
John Gould, CFP®, CPWA®, CPM®, CEPA®


The more money you earn, the more complicated your financial life can become. Executives face corporate equity challenges. Business owners should be prepared to consider exit strategies. Many families have philanthropic aspirations. But no matter your circumstances, some questions are universal:
Leveraging my extensive experience in institutional investing, I am dedicated to guiding clients toward achieving their sophisticated long-term financial objectives.
A graduate of Denison University, I spent the first 19 years of my career on Wall Street, advising Institutional clients and large family offices on portfolio construction, research, and trading strategies. I began my career with Morgan Stanley in 1998 with the international/domestic institutional equity group. I then went on to serve as Head of Trading and Sales at several well-respected boutique firms in the New York area.
With a robust investing background, I bring a wealth of analytical prowess to my role guiding business owners, pre-retirees, and retirees. But my practice goes beyond portfolio management. Through the blending of financial "Goals Based" planning, estate planning, tax optimization strategies, and charitable giving — along with dynamic portfolio management — I equip my clients with the tools and knowledge necessary to help navigate the complexities of high net worth. I have also undertaken rigorous coursework to become a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) — an elite designation I leverage to deliver tailored solutions to business owners and entrepreneurs leading up to, during, and after the sale of their company. Bottom line: I don't just manage wealth; I help cultivate financial empowerment for my clients for decades and generations to come.
Outside of the office, I live in Cincinnati with my wife Heather and our 3 children: Hunter, Madison and Lilly. As a former NCAA Lacrosse player, I am an avid sports fan and enjoy staying active in my free time.
Your successful business is a testament to your vision and dedication. Whether you're exploring new avenues for growth, or considering your exit, I understand the unique challenges and emotions that business owners face in pivotal moments. Working together, we're fully-prepared to help you plan for what comes next.
For many years, I've helped companies create and execute their succesion strategy from start to finish. Our strategies are custom-tailored to help maximize the value of your business and help secure your finanical future -- so you can enjoy the substatial rewards of your success.
As a CEPA®-Certified Advisor, I offer comprehensive proficiency in valuation techniques, tax optimization strategies, and succession planning frameworks. What's more? I bring deep experience in institutional trading, equity/debt strategies, and public/private investment banking strategy. Bottom line, I'm able to help you design and execute tailored exit plans that help ensure no stone is left unturned.
As a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, I have access to a powerful network of top industry professionals, from investment bankers to attorneys and CPAs. That breadth allows us to help address your most complex business needs, including M&A and IPOs.
Family and money? They often mix like oil and water. That's what can make legacy planning so complex. It involves not only planning for the transfer of assets to future generations, navigating complicated regulations, and integrating retirement needs -- It also means working to ensure that your wishes and values are reflected in how those assets are used by your loved ones decades down the line.
As our client, you're not just getting access to one of our finanical advisors; you're tapping into the collective strength of our entire team. Together, we bring many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to every aspect of your family's financial life. Just as important? We each have a distinctive perspective. That means when we come together, you family's financial future is strategized from every angle -- so that every detail is meticulously evaluated.
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 matters involving trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning or other legal matters.
Put simply, our investment universe puts you at the center. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, we also offer access to a wide range of Alternative Investments including Private Equity, Private Credit, Private Real Estate, Exchange Funds, and Collectibles. But at the end of the day, the portfolio we build for you will aim to reflect your individual goals, challenges, and needs -- in other words, your larger financial plan.
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax efficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
