Our Story and Services

Our Group is built upon a rich tradition, starting with Steve Karbon who founded the team in 1990. As a esteemed professional in his field, Steve insisted on building a well-rounded service orientated team that would be more like a dedicated friend or family member, rather than just a stockbroker. Steve believed in people coming first, which continues to be the framework of our team today.

Over the years Nick Karbon, Brad Koch, and Melissa Korman have believed in the foundation Steve had established, and together have become a leading team at Morgan Stanley. They pride themselves on always finding a way to assist clients with their most complicated financial situations and simply being there, when they were needed most.

In 2012 Suzen O'Brien and Jenny Nelson joined the team. This took quality and service to a whole new level. We considered Suzen (a financial advisor for over 30 years) and Jenny a powerhouse group in their own right. By integrating our two teams, it forced us to re-evaluate our infrastructure and reconstruct several key areas. As a result, we believe we are now more robust and efficient than ever before.

Steve and Suzen have both retired, nevertheless their legacies live on and act as our core foundation. Today, we believe our refined four person team is at a level many in the industry strive to emulate.

Recently, we have been honored by Forbes for our advisory service in back to back years.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team: 2023, 2024, & 2025
www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures: www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Investing

Our investment objective is to provide clients with solid performance, while focusing on long-term preservation.

We have a disciplined three-step approach:

  • First, we set a risk/reward baseline using four different investment styles. To aid with this we've developed four hypothetical thematic portfolios to help gauge your risk tolerance: Conservative, All-Weather, Growth, and Sizzle. Conservative is designed to be a defensive portfolio, All- Weather is designed to be moderate, Growth is designed to be moderately aggressive, and Sizzle is designed to be aggressive. Each portfolio seeks to take incrementally more risk, with Conservative taking the least and Sizzle the most. We have found that using thematic names like these allows for quick reference, and facilitates more productive risk/reward conversations.

  • Second, we widen or narrow our investing guide rails within each portfolio based on the current economic cycle. For this, we have broken the economic cycle into three phases: 1- Normal, 2- One year prior to recession, and 3- Recession. In other words, we proportionately adjust the risk/reward characteristics within each of the four portfolios based on the cycle we are in. More risk in phase 1, less risk in phase 2, and the least in phase three.

  • Third, we follow four indicators to help us decide when to shift gears within each phase of the economic cycle. They are: 1- Dow Theory, 2- Yield Curve, 3- Unemployment, and 4- a Macro Indicator. Collectively these will help guide the moves we make, so adjustments are made in a timely and prudent fashion.

Perhaps most importantly we are continuously observing what's going on in the world. This helps give us perspective on all the moving pieces. We then share our perspective in a brief one page monthly overview called Macro View. This piece is written using basic, conversational style language and is designed to proactively share our thoughts on popular headlines and world events. You can find a copy below in the "From Our Team" section, or you can send us an email to be added to our monthly distribution list.

All combined our investment style is simple, thorough, and thoughtful.

Planning

When you combine red, green, and blue light in equal parts - you end up with white light.

We believe this is a great visual representation of the three key areas in financial planning: 1- Family, 2- Career (or Retirement), and 3- Lifestyle. Typically, it's not until you look at all of them simultaneously, that your financial picture becomes clear. Attempting to accomplish this without the help of an impartial third party can be challenging. This is why some households, with multiple decisions makers, have a hard time seeing eye to eye. It's easy to overlook something or unintentionally apply more weight to one area over another.

Together we can help make sure your financial picture is clear and everyone involved is on the same page.
Financial Planning can help you:

  • Prepare for retirement
  • Transition your business
  • With estate planning strategies
  • Adjust your standard of living
  • Be intentional with inheritance
  • Support parents/children/grandchildren
  • Decide on major purchase(s)
  • Plan for life events

…the list is endless.

Our planning approach is simple, thorough, and thoughtful.

Areas of Focus

Over the years we have dealt with many unique financial situations. That said, we have become proficient in helping with "One-time Life Events" . By this we mean, any situation where a single financial event can have a meaningful impact on life moving forward.

Sometimes these are unexpected life events. Other times, they are events that have been expected for years, but have been difficult to deal with. In either case, it is helpful to have someone in your corner who understands the nuances, and knows what to expect, and can help you every step of the way.

Many times, you are only given one chance to get it right.

For example:

  • Selling a business or establishing a succession plan
  • Unwinding or selling various real estate assets
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • Creating a cash flow plan for a financial windfall
  • Managing settlements from an accident or injury by working directly with you and your attorney
  • A buyout or unplanned career change
  • Etc.

In the News

Hand picked topics where all things related to finance, lifestyle, and events can be found. I look forward to provide my clients with not only market and finance resources, but also with other helpful resources that can have a huge impact on you and your loved ones. Enjoy!

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    MACRO VIEW January 31, 2025

    Fears surrounding tariffs led to increased levels of market volatility in February. We witnessed the S&P 500 drop roughly 5% from the high to the low point. Earlier in the month, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, only to pause them shortly afterwards. Then roughly a week later, 25% tariffs were added to all aluminum and steel imports. Near the end of the month, the president decided to resume his Canada and Mexico tariffs, plus add an additional 10% on Chinese imports. Around this same time, he also announced the potential for a new tariff on Europe. At this rate it seems all imports are at risk. In fact, a "universal tariff" is something the president is considering. What does all this mean for investors?

