A Shared Vision for Your Continued Success

A seasoned professional for more than 28 years, Michael enjoys working with successful executives, business owners and their families, providing personalized advice through a disciplined wealth management approach. He concentrates on developing comprehensive financial plans to help empower his clients to effectively grow, protect and transfer their wealth in a smart and tax-efficient manner.

Born and raised in the Boston area, Michael earned his B.S. degree in Finance at Bentley University. Upon graduation, he began his career at Coopers and Lybrand before joining Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in 1994. Over the next 17 years, he built a successful practice helping families achieve their personal and professional goals. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 and moved to California six years later, where he remains a valuable member of the firm.

Michael draws upon his vast experience to provide clients with customized portfolios and tailored advice. His disciplined process begins with asking the right questions and actively listening. This information then serves as the foundation for the development of a detailed plan that reflects each client’s goals, values and personal circumstances. He takes pride in his ability to put complex investment strategies into action and effectively communicating these strategies using simple and easy-to-understand language.

Outside of the office, Michael enjoys traveling, golf and spending time with his family. He is an avid baseball fan and loves every opportunity to cheer on his Boston Red Sox.
Services Include
Securities Agent: WI, WY, WA, VT, VA, TX, TN, SC, NC, NH, NM, NY, NV, NJ, OR, OK, MT, MS, MO, PA, RI, MN, MI, ME, UT, MA, LA, KY, VI, IN, IL, ID, IA, GA, MD, FL, DE, DC, CT, CA, CO, AZ, AK, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 38128
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

WHITE GLOVE SERVICE

Tab Image
Successful wealth management is a lifelong process, not a solitary event. We are committed to a white glove service experience that is both value-added and differentiating and based on three critical elements:
1. Caring Relationships
We are dedicated to building deep relationships, based on trust, transparency and integrity. We do this by working with a select group of clients who value our depth of knowledge in providing comprehensive solutions that go well beyond investments. The bonds we form are fundamental to our mission, and it is our hope they span generations.
2. Custom Advice
Our unique approach to wealth management begins with a thorough study and daily review of the events impacting the global and national macroeconomic climate. We leverage this deep understanding of the world events as we tailor an investment strategy for your personal situation. We then customize a portfolio that is uniquely yours to optimize growth and protect you against any downside.
3. Continuous Service
As part of our commitment to superior service, we will schedule a regular phone call with you every month. This conversation is our dedicated time to discuss updates in your life, questions you may have about the market or an opportunity to provide timely information about your portfolio. While you clearly drive the conversation with your agenda items, here are the four things we will discuss every month:

• Your Family
• Your Career
• Your Passions
• Your Money

We believe it is our responsibility to always be in sync with the changes in your life, so we can anticipate and respond strategically to new risks and emerging opportunities. The result is an integrated financial strategy that focuses on meeting your particular goals today and as they evolve over time.

Working With You to Define and Achieve Your Goals

My wealth management process is designed to provide a road map to your financial future. Leveraging our vast resources-including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated personal service-I can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Then, over time, we can adapt it to changing circumstances, helping you to achieve-and to protect your goals.
    Icon Image
    Step 1: Discover
    Our relationship begins with an in-depth discussion of your family's needs, values, lifestyle and aspirations for the future.
    Icon Image
    Goals-Based Planning
    At Morgan Stanley, Goals-Based Wealth Management means that we aim to understand what is important to you and work together to map out a plan that can help you achieve your financial goals.
    Financial Planning Questionnaire
    Icon Image
    Step 2: Advise
    Here, I review your current and future financial situation, identify any potential shortfalls and discuss the impact of unexpected life events. I also utilize a number of financial planning tools to develop your plan, which will include investment recommendations, as well as appropriate wealth management strategies to consider.
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    Saving for retirement is a lifelong process that relies on defined financial planning strategies. Having enough income to comfortably cover all necessary expenses is a key to a successful retirement.
    Learn More About Retirement Planning
    Icon Image
    Step 3: Implement
    In this step, I will present your plan and explain the recommendations. Once approved by you, we begin to implement the strategies. I believe in full transparency and will keep you involved each step of the way.
    Icon Image
    Estate & Trust Planning Strategies
    Estate planning is the process of making arrangements to pass down wealth and assets after a person’s death. Proper estate planning gives careful consideration to the estate owner’s future plans, preferences and goals. The tax implications of the plan should also be thoroughly documented.
    Learn More About Estate & Trust Planning Strategies
    Icon Image
    Step 4: Track Progress
    I will oversee your progress and regularly review the performance of your plan through ongoing calls and meetings. I may recommend adjustments over time, due to changing market conditions or changes in your personal circumstances, to help keep you on track towards achieving your goals.
    Icon Image
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365 is our full spectrum of year-round, active tax management solutions, tailored to help you minimize tax drag in your portfolio. We offer a comprehensive range of tax-efficient solutions to help you manage your tax liability and grow your long-term wealth.
    Learn More About Our Tax-Aware Strategies

