The Northwest Capital Group

The Northwest Capital Group at Morgan Stanley is a comprehensive wealth management practice.  Our consultative approach seeks to understand your vision, preferences and unique circumstances before we formulate a wealth strategy that helps to achieve your goals and objectives.  We provide comprehensive personal investment and advisory strategies for successful individuals, families and foundations.

Through thoughtful dialogue and collaboration, we help clients develop a customized wealth management plan and can provide guidance on important financial decisions.  Our service encompasses all aspects of a client's financial life, including in-depth financial planning, customized portfolio construction and management, risk mitigation and wealth transfer strategies.  Our investment strategies are tailored to our client's goals, time frame and risk tolerance.  Conversations with our clients include listening to their hopes and concerns, while providing feedback on progress made toward achieving their goals. We can also draw on the experience of additional firm specialists in areas such as lending, trusts and insurance to maximize our effectiveness.

With over one hundred years combined experience in the financial services industry, Northwest Capital Group team members utilize our experience and investing knowledge to better serve our clients.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
    Forbes Magazine's 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    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
    Client to view the press release

Location

500 108th Ave NE
Ste 1900
Bellevue, WA 98004
US
Direct:
(425) 453-5800(425) 453-5800
Toll-Free:
(855) 280-6587(855) 280-6587

Meet Northwest Capital Group

About John F Stoeser

I have worked in the investment industry since 1990 and I received the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991. I joined the Northwest Capital Group at Morgan Stanley in 2001. As Senior Portfolio Management Director, I co-manage our individual and foundation client’s investment portfolios on a discretionary basis through Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Management program. I also provide wealth planning advice to clients based on their goals and unique circumstances.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. My previous professional investment experience included management of an equity mutual fund in excess of $1 billion for Citigroup Asset Management (1998-1999); management of a high yield bond fund for Safeco Asset Management (1996-1997); management of client trust accounts for Safeco Trust Company (1996-1997); industry research analysis covering technology, real estate and media for Safeco Asset Management (1992-1997). Recognition awards include Seattle Magazine Five Star Wealth Manager for the years 2012 – 2024 and Forbes Magazine's list of America's Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2018 – 2023.

I continue to support non-profit organizations providing hospice services and shelter to those facing challenging circumstances. I also support organizations providing education in a setting that encourages strong values and an awareness of our individual responsibilities to be good citizens in our communities.

2012 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2024)
These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2012 Award: 5/12/2011 – 10/30/11 2013 Award: 5/12/2012 – 10/30/12
2014 Award: 5/12/2013 – 10/30/13 2015 Award: 5/12/2014 – 10/30/14
2016 Award: 5/12/2015 – 10/20/15 2017 Award: 3/26/2016 – 11/18/16
2018 Award: 4/25/2017 – 11/16/17 2019 Award: 4/23/2018 – 11/19/18
2020 Award: 4/01/2019 – 11/13/19 2021 Award: 4/27/2020 – 10/30/20
2022 Award: 5/10/2021 – 11/30/21 2023 Award: 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
2024 Award: 5/15/2023 – 10/30/23

2018-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com awarded in 2018-2021. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: WI, MO, IN, CO, AZ, WY, TN, NV, MD, LA, SC, PA, NJ, MT, MI, MA, KY, GA, VA, IL, NY, OR, FL, RI, KS, ID, SD, NM, AK, WA, VT, UT, NC, CA, MN, TX, OH, ND, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1255756

About Patrick A Sheehan

I have been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2004. As a Financial Planning Specialist and Family Wealth Advisor with Northwest Capital Group I work with high net worth families and individuals to bring a holistic approach to clients financial goals, with an emphasis on prudent risk management and long term investments. My financial planning experience adds an important dimension to our teams ongoing consultative approach to the wealth management process.

As an insurance and annuity licensed advisor, I offer 401(k) retirement plan reviews and insurance reviews for individual estate planning needs. I have been recognized by Seattle Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager - Best in Client Satisfaction award since 2012.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance. I grew up in Sammamish Washington and now live in Seattle with my wife Annie. Outside of work we enjoy traveling, cooking and boating. We support several local nonprofits.

2012 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2024)
These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2012 Award: 5/12/2011 – 10/30/11 2013 Award: 5/12/2012 – 10/30/12
2014 Award: 5/12/2013 – 10/30/13 2015 Award: 5/12/2014 – 10/30/14
2016 Award: 5/12/2015 – 10/20/15 2017 Award: 3/26/2016 – 11/18/16
2018 Award: 4/25/2017 – 11/16/17 2019 Award: 4/23/2018 – 11/19/18
2020 Award: 4/01/2019 – 11/13/19 2021 Award: 4/27/2020 – 10/30/20
2022 Award: 5/10/2021 – 11/30/21 2023 Award: 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
2024 Award: 5/15/2023 – 10/30/23

2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com awarded in 2023. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: KS, PA, NM, WA, VT, TX, NV, WI, UT, NY, NC, MT, MA, KY, IN, AZ, SC, MO, RI, NJ, MI, ID, HI, CA, AK, IL, MN, TN, SD, GA, CO, WY, FL, OR, OH, ND, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1368448

About Debra L Morrow

I have worked in the investment industry since 1983 and have been a member of Northwest Capital Group for over twenty years, providing our clients with financial advice and investment solutions. As a Financial Planning Specialist, I work with clients to develop a personalized financial plan and customized investment strategies to help meet their long term financial goals. I believe in the importance of building relationships based on trust and communication to serve clients in a fiduciary capacity.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. For several years, I have been involved in non-profit organizations providing housing and support for those in need in our local community.

2020 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2020-2024)
These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2020 Award: 4/01/2019 – 11/13/19 2021 Award: 4/27/2020 – 10/30/20
2022 Award: 5/10/2021 – 11/30/21 2023 Award: 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
2024 Award: 5/15/2023 – 10/30/23
Securities Agent: NM, CO, UT, SD, KS, IL, GA, CA, AK, RI, OR, NJ, MO, IN, TN, SC, PA, OH, NC, MD, WY, NY, MT, KY, WA, MI, MA, ID, WI, ND, MN, FL, AZ, TX, NV, HI, VT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1404045

About Connor Stoeser

I have worked in the investment industry since 2016 and I received the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in 2017, not practicing at Morgan Stanley. I joined the Northwest Capital Group at Morgan Stanley in 2019. As a Portfolio Manager, