Thomas F. Gayer III
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(239) 449-7803(239) 449-7803
Gayer, Gayer, Gogia Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(239) 592-1000(239) 592-1000
Direct:
(941) 364-7418(941) 364-7418
Our Mission Statement
We apply planning, process, and discipline to every aspect of our business to deliver a high-quality client service model from start to finish while building a scalable, adaptable, and consistent practice.
Our Story and Services
Our team was built on a simple belief: clients deserve clarity, consistency, and follow-through—especially when they're making high-stakes decisions about retirement. We bring a business-owner mindset to wealth management, pairing a clear plan with a proven process and a disciplined approach to help clients pursue their financial goals with confidence.
We're intentionally structured as a unified team, with consistent service standards and well-defined operational practices so your experience is seamless from start to finish. That structure also creates accountability across every area of the practice—so nothing is left to chance, and every step is purposeful.
Who We Serve
We strive to be the most sought-after financial advisory team for public safety professionals approaching retirement. After a career spent serving others, you deserve a retirement transition that feels well-earned, well-prepared, and well-supported. We focus on helping you move from "working life" to "retired life" with a plan that reflects your timeline, benefits, and real-world needs.
Services & How We Work
Our mission is to apply planning, process, and discipline to every aspect of our business—delivering a high-quality client service model from start to finish while building a scalable, adaptable, and consistent practice.
In practice, that means you can expect:
- A clear plan aligned to your goals and priorities
- A proven process that brings structure to decisions and keeps progress on track
- Disciplined execution supported by defined standards and consistent communication
- A team-based experience designed to be responsive, coordinated, and dependable
What We Value
Our approach is grounded in:
- Deep market knowledge and a strong understanding of investment fundamentals
- Extensive industry experience applied to real client situations
- Diverse perspectives and strengths across a multi-generational team
- An established and growing practice built on long-term relationships
- Investment models and portfolios aligned to each client's risk tolerance, goals, and financial plan
- Awareness of public safety retirement considerations, including retirement account access, age, proximity to age 59½, and current income needs
- Open, consistent communication to keep your needs at the center and strengthen the relationship over time
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Florida Retirement System (FRS) Planning—Built for Public Service
Guidance for FRS participants and public service professionals to help you evaluate benefit options, plan key retirement milestones (including timing and elections), and integrate your pension and savings into a coordinated financial plan.
FRS Plan Options: Pension Plan vs. Investment Plan
We help you evaluate the FRS Pension Plan versus Investment Plan in the context of your career stage, income needs, flexibility preferences, and long-term goals.
Key Milestones & Elections: Timing, DROP, and Separation Planning
We help you map deadlines and major decision points—such as retirement timing, DROP considerations, and separation planning—so you can move from employment to retirement with clarity.
Coordinating FRS Benefits with Your Full Financial Picture
We integrate your FRS benefits with savings, investments, and cash-flow planning to build a cohesive strategy for retirement income and long-term stability.
Beneficiaries, Survivorship & Family Protection
We review beneficiary and survivorship considerations to help align your benefit elections with family priorities and broader legacy intentions.
A Planning Process Built Around Your Goals
Your financial plan should be more than a set of projections—it should be a practical roadmap that reflects your priorities, adapts as life changes, and helps you make confident decisions across spending, saving, investing, taxes, and borrowing.
Discover
We begin by understanding what matters most to you—your values, priorities, and concerns—then translate them into clear objectives and measurable goals.
Design
We develop a personalized, goals-based plan that connects your resources to your timelines, balancing growth, protection, and liquidity needs across your financial life.
Implement
We put the plan into action using cost-conscious, tax-aware strategies where appropriate—coordinating investments, cash management, and borrowing decisions to support your priorities.
Monitor & Adjust
We track progress over time, provide clear updates, and make adjustments as your goals, spending, savings, or the market environment changes—so your plan stays relevant and actionable.
Helpful Resources at Morgan Stanley
Our goal is to deliver a modern digital experience that helps you manage your financial life with confidence. Morgan Stanley continues to invest in technology that is designed to be secure, resilient, efficient and intuitive—so you can access information quickly, take action easily and stay connected to your Financial Advisor.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
A secure online experience designed to help you manage investments and everyday finances in one place—view accounts, track activity, access documents and stay connected through convenient self-service features.
Total Wealth View (TWV)
Expand your view beyond Morgan Stanley by linking eligible external accounts, creating a more complete picture of your finances to support more informed planning discussions and day-to-day decision-making.
Digital Vault
A secure way to store, organize and share important documents—such as statements, tax materials and authorizations—so you and your Financial Advisor can collaborate more efficiently.
Security Center
A central destination for security education and updates—covering how Morgan Stanley helps safeguard assets and personal information, plus practical guidance to strengthen your own cybersecurity habits.
Location
8889 Pelican Bay Blvd
Ste 300
Naples, FL 34108
US
Direct:
(239) 592-1000(239) 592-1000
Two North Tamiami Trail
Suite 1100
Sarasota, FL 34236
US
Direct:
(941) 364-7418(941) 364-7418
Meet Gayer, Gayer, Gogia Group
Phone:
(941) 364-7415(941) 364-7415
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist, Qualified Plan Financial Consultant
Phone:
(239) 449-7808(239) 449-7808
Christine Levine
Wealth Management Analyst
Phone:
(941) 364-7418(941) 364-7418
About Thomas F. Gayer III
Born and raised in Barrington, Illinois, Thomas F. Gayer III has a rich and varied background in business and finance. He graduated with a Business degree from the University of Dayton in 1973, setting the stage for a successful career that spans over four decades.
Thomas started his professional journey as a buyer at JC Penney Co. in New York, where he worked for ten years, honing his expertise in purchasing and market trends. Following that, he ventured into entrepreneurship and became the owner of Euro-American Textiles, a well-regarded textile business in New York City. His entrepreneurial success laid a solid foundation for his transition into the world of finance.
For the past 25 years, Thomas has been a trusted financial advisor, helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth management and financial planning. He takes great pride in his deep industry knowledge and commitment to client success.
Beyond his professional work, Thomas is actively engaged in the arts and community. He is a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and Lincoln Center in New York City, reflecting his passion for culture and the arts. He also serves as a board member of Funtime Learning Academy, contributing to the educational growth of future generations, and is an active member of the Rotary Club, supporting local and international community initiatives.
With a diverse background and unwavering dedication to both his clients and community, Thomas is committed to providing skilled financial guidance while continuing to contribute to causes he is passionate about.
Thomas started his professional journey as a buyer at JC Penney Co. in New York, where he worked for ten years, honing his expertise in purchasing and market trends. Following that, he ventured into entrepreneurship and became the owner of Euro-American Textiles, a well-regarded textile business in New York City. His entrepreneurial success laid a solid foundation for his transition into the world of finance.
For the past 25 years, Thomas has been a trusted financial advisor, helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth management and financial planning. He takes great pride in his deep industry knowledge and commitment to client success.
Beyond his professional work, Thomas is actively engaged in the arts and community. He is a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and Lincoln Center in New York City, reflecting his passion for culture and the arts. He also serves as a board member of Funtime Learning Academy, contributing to the educational growth of future generations, and is an active member of the Rotary Club, supporting local and international community initiatives.
With a diverse background and unwavering dedication to both his clients and community, Thomas is committed to providing skilled financial guidance while continuing to contribute to causes he is passionate about.
Securities Agent: MI, DE, RI, GA, FL, WA, ME, NJ, MD, HI, DC, AL, KS, CA, AZ, WI, VA, NE, KY, IN, IL, CT, CO, TN, SC, NY, MT, MN, MA, UT, OK, OH, NV, NM, TX, OR, AR, VT, SD, PA, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Thomas F. Gayer IV
Thomas has 13 years of financial services experience, which he uses to provide customized financial services to a select group of successful families, businesses and non-profit organizations. He combines his past experience and the resources of Morgan Stanley to make recommendations to clients about their wealth, guiding them through potential investment strategies that would best suit their diverse needs.
A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Thomas holds a degree in Communication & Advertising. Thomas was born in New York City and relocated to Naples, FL at an early age. He enjoys the occasional round of golf, fishing, tennis, sporting clay shooting, and spending time with his family.
A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Thomas holds a degree in Communication & Advertising. Thomas was born in New York City and relocated to Naples, FL at an early age. He enjoys the occasional round of golf, fishing, tennis, sporting clay shooting, and spending time with his family.
Securities Agent: SC, MI, CT, MA, FL, DC, CO, VA, NY, IN, GA, VT, WI, OH, NM, PA, NE, MN, CA, AZ, TX, NC, DE, NV, KS, AK, RI, MD, KY, IL, ID, WA, AR, UT, TN, MT, ME, HI, AL, SD, OR, OK, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1470892
NMLS#: 1470892
About John Gogia
John Gogia is a dedicated Financial Advisor with a deep-rooted passion for helping public service professionals navigate their financial futures. With a 27-year career in law enforcement, John brings firsthand experience and a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that those in public safety face—especially when it comes to retirement planning, pensions, and benefits like the Florida Retirement System (FRS). His mission is to ensure that those who have spent their careers serving others maximize their hard-earned resources and transition confidently into a secure and fulfilling retirement.
John's approach to financial advising is built on trust, relatability, and an intimate knowledge of public service benefits. Having participated in the same retirement plans and faced similar career challenges, he is uniquely positioned to provide tailored financial strategies that align with his clients' goals and values. John takes pride in being knowledgeable, relatable, and deeply committed to his clients and their financial well-being.
John began his career in financial services in 2022 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2024. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Management from Hodges University. Additionally, he is a Financial Planning Specialist and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant, holding Series 7, Series 66, and SIE certifications.
Beyond his work, John remains active in his community as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff and a supporter of St. Jude. He has lived in Naples, Florida, since 1995 with his wife, Bronwyn. Married for over 31 years, they have two grown daughters—one in the medical field and the other in finance. In his free time, John enjoys golfing and traveling.
Whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating pension complexities, or seeking financial guidance, John is committed to helping you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.
John's approach to financial advising is built on trust, relatability, and an intimate knowledge of public service benefits. Having participated in the same retirement plans and faced similar career challenges, he is uniquely positioned to provide tailored financial strategies that align with his clients' goals and values. John takes pride in being knowledgeable, relatable, and deeply committed to his clients and their financial well-being.
John began his career in financial services in 2022 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2024. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Management from Hodges University. Additionally, he is a Financial Planning Specialist and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant, holding Series 7, Series 66, and SIE certifications.
Beyond his work, John remains active in his community as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff and a supporter of St. Jude. He has lived in Naples, Florida, since 1995 with his wife, Bronwyn. Married for over 31 years, they have two grown daughters—one in the medical field and the other in finance. In his free time, John enjoys golfing and traveling.
Whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating pension complexities, or seeking financial guidance, John is committed to helping you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.
Securities Agent: NJ, MT, NY, IN, FL, NV, AR, WA, VT, VA, KY, HI, TX, RI, GA, NE, CO, TN, PA, OK, NM, NC, MI, MD, KS, UT, IL, DE, AZ, OH, ME, AL, SD, MN, DC, WI, MA, CT, SC, OR, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2664945
NMLS#: 2664945
About Christine Levine
With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Christine Levine is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence. As a Wealth Management Analyst at Morgan Stanley, Christine works closely with clients to develop personalized strategies that align with their unique financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations.
Christine has held leadership roles at top financial institutions, including Janney Montgomery Scott, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Keegan & Company, and Credit Suisse First Boston. Her extensive background in branch operations, client service, and investment strategy has equipped her with a deep understanding of financial markets, regulatory compliance, and wealth management best practices.
Prior to her current role, Christine served as Branch Operations Manager at Janney Montgomery Scott, where she oversaw compliance, client support, and marketing initiatives, ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and advisors. She has also held positions as Complex Service Manager at Morgan Stanley and Operations Manager at Morgan Keegan & Company, where she managed operational efficiency, policy compliance, and client service excellence.
Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Baruch College (City University of New York) and maintains Series 7, 63, 66 and Supervisory 9 & 10 licenses. Her commitment to financial education and client success drives her approach to wealth management, providing tailored solutions that empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability and growth.
Christine has been married to her husband, Adam Levine, for 26 years, and they have an 18-year-old son, Aidan, who will be attending the State College of Florida (SCF) beginning Summer 2026, where he plans to major in Finance. Active in the Lakewood Ranch community, Christine and her family enjoy supporting local events. They also share their home with their two beloved Teddy Bear dogs, Max and Milo.
Christine has held leadership roles at top financial institutions, including Janney Montgomery Scott, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Keegan & Company, and Credit Suisse First Boston. Her extensive background in branch operations, client service, and investment strategy has equipped her with a deep understanding of financial markets, regulatory compliance, and wealth management best practices.
Prior to her current role, Christine served as Branch Operations Manager at Janney Montgomery Scott, where she oversaw compliance, client support, and marketing initiatives, ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and advisors. She has also held positions as Complex Service Manager at Morgan Stanley and Operations Manager at Morgan Keegan & Company, where she managed operational efficiency, policy compliance, and client service excellence.
Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Baruch College (City University of New York) and maintains Series 7, 63, 66 and Supervisory 9 & 10 licenses. Her commitment to financial education and client success drives her approach to wealth management, providing tailored solutions that empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability and growth.
Christine has been married to her husband, Adam Levine, for 26 years, and they have an 18-year-old son, Aidan, who will be attending the State College of Florida (SCF) beginning Summer 2026, where he plans to major in Finance. Active in the Lakewood Ranch community, Christine and her family enjoy supporting local events. They also share their home with their two beloved Teddy Bear dogs, Max and Milo.
Contact Thomas F. Gayer III
Contact Thomas F. Gayer IV
Contact John Gogia
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
2023-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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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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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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Gayer, Gayer, Gogia Group today.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
