, the more situations and solutions you’re exposed to the more it helps you understand what’s happening above and below the surface. The issue is that typically your business is the culmination of your life’s work and you won’t have the ability to see and experience dozens and dozens of transactions prior to engaging in your own. Having a solid working relationship 3, 5 or even 10 years prior to an event gives you the foundation and knowledge, preparation and planning and time to build a team of professionals to help you navigate an incredibly important piece of your life with dignity and purpose.
Awards:
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Family Office
Redefining Family Office
Your family is unlike any other we have ever served. You may, however, share many of the same questions, challenges and opportunities. We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and discussing how we can help you safeguard what you have earned and pursue your most important life goals.
529 Plans and More
To help your loved ones achieve their education dreams, smart planning for the future is critical. Let’s talk about incorporating a 529 plan into your overall wealth strategy. With education costs rising, paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning. Find answers to key questions here.
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Next Generation Gifting Considerations
As you consider financial gifts to children or other family members, you may also want to think about how you’d like your gifts to be used. Let’s discuss options to consider.
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Building a Family Enterprise That Lasts
How can you create a family business that lasts? Learn about six key priorities to building a family enterprise that endures throughout the generations. Reach out if you’d like to discuss.
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Tax-Savvy Ways to Give
If you’re inclined to help others, consider these tax-efficient ways to make your giving go further.
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What’s Your Relationship with Wealth? For Many, It’s Complicated.
Before engaging in family wealth-planning conversations, you may want to examine your own feelings and attitudes about wealth. Here are some questions you can ask yourself.
Click Here to Learn MoreEstate & Gift Planning
Managing your family's wealth is so much more than simply reaching a desired return. To learn more about how we at Morgan Stanley help you leave a legacy that lasts through estate and gift planning, beyond just the numbers, please view the video above.
Trust and Business Sale Planning
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.
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Preparing for the Transaction of a Lifetime
Selling a business should be the reward for years of entrepreneurial savvy and hard work. Here’s how to make the process go smoothly.
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Private Wealth Management Ideas & Insights
Gain fresh perspective on the complex investing, wealth planning, family governance and lifestyle issues that impact your life and legacy.
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Thinking About Your Legacy? Why You May Need a Trust
You can’t take it with you, but through a trust, you can define how you want your life’s work and wealth to continue to benefit the people and causes you love and care for.
Click to Learn MoreTax - Efficient Strategies
Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. We want to provide our clients with as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
4 Tax-Smart Ways to Diversify Your Portfolio
Investment portfolios concentrated in a single stock can be risky. Learn to diversify without boosting your tax bill.
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Uncover 6 Ways to Reduce Your Tax Bill
Take a look at your Form 1040 to find potential opportunities to save money hidden between its lines.
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Your Guide to Tax-Efficient Planning
The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
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Tax Management Services
Reducing the current tax liabilities on your investments can help enhance your overall returns. Implementing our Tax Management Services in a taxable managed investment portfolio, known as a Unified Managed Account (UMA), seeks to offer you professional and tax-efficient portfolio management to help meet your unique financial goals.
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2023 Tax Tables
If you are interested in seeing the updated tax tables and other details for 2023, see all additional information here.
Click Here to Learn MoreLocation
4449 Easton Way
Suite 300
Columbus, OH 43219
US
Direct:
(614) 473-2491(614) 473-2491
Meet Fling Willmer Group
Phone:
(614) 473-2492(614) 473-2492
Allison Kelley
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(614) 473-2493(614) 473-2493
Jake Hauptner
Registered Client Relationship Analyst
Phone:
(614) 473-2495(614) 473-2495
About Travis Fling
As a financial advisor, Travis’ focus is on assisting clients by providing proactive guidance and advice in preparation for major transitions and liquidity events. Travis takes great pride in his team, as he recognizes that their honesty and knowledge are vital to their ever-important client and prospect relationships.
Due to his background, Travis has a global outlook which strengthens his services. When Travis was 18 years old, he relocated to Barcelona, Spain to study International Trade and Macroeconomics for more than a year. After this venture, Travis returned to Ohio where he earned a Bachelor’s in Economics and Spanish from Ohio University. During this time, Travis also participated in three international internships, studied free trade (NAFTA) in Mexico, and studied currency integration in Pamplona, Spain. He then went on to earn a Masters of Financial Economics with honors from Ohio University. Travis has also travelled to more than 20 countries and speaks 4 languages. This unique set of skills and experiences has provided Travis with extensive knowledge. These abilities allow him to utilize Morgan Stanley’s many resources while providing the individualized care that clients require and deserve.
Travis is a portfolio manager who excels at providing traditional advice, while also helping clients pursue their unique objectives by creating and monitoring personalized plans. These plans may include stocks, bonds, and other third-party investment strategies. Travis is experienced in providing advice to a wide array of clients, from individuals to business owners and institutions.
Travis has continually used his financial knowledge to serve his community. Formerly, he served on the Board of Directors for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, The Board of Directors of the London Country Club, and the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement. Travis is currently a member in the Keystone Society of the Madison County Hospital Foundation and the Madison County Realtors Association. Travis and his wife, Stephanie, reside in London, Ohio with their three daughters.
