Garcia Family Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley

Drawing on over 35 years of wealth management experience, nearly all at Morgan Stanley, Ernie Garcia leads a team that creates comprehensive wealth management plans for financially successful families and individuals. Throughout his career, Ernie has worked to expand the knowledge and resources he can bring to the service of his clients. He has earned designations as a Family Wealth Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant, Insurance Planning Director, and Alternative Investments Director. 

Ernie takes great pleasure in getting to know his clients, and helping them make well-informed investment and financial planning decisions as their lives evolve. Thanks to the trust his clients have placed in him, he was named to Forbes Magazine's List of America's Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and the Barron's List of top 1200 advisors for 2014.

Ernie is a proud alumnus of Florida State University. He has been designated as a Florida State University Platinum Chief Seminole and, in 2014, was named as Sarasota Seminole Club Ambassador of the Year. He is also very passionate about giving back to the community and does so in many ways -- as a volunteer, event sponsor, and as a fundraiser. Ernie is especially supportive of Folds of Honor, Special Athletes Boosters, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Wounded Warriors, Suncoast Charities for Children, and Rob's Rescue, among many other local and national charities. Born and raised in the Tampa area, Ernie, his wife Patty and their son Vaughn, a current FSU Graduate student, have made Sarasota their home for over 30 years.

Ernie has been included as a member of the President's Club since 2015 and is a Managing Director at the firm.

Christopher Garcia works closely with the team’s clients to help them create, implement and maintain comprehensive wealth management plans designed to achieve their specific financial goals. Christopher works to build long-term, productive relationships built on trust, transparency and service.

Christopher began his financial services career in 2013 after earning his Bachelor of Science in business administration and business management from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!). He joined his uncle and the rest of the team at the Garcia Family Wealth Management a year later.

Passionate about giving back, Christopher enjoys helping to fundraise for The Gleason Foundation for ALS Research, Always Wear Your Seatbelt Foundation and Nate's Animal Rescue among many others.

Chris and his wife, Reagan, are both lifetime residents of the Sarasota area. They currently reside in Lakewood Ranch with their daughters Callie and Sadie as well as their puppy, Frank. In his spare time, you can find Chris spending time with family, playing in many recreational sports leagues, or visiting some of the area's best local restaurants.

Chris is a Vice President and Alternative Investments Director at the firm. In addition, he is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), specifically trained to help those going through divorce. He was also named one of the 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors by Forbes/Shook Research.

Jacob Reeves focuses on building, implementing and maintaining comprehensive financial plans. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP^® ), Jake focuses on helping our clients reach their retirement goals and as well as on the transition of wealth for our clients and their families. His goal is to help families spend less time worrying about their finances and more time doing the things they enjoy most.

Like the rest of the team, Jacob has a passion for giving back. Particularly to charities supporting underprivileged kids such as the Boys and Girls Club and Morgan Stanley’s Alliance for Children’s Mental Health.

Jacob graduated from Florida State University in 2019 with his Bachelor of Science in Finance and began his career with the group in 2020. Jacob and his family moved to Sarasota, FL in 2012 from Des Moines, Iowa where Jacob lived for 11 years. Jacob now lives in Sarasota with his fiancé Téa and his dog, Beans.

Matthew serves as the Business Development Associate for Garcia Family Wealth Management. A graduate of Florida State University (yes, another Nole!) and 10-year industry veteran, Matthew has spent the majority of his working career in Team & Branch Management roles. As our Business Development Associate, he plays an integral part in helping to design and develop best business practices for the team. In addition, Matthew is the lead on business & team development with additional focus on systems integration as well as team & client management. He holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, and is also insurance and annuity licensed. 

Matthew was born & raised in the Sarasota-area and is very proud of our local community. He is an advocate for giving back to the area that his given him so much through his volunteer and charitable work with many local organizations. In his free time, you will find him spending time with his wife Megan and his three young daughters, Olivia, Piper and Rowan, as well as taking advantage of the many highlights of our region - including fishing and golfing.

A financial services industry veteran of over 15 years, Michelle Fleter is responsible for assisting clients with their long-term financial planning needs as well as with their daily service requests. Her goal is to provide every client of the team with impeccable client service and personal attention, two requirements that must be delivered at a Ritz Carlton level.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts from Beloit College. She holds her Series 7, 31, and 66 licenses, and is also insurance and annuity licensed. 

Michelle and her fiancé, Tim, recently moved to Sarasota from Chicago. They are taking full advantage of their new home and love spending time on the water. They also stay busy with their four dogs, Rambo, Josie, Charlie and Reggie. Michelle is also very active in the local community helping the team with their vast local and national charitable endeavors.

With Morgan Stanley for more than 20 years, Mary currently serves the group in a variety of roles including Team Manager, Client Relationship Manager and Portfolio Associate. Her 29 years in financial services enhances her support of the team's clients: She holds her Series 7 and 63 Securities Licenses as well as her Life Insurance license, attended Central Michigan University Business School and most recently served as a Client Service Associate Coach for the Morgan Stanley Michigan Region in 2013.

Her dedication to her community, and state, runs deep. Mary spent three years as a judge for Michigan DECA's State Career Development Conference, a state competition for marketing students, and coached softball for the Huron Valley Girls Youth Softball. Married with two children and three step-children, Mary looks forward to her time with family, and also gardening at home, doing aerobics, and attending sporting events.

Hannah joined Garcia Family Wealth Management as the Team Administrator. A recent cum laude graduate from the University of North Florida, she works closely with Michelle and Mary in assisting clients with their daily service needs. With a background in Digital Marketing, Hannah also plays an integral role in the team’s marketing efforts.

A four-year Division 1 soccer player, Hannah leverages the lessons and qualities she obtained throughout her athletic career to help our clients meet their goals. She has a strong focus on building relationships and works tirelessly, just as she did on the pitch, to help our clients in any way possible. She holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses, and is also insurance and annuity licensed. 

A native of Tampa, and with relatives in the Sarasota-area, Hannah is very familiar with the intricacies of our region. When she is not in the office, you can find her visiting the area’s top-rated beaches and enjoying the outdoors. In addition, Hannah relishes the opportunity to volunteer for organizations that support special needs, such as Special Olympics and Best Buddies. She looks forward to continuing her volunteer work in the Sarasota community.