My Story and Services

As a former collegiate student-athlete at both The University of Miami and Indiana University, Nick emphasizes the importance of hard work and preparation. Nick came to hone these core values through his experience in the classroom and on the football field. As a student, Nick received his master’s degree in business administration, with a focus in finance, from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He also received his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship, with a minor in finance, from The University of Miami. As an athlete, Nick demonstrated success on the field throughout his football career. Nick was named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team in 2015 and 2016, a recognition for individuals who excelled in both sports and academics. He also played in the East-West Shrine Game and was a high school Under Armour All-American.

Nick’s long-time interest in finance rivaled his passion for football, leading him to join Morgan Stanley. As a financial advisor, Nick focuses on building strong personal relationships with his clients, with an emphasis on planning for the future. As a Global Sports and Entertainment Associate Director, Nick can meet the unique needs and challenges that accompany professional athletes before, during and after their professional careers. Beyond sports, Nick’s practice caters to working with affluent clients. This group consists of executives, small business owners, industry professionals and retirees. Trust and reliability act as corner stones to his wealth management practice today.

As an active member in the community, Nick serves on the Palm Harbor YMCA Advisory Board. In this role, Nick works with community leaders to promote youth development through sports. Nick resides in Dunedin, FL where he spends most of his free time enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. He holds his Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.
Services Include
Securities Agent: KY, NV, MT, IN, NM, NY, MA, HI, CT, CO, NC, DE, TX, MI, GA, NJ, MN, MD, ID, CA, MO, TN, NH, FL, AZ, AR, VA, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2172893
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

    1. Discovery Process
    Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
    4. Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
    Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
    2. Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
    Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
    5. Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
    After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
    3. Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
    Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
    6. Ongoing Assessment
    In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds and have distinct wealth creation stories, but they also have a lot in common. They share an entrepreneurial ambition, a passion for creative solutions and a deep confidence in their own abilities. Some clients have a great understanding of capital markets, while others are just starting to build their financial education. Both recognize that they need a deeply-trusted thought partner to strengthen their wealth and family legacy.

Public Company Executives

Nick focuses on supporting C-suite executives with their personal and company's financial requirements. Some of these services include providing complex solutions for concentrated equity positions including 10b5-1 plans, exchange funds, hedging, and other diversification strategies.

Global Sports and Entertainment

As a Global Sports and Entertainment Associate Director, Nick can help meet the unique needs and challenges that accompany professional athletes before, during and after their professional careers. Nick has worked with a wide range of clients across the sports arena, most notably in the NFL and MLB.

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Our team can help navigate the intricate and elaborate challenges that come with creating a new business, and assist you in planning for future liquidity events. In our thoughtful approach, we can provide feedback and resources at critical stages in your professional and personal lives.

Venture Capital and Private Equity Partners

Investing in private companies creates unique wealth management considerations. Our team can supply you with tailored solutions regarding your portfolio's asset allocation, risk management and liabilities guidance, along with advice on trust and estate structures.

Retirees

Retirement planning can feel daunting. With the help of a detailed financial plan, our team can create a successful road map moving forward. A clients financial plan is bespoke to them and can answer common questions like, "do I have enough money to accomplish all of my goals in retirement?"

Corporate Advisory

As a corporate consultant, Nick delivers unique solutions for institutions & organizations. The services offered include: Retirement Advisory(401k/403b), Corporate Portfolio Management(Investment Reserves), Corporate Cash Management, & Financial Wellness.

Modern Wealth Management Tools & Resources

Explore Morgan Stanley's Digital Resources- your hub for cutting-edge wealth managemnet tools designed to make accessing and managing your finances easier and more seamless. Navigate your financial journey with confidence using our intuitive and innovative digital solutions.

    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online

    Morgan Stanley Online puts the power of wealth management at your fingertips. Access your accounts, track investments, and manage your finances seamlessly- all from your mobile device anywhere, and anytime.

    Access Morgan Stanley Online
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View

    Total Wealth View gives you a complete financial picture by allowing you to seamlessly track all of you external assets in one place. Gain deeper insights and make informed decisions with a holistic view of your wealth.

    Access Total Wealth View
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault

    Digital Vault provides a secure and convenient way to manage and share life's most important documents. Store financial statements, authorizations, tax filings, and more- all on one easily accessible and protected platform.

    Access Digital Vault
    Icon Image
    eAuthorizations

    eAuthorization enables you to approve transactions electronically with speed and security. Simplify your financial management with a seamless, paperless approval process.

    Access eAuthorizations
    Icon Image
    eDelivery

    eDelivery offers a fast, secure, and eco-friendly way to access important documents such as tax statements, trade confirmations, and more. Go paperless and stay organized with instant electronic delivery at your fingertips.

    Learn About eDelivery

Location

150 2nd Avenue N
Suite 1400
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
US
Direct:
(727) 773-4629(727) 773-4629

Meet My Team

About Danilla Piehl

Danilla has been a registered associate with Morgan Stanley since 2018. With over 14 years in the finance industry, she strives to provide first class service to clients. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Barton College, with a major in Sports Medicine. As a collegiate student athlete, Danilla was a four-year starter on both the women’s basketball and soccer team. She led her respective teams as a point guard, and as a middle fielder. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching her daughter’s soccer team and going on long walks with her dog Gunner. Danilla and her husband reside in Pinellas Park, Florida and have a daughter named Danikka.

Hear From My Clients

As a 10 year NFL Veteran, I have had the pleasure of working with Nick for the past 3 years. It was only after I started working with Nick that I realized how high the bar truly was for a financial advisor. Nicks guidance and advice has constantly helped me navigate life’s big decisions, both while playing football and now in retirement. Beyond handling my finances, Nick goes above and beyond with his commitment to promote my overall financial education. I cannot recommend his services enough.
checkmarkVerified Client

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication. No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented. Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

3846129 9/24

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 Johnson

Michael Johnson is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Florida.

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 2010, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Regional Lending Director at Wells Fargo Advisors. He also served as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch.

Michael is a graduate of the Middle Tennessee State University, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Finance. He lives in St. Petersburg, FL.. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys the outdoors with his dog Wayne, playing ice hockey and golf, and watching all of his favorite sports teams let him down. He serves his community through Reach St. Pete, a non-profit that provides resources to those experiencing homelessness, low-income, and at-risks situations.
NMLS#: 982074
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan 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

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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
Article Image

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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.

Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers

Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Private Banking Solutions
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career
Article Image

You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career

Assembling a team of trusted professionals to manage your career?and your money?is essential to help best position you to thrive. Here?s how.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Nick Linder, MBA® today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



3Alternative 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



4Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

Back to top



5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



7Morgan 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



8Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

Back to top



9Morgan 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



10Morgan 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



11Morgan 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



12When 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.

Back to top



13Products 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.

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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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.

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication.  No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented.  Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)