Due to his background, Travis has a global outlook which strengthens his services. When Travis was 18 years old, he relocated to Barcelona, Spain to study International Trade and Macroeconomics for more than a year. After this venture, Travis returned to Ohio where he earned a Bachelor’s in Economics and Spanish from Ohio University. During this time, Travis also participated in three international internships, studied free trade (NAFTA) in Mexico, and studied currency integration in Pamplona, Spain. He then went on to earn a Masters of Financial Economics with honors from Ohio University. Travis has also travelled to more than 20 countries and speaks 4 languages. This unique set of skills and experiences has provided Travis with extensive knowledge. These abilities allow him to utilize Morgan Stanley’s many resources while providing the individualized care that clients require and deserve.
Travis is a portfolio manager who excels at providing traditional advice, while also helping clients pursue their unique objectives by creating and monitoring personalized plans. These plans may include stocks, bonds, and other third-party investment strategies. Travis is experienced in providing advice to a wide array of clients, from individuals to business owners and institutions.
Travis has continually used his financial knowledge to serve his community. Formerly, he served on the Board of Directors for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, The Board of Directors of the London Country Club, and the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement. Travis is currently a member in the Keystone Society of the Madison County Hospital Foundation and the Madison County Realtors Association. Travis and his wife, Stephanie, reside in London, Ohio with their three daughters.
Securities Agent: NM, NE, UT, NC, IL, FL, OH, WV, TN, NY, KY, IN, WA, TX, MA, GA, CO, CA, PA, NV, MI, KS, AZ, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 590855
NMLS#: 590855
About Kelly Willmer
Kelly began her career in the financial service industry in 1995, and she has been working with Travis Fling since 2012. As a financial advisor, Kelly is determined to provide excellent service by delivering individualized financial plans through her genuine relationships with her clients, helping them achieve their financial goals. Therefore, an ongoing and personalized planning approach lays the foundation for Kelly’s work with her clients.
Kelly values her clients and enjoys frequently learning new ways to help position them well. As a testament to her interest in continual knowledge enhancement, she holds a Certified Financial Planner™ certification, which is granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc, as well as a Certified Private Wealth Advisor ® certification from the Investment and Wealth Institute. Furthermore, Kelly has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University, and a Master’s degree from Capital University.
Kelly and her husband, Dave, live in New Albany, Ohio with their two children. Kelly enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, along with playing tennis, exercising, and volunteering her time with several local organizations.
Kelly values her clients and enjoys frequently learning new ways to help position them well. As a testament to her interest in continual knowledge enhancement, she holds a Certified Financial Planner™ certification, which is granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc, as well as a Certified Private Wealth Advisor ® certification from the Investment and Wealth Institute. Furthermore, Kelly has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University, and a Master’s degree from Capital University.
Kelly and her husband, Dave, live in New Albany, Ohio with their two children. Kelly enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, along with playing tennis, exercising, and volunteering her time with several local organizations.
Securities Agent: MI, OR, NV, MA, CA, TN, PA, GA, FL, WA, NY, NE, NC, AZ, UT, IN, IL, CO, NM, TX, KY, KS, OH, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1240291
NMLS#: 1240291
About Allison Kelley
Allison is often the first point of contact for many clients, not only handling transactional, account, and administrative needs, but also acting as a responsive liaison with other team members and specialists throughout the firm. A reliable source to tap for an initial conversation who can dramatically cut down on the time it takes to get answers and problems solved, her primary goal as a first stop is see any issues you might have through, from start to finish, ensuring that once any concern is brought to her attention, rest assured it will be given proper attention and followed, ultimately providing communication to it’s solution.
Allison joined the company in early 2022, bringing more than 20 years of diverse financial service experience primarily focused in her current role, but also previously in mortgages, employee benefits, and banking, giving her a deep knowledge of many aspects of the industry. She enjoys problem solving and providing excellent customer service. She is registered with the Series 7 and 66 and is well-known for her dexterity.
Allison volunteers with the Community Shelter Board and donated her car to the local public radio station, WCBE, during quarantine. Fern, her boxer, and her family reside in Clintonville.
Allison joined the company in early 2022, bringing more than 20 years of diverse financial service experience primarily focused in her current role, but also previously in mortgages, employee benefits, and banking, giving her a deep knowledge of many aspects of the industry. She enjoys problem solving and providing excellent customer service. She is registered with the Series 7 and 66 and is well-known for her dexterity.
Allison volunteers with the Community Shelter Board and donated her car to the local public radio station, WCBE, during quarantine. Fern, her boxer, and her family reside in Clintonville.
About Jake Hauptner
Jake joined the team in early 2023 after working for Morgan Stanley Operations for over two years. Jake is the primary point of contact for our clients' scheduling and service needs. In 2023, Jake passed the Series 7 & Series 66.
Jake graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. He is from Cleveland, Ohio, and he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and being outside. Jake and his wife Jordan currently live in Sunbury, Ohio.
Jake graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. He is from Cleveland, Ohio, and he enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and being outside. Jake and his wife Jordan currently live in Sunbury, Ohio.
Contact Travis Fling
Contact Kelly Willmer
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
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
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
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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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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Retirement for Plan Sponsors
End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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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.
Mosaic
Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Fling Willmer 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.
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
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)
