Heidi Merkle
Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(847) 382-6611(847) 382-6611
Larry Ekstrom, CIMA®
Managing Director, Wealth Management,
Institutional Consulting Director
Direct:
(847) 382-6610(847) 382-6610
My Mission Statement
We are committed to empower our clients to achieve their most ambitious goals through a highly personalized, strategic investment consulting process. Our core values include delivering exceptional expert guidance, innovative solutions, and unwavering integrity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to build lasting relationships founded on trust, professionalism, and a deep understanding of our clients’ goals and objectives.
We believe that by leading with exceptional ideas and harnessing the capabilities of Morgan Stanley’s extensive array of research and services we are able to help clients achieve optimal outcomes.
We believe that by leading with exceptional ideas and harnessing the capabilities of Morgan Stanley’s extensive array of research and services we are able to help clients achieve optimal outcomes.
My Story and Services
We are committed to empower our clients to achieve their most ambitious goals through a highly personalized, strategic investment consulting process. Our core values include delivering exceptional skilled guidance, innovative solutions, and unwavering integrity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to build lasting relationships founded on trust, professionalism, and a deep understanding of our clients' goals and objectives.
We believe that by leading with exceptional ideas and harnessing the capabilities of Morgan Stanley's extensive array of research and services we are able to help clients achieve optimal outcomes.
Securities Agent: VA, IA, MT, NJ, UT, WA, LA, WY, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, MA, NH, TN, WI, OH, TX, NY, SD, SC, PA, DE, NM, FL, IN, NV, IL, MD, KS, GA, CA, DC, CT, CO, AZ, AR, AL, NE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282953
NMLS#: 1282953
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
CLIENT CENTER
Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance virtually every aspect of your financial life. Our Client Center contains important Modern Wealth Management tools and other resources we have to offer our clients.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Total Wealth View
Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
CashPlus
Enjoy unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide with the Morgan Stanley Debit Card, along with no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees, unlimited checkwriting, and more.
Digital Vault
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
E-Sign
E-Sign is a digital, paperless alternative to the traditional means of obtaining signatures from clients on paperwork. There is no registration process for you to begin using E-Sign - all you need is a valid email address and phone number.
E-Delivery
E-Delivery allows you to securely save, print, send, and receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
E-Authorization
E-Authorizations allows you to approve transactions electronically and securely on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Reserved Living and Giving
Reserved Living & Giving is a complimentary loyalty program available to clients with a minimum of $1M in AUM, that can help them save time and money on travel, gifts, automobiles and more.
Location
760 W Main St
Suite 200
Barrington, IL 60010
US
Direct:
(847) 382-6610(847) 382-6610
Fax:
(847) 304-1986(847) 304-1986
Meet My Team
Jason Erpelding
Institutional Consulting Analyst
Phone:
(847) 382-6607(847) 382-6607
About Heidi Merkle
Heidi Merkle is a Client Service Associate with Graystone Consulting- The Ekstrom Group at Morgan Stanley. She manages the team’s projects and workflow, including preparing and updating analytical reports and assisting with all aspects of client servicing. Heidi brings with her over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and remains committed to delivering excellence to her team and clients.
A magna cum laude graduate of Valparaiso University, Heidi graduated with a degree in mathematics and economics.
In her free time, Heidi enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband and daughter at their home in Arlington Heights.
A magna cum laude graduate of Valparaiso University, Heidi graduated with a degree in mathematics and economics.
In her free time, Heidi enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband and daughter at their home in Arlington Heights.
About Jason Erpelding
Jason Erpelding is a Consulting Group Analyst with Graystone Consulting- The Ekstrom Group at Morgan Stanley. He leverages his previous experience in the investment industry to support the team’s ongoing analytical efforts including, reviewing investment performance, reassessing client asset allocations, and creating customized client reports. In addition, Jason assists with investment manager selection and due diligence, and assists with Investment Policy Statement reviews.
Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Creighton University.
Jason lives in Cary, Illinois with his wife and three children and enjoys backpacking, golf, and watching Creighton sports.
Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Creighton University.
Jason lives in Cary, Illinois with his wife and three children and enjoys backpacking, golf, and watching Creighton sports.
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
Andrew Dittbenner
Private Banker
Ashley Duresa, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
About Andrew Dittbenner
Andrew Dittbenner is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.
Private Bankers partner with 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.
Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.
Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Batavia, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Private Bankers partner with 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.
Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.
Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Batavia, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 718951
About Ashley Duresa
Ashley Duresa is the Financial Planning Director for the Chicago North Complex at Morgan Stanley.
Ashley began her career in financial services in 2017 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2018. She started as a Client Service Associate and assisted with daily client requests, provided excellent client service, and developed financial plans. As she progressed with developing the financial plans, she became a Certified Financial Planner professional and started a new role as the Financial Planning Director.
As the Financial Planning Director, Ashley assists financial advisors and teams in planning engagement within their book of business as well as connecting firm resources to discover opportunities ultimately to better serve clients. As a CFP professional, she encompasses all aspects of financial planning which includes but are not limited to estate planning, tax management strategies, education planning, and retirement planning.
A magna cum laude graduate of Lake Forest College, Ashley graduated with a degree in Finance. In her free time, Ashley is a competitive bowler and enjoys walking her dog, golfing with her husband, and traveling.
Ashley began her career in financial services in 2017 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2018. She started as a Client Service Associate and assisted with daily client requests, provided excellent client service, and developed financial plans. As she progressed with developing the financial plans, she became a Certified Financial Planner professional and started a new role as the Financial Planning Director.
As the Financial Planning Director, Ashley assists financial advisors and teams in planning engagement within their book of business as well as connecting firm resources to discover opportunities ultimately to better serve clients. As a CFP professional, she encompasses all aspects of financial planning which includes but are not limited to estate planning, tax management strategies, education planning, and retirement planning.
A magna cum laude graduate of Lake Forest College, Ashley graduated with a degree in Finance. In her free time, Ashley is a competitive bowler and enjoys walking her dog, golfing with her husband, and traveling.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Signature Access
- Business Services
Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Larry Ekstrom today.
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.
2Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
3Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan 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.
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.
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
2Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
3Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
4Morgan 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.
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.
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)
