Our Story

Over seven decades of combined investment experience has taught us that every solid investment portfolio begins with an understanding of a client’s investment objective and a tailored plan to attain those goals. The North Central Group at Morgan Stanley has earned a reputation for offering highly customized portfolio solutions. We are dedicated to working exclusively with corporate executives and their families. From the initial discovery meeting, where we help develop and define specific objectives, to the implementation and management of a personalized investment solution, we guide clients from the Workplace to Retirement.

Together with Morgan Stanley’s technology and resources, we have created a team that is well suited for today’s corporate executive and their demands. We understand how difficult it is in an ever-complex corporate world to manage both the affairs of your company and the retirement goals of you and your family. Our motto, “While you are busy managing your Company’s future, who is taking care of yours,” appropriately defines most of our clients struggle with that balance.

Disclosures about awards:

Conor J. Smith - Pacesetter's Club Member 2025

The North Central Group - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24

Michael Wojkowski - Forbes Best-In-State Next Gen Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes (Awarded Aug 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/23-3/24.

Chad Essington - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22-6/30/23.

William C. Menke - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22-6/30/23.

William C. Menke - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. "

Chad Essington - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. "

William C. Menke - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
​Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2021) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20. "

William C. Menke - ​Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com ( Awarded Jan 2020) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19. "
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Workplace to Retirement

As an Executive, we know your benefits are sometimes complicated.  Our checklists below will help you gather the financial information needed for your complementary Financial Planning Analysis.  Begin preparing for your transition from the Workplace to Retirement by clicking on your company link.

Financial Planning Questionnaire

The Morgan Stanley wealth management process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals.  Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life — your investments and your cash management needs — making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan. 

Your Financial Advisor has access to a sophisticated suite of tools to help you implement the Morgan Stanley wealth management process and translate your goals into reality. 

To Begin your complementary Financial Planning Analysis, please click the link below to complete our Financial Planning Questionnaire.

Our clients understand that decisions they make around company stock and options are some of the most consequential they’ll face in their financial life.

You may be asking yourself:

• How well do I understand my equity compensation and the strategies that exist to maximize its value?
• Am I being as smart as my managers and coworkers with my equity compensation? Should I be making different choices based on my specific situation?
• How do I incorporate my company equity into my financial plan?
• Can I afford to leave my company, and how should I plan for that?
• What the heck is the Alternative Minimum Tax
How we can help
Understanding how your stock or option plan works is only the first step. We work with you articulate specific goals such as diversification, tax management, charitable gifting, or simply having enough cash to live on while you wait for an exit. Projecting a variety of multi-year scenarios, we help you make the best decisions you can to maximize this valuable asset.
Sample Employee Stock and Option Report Morgan Stanley 2021
Why Us?
We are part of a small group of Morgan Stanley advisors trained and experienced in these complex issues and have tools and resources that stand out among your choices in selecting a financial advisor.

Location

233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US

Meet North Central Group

About William C Menke

William C. Menke is a Managing Director and Senior Investment Management Consultant at Morgan Stanley in the Chicago flagship complex with more than 20 years of financial industry experience. Bill has earned a reputation for offering highly customized individual advice, investment solutions, and providing a top notch service staff to high net worth clients. As a senior member of The North Central Group, Bill and his team are highly skilled and dedicated to working exclusively with corporate executives and their families. His team motto, “While you are busy managing your Company’s future, who is taking care of yours,” rings true with many of his clients.
Through the discovery process, Bill and his team will help you develop and define very specific goals and objectives. Coupled with Morgan Stanley’s technology, he will begin analyzing those goals to help create a customized implementation strategy to achieve financial freedom in retirement. Bill has extensive knowledge on concentrated stock positions, hedging and monetization, estate and retirement planning, lending and insurance. He also has some of the worlds most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices and solutions at his disposal.
In addition to being Managing Director, Bill was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list in years 2019 through 2024 with being named to the Firm’s prestigious President’s Club, an elite group composed of the firm’s top Financial Advisors. The appointment recognizes Bill’s consistent creativity and excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and wealth management services to his clients. Bill has also been awarded the firm’s designation of Senior Investment Management Consultant as a result of his investment management consulting experience.
Bill is a graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Communications. Bill is an avid outdoorsman and supporter of many wetlands and conservation groups. He is happily married with three daughters who can all attest to his passion and love for anything he does. In his leisure time, Bill spends it watching or coaching his daughters’ sports, or staying active in the outdoors with a rod and reel in his hand.

2019-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.