KEY LIFE EVENTS

    Icon Image
    Birth
    Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone—for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other extended family members. We will help you plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child might introduce to your lives.
    Baby, Budgets and Buying a House
    Icon Image
    Education
    Education is a major investment that often requires years of careful, advanced planning. As educational costs continue to rise - from primary education through undergraduate, graduate and professional schools - we will work together to implement the appropriate funding strategies for your needs.
    Ways to Pay for Education
    Icon Image
    Marriage
    There are few events more exciting than tying the knot with the person you love. Managing your wealth is a critical component to maintaining a long, fruitful marriage.
    What You Need to Know About Marriage and Money
    Icon Image
    Business
    Many of the clients we work with have complex business arrangements, from executive-level employment situations to various levels of investment in a multitude of business ventures—from startups to established enterprises. I help can you navigate the complexities of business ownership, investment and associated activities such as selling, divesting or planning for succession.
    Strategies to Finance Your Business
    Icon Image
    Retirement
    Some people look forward to retirement as their time to relax and enjoy the fruits of their decades-long career. Others worry about their ability to support their lifestyle given certain life challenges. Saving for retirement is a lifelong process that relies on defined financial planning strategies.
    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
    Icon Image
    Death
    We know how difficult losing a loved one can be. We are here to help you navigate the decisions to be made following the death of your spouse or other family member.

VALUABLE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients. I have also included timely market commentary, thought leadership and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) & MS Mobile
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Make Managing Your Money Easier Than Ever
    Icon Image
    Thoughts on the Markets Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist as they discuss their viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    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.
    See Your Complete Financial Picture
    Icon Image
    GIC On the Markets
    Every month, Morgan Stanley’s top research analysts publish their “On the Markets” report, providing detailed market commentary on such topics as global equities, fixed income and monetary policy.
    Read this Month's Report
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online allows you to build a centralized document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Ideas
    Read our perspective on what's shaping the world today, and tomorrow. We cover topics ranging from health care, sustainability, macroeconomics and technology.
    Explore Our Ideas
    Icon Image
    Cybersecurity Center
    Safeguarding your assets and information is one of our highest priorities, but you also have a critical role to play. Check out our collection of practical takeaways and best practices from our cybersecurity professionals, then explore a few of the ways we help protect you.
    Access Our Security Center
    Icon Image
    Private Market Solutions
    Our Private Market Solutions provide equity solutions that are designed for the innovative needs of private companies. Combining Shareworks' cutting edge technology with outstanding client service and premier wealth management capabilities, our solutions are designed to simplify the complexities of equity plan management, while helping employees realize the full potential of their benefits.
    Learn More About Private Market Solutions

Location

5796 Armada Drive
Suite 200
Carlsbad, CA 92008
US
Direct:
(760) 602-3540(760) 602-3540
Toll-Free:
(800) 676-0460(800) 676-0460
Fax:
(760) 931-4647(760) 931-4647

Meet My Team

About Brittany Sheley

Brittany is often the first line of contact on a broad array of client services. A consummate professional, she is committed to providing each client with the highest level of personal service and integrity. Brittany has been an important member of Morgan Stanley since 2015.

From the largest task to the smallest request, Brittany works diligently to exceed client expectations. She coordinates various client service activities, including onboarding new clients and interfacing with various departments to ensure client issues are resolved efficiently.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Brittany was a Branch Service Officer at Union Bank. She is happily married to her husband, Sean, who has served 16 years in the Navy and is currently a weapons instructor. They have two sons, Sawyer and Finn, and one Chocolate Lab.

Brittany grew up in Eugene, Oregon and attended University of Oregon and later Oregon State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family.
CA Insurance License #: 4304058

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 Michael Mackowiak

Michael Mackowiak is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Michael began his career in financial services in 2008, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Premier Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

He lives in Chula Vista, California with his family. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys watching soccer and baseball, traveling, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1069297

About Robert Breyer

Robert is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various alternatives and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Robert provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Carleton College and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Robert is originally from Washington and currently resides in the New York area.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
Article Image

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.

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
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
Article Image

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Michael Sperlinga today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

Back to top



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.

Back to top



3Morgan 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

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



5Morgan 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.

Back to top



6Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

Back to top



7Morgan 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.

Back to top



8Morgan 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.

Back to top



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)