    Last month we indicated the two recent disruptors in the market (1‐ fewer fed rate cuts and 2‐ low‐cost AI alternatives) weren't by themselves negative game changers for markets. However, if other issues started to compound it could begin to have a dampening effect on the economy and create more meaningful challenges for the market. With the addition of tariffs, is it too much for the market to handle? We will expand on some of these thoughts and ideas in this edition of our Macro View.

    BOTTOM LINE: Market disruptors are starting to compound, and volatility levels are increasing as a result.

    Read More
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    Wealth Education for the Next Generation: Tying The Financial Knot: Navigating Joint Finances & Communications

    Join us on Monday, April 7th at 4pm for an exciting journey into the world of finance and wealth education. At Morgan Stanley, we believe that knowledge is the key to unlocking future success, and we're excited to share our thought leadership and experience with you! Hosted by Caroline Gundeck, Head of UHNW Client and Field Engagement and Charline Burgess, Senior Wealth Education Specialist, you will learn about financial concepts, investing, and money management in a fun and interactive way.

    Register Here
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    PODCAST: What Should I Do With My Money?

    On this award-winning podcast, we match real people, asking real questions about their money, with experienced Financial Advisors. From prenups to passing a legacy to their children, from affording a dream home to literally wanting to save the planet, our guests discuss what matters the most to them and you get answers to some of the questions you might have yourself.

    Listen Here
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    The GIC Weekly

    The Global Investment Committee (GIC) is a group of seasoned investment professionals who meet regularly to discuss the global economy and markets. The committee determines the investment outlook that guides our advice to clients.

    Read Here
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    Reserved Living & Giving

    Reserved Living & Giving is a complimentary loyalty program, with over 50 offers and discounts from premier brands, designed to enhance your lifestyle beyond traditional wealth management services. The program provides access to exclusive partner offers, insights from Morgan Stanley thought leaders and inspiring philanthropic stories.

    Browse Latest Offers
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    2025 Tax Tables

    This helpful resource outlines the 2025 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.

    Access the Tax Tables
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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.

    Read Here
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    Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Talks Philanthropy, Investing and Leadership After the NFL

    Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is known for being a renowned NFL wide receiver, but he's also a passionate investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. After transitioning from professional football, he's focused on opportunities to support innovation, mental and physical health, and financial education. His investments focus on companies that enrich people's lives and help underserved communities.

    Read Here

Location

270 Main Street North
Ste 100
Stillwater, MN 55082
US
Direct:
(651) 472-8098(651) 472-8098
Toll-Free:
(877) 527-2661(877) 527-2661

Meet Karbon Koch Group

About Nicholas Karbon

Nick has been in the financial industry since 2009, working closely with his father, Steve Karbon, who was a Financial Advisor on the team. Prior to joining his father, Nick was a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He has invaluable knowledge, not only in the financial industry, but in business in general. Nick has a remarkable ability to take complex topics and present them in a palatable way using a refreshing and reassuring approach. As the primary investment strategist on the team, Nick brings his diverse experience and strong communication skills to the table, and adds a calm and pragmatic tone to any conversation.
Securities Agent: MN, SD, NV, ME, IL, IA, WI, NM, IN, GA, DC, NY, TN, TX, OK, DE, CO, VA, UT, OH, OR, NH, FL, AZ, AL, WA, MO, PA, NE, ND, MI, KS, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1262172
CA Insurance License #: 0100237

About Bradley Koch

Brad is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and has been in the industry since 2002. He brings crucial knowledge to the team and our clients. Brad genuinely enjoys getting to know people and understanding the world from their unique perspective. His ability to help guide people through challenging and sometimes emotional situations is one of his greatest skills. As the primary Financial Planner on the team, he is naturally gifted at helping people find clarity in their financial lives.
Securities Agent: OH, AL, OR, ND, DC, WA, OK, NV, NH, MN, FL, CO, IA, NY, MO, AZ, KS, IL, PA, ME, IN, TX, SD, GA, UT, NM, NE, DE, WI, VA, CA, TN, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1742533

About Jenny Nelson

Jenny has been in the financial services industry since 1994 and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that benefits the individuals and families she works with every day. Despite her extensive experience, Jenny is a perpetual learner always looking for ways to expand her base of knowledge. This likely stems from her core desire to help people – the more she knows, the more she can help. Jenny is a tremendous listener and truly cares for people; as the primary person responsible for operations on the team, her skills are invaluable.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

About Melissa Korman

Melissa has been in various roles in the industry since 1994. Her vast experience and education are vital resources to both clients and members of our team. Melissa is the primary financial specialist on the team, which means she helps in areas such as lending, tax, estate, trust, and insurance. She is well versed in helping individuals, families, real estate professionals, business owners, and trustees. Melissa is a detail orientated person and is relentless when it comes to finding solutions. In a complex industry, with an ever changing landscape, these skills are essential for situations requiring holistic advice.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Taylor Streiff

Taylor Streiff is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Taylor began his career in financial services in 2020 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2024 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Commercial Lender at Pan American Bank and Trust in Chicago, Illinois.

Taylor is a graduate of the University of Minnesota - Duluth, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his family. Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys all things outdoors. He enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
NMLS#: 2539965
Wealth Management
From Our Team

MACRO VIEW - FEBRUARY 28, 2025


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Ready to start a conversation? Contact Karbon Koch Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

1When 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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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 (“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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7Morgan 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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8Morgan 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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9Morgan 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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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)