CA Insurance License #: 0E61502
AR Insurance License #: 2261544
Securities Agent: LA, CA, TN, PA, NY, IL, IA, DC, AZ, AR, WV, UT, MA, WI, OK, CO, WA, TX, OR, OH, MN, ME, MD, IN, GA, AL, RI, NV, NH, KY, HI, FL, SC, NE, MI, KS, VA, NJ, ND, NC, MO, ID, DE, WY, NM, CT, VT, MT, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1451589

About Chad J Essington

Chad J. Essington is an Executive Director, Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Morgan Stanley in the Chicago flagship complex. As a senior member of the North Central Group at Morgan Stanley, Chad and his team are dedicated to working exclusively with corporate executives and their families.
Chad and his team will help you define your goals by delivering a vast array of resources in the way that is most appropriate for what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you preserve and grow your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform, and a full spectrum of investment choices.
As a CFP® practitioner, Chad engages executives in a comprehensive wealth management process. The CFP® designation identifies those individuals who have met the experience and ethical requirements, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas: financial planning, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning strategies.
Through the discovery process, Chad and his team will help you develop and define very specific goals and objectives. He has extensive knowledge on concentrated stock positions, hedging and monetization, estate and retirement planning strategies, lending, and insurance.
In addition to being an Executive Director, Chad has been named to the Firm’s prestigious Masters Club since 2018. This is a group composed of some of the firm’s top Financial Advisors. The appointment recognizes Chad’s excellence in providing wealth management solutions and high level of ethical standards to his clients. Chad has also been awarded the firm’s designation of Senior Investment Management Consultant as a result of his investment management consulting experience.
Chad moved to Chicago in 1996 after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Finance. He and his team currently raise and contribute money to many organizations including The V Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice, Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital, Gigi’s Playhouse, and the Morton Community Foundation. He still lives in downtown Chicago where he is an avid sports fan and enjoys social activities with friends and family.

AR Insurance License #: 1346468
Securities Agent: MN, LA, KS, AZ, OR, OK, VA, NC, IL, WA, MO, KY, FL, CA, AR, WI, PA, NE, GA, AL, VT, UT, SC, NH, ME, IA, CO, TN, RI, NY, MT, DC, TX, MD, CT, MA, DE, OH, NM, ND, MI, IN, NV, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1293011

About Michael Wojkowski

Securities Agent: NJ, NY, WY, WV, SC, MT, VT, VA, RI, PR, PA, TN, SD, VI, UT, TX, WA, MS, WI, OR, LA, NV, NM, NH, ND, NE, OK, KY, OH, ME, MO, CT, IA, MA, MI, IL, ID, HI, GA, IN, MD, NC, FL, MN, DE, CO, AZ, AR, KS, AK, CA, DC, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1500589

About Conor J Smith

Conor J. Smith is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in the Chicago flagship complex and a team member of the North Central Group. With a skilled focus in equity compensation, Conor empowers corporate executives to leverage their company benefits effectively. Through comprehensive financial planning, he gains a holistic understanding of his clients’ financial landscapes, enabling personalized advice crafted to suit their individual situations. Conor is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, the guitar, and cheering on Pittsburgh sports teams.


NMLS#: 2479522
Securities Agent: MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2479522

About Anthony Lallo

Anthony started with Morgan Stanley in 2019 with the Shareworks stock plan side of the business. He graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Cincinnati in 2019, and joined the North Central Group in the Summer of 2024. In his free time, he enjoys watching soccer, seeing movies, and going to concerts.

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
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Financial Advisers can conduct their business in several ways: individually, as a member of a team of Financial Advisors, or through the formation of a Strategic Partnership with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors. A Strategic Partnership is an arrangement between a Financial Advisor or a team of Financial Advisors with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors that has a unique focus or knowledge regarding a specific business concentration, product area, and/or client type. If your account is with an individual Financial Advisor, that Financial Advisor services all facets of your account. If your account is with a Financial Advisor who is a member of a team, any Financial Advisor on the team can service your account. If your Financial Advisor is part of a Strategic Partnership, his or her role in that Strategic Partnership may be limited to a specific business and/or product area and may not cover all facets of your account. The use of the terms “Partner” or “Strategic Partner” and/or “Partnership” or “Strategic Partnership” are used as terms of art and not used to imply or connote any legal relationship.

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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact North Central 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.

1Morgan 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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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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4When 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.

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

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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9Morgan 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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10Alternative 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.

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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), 3582895 (6/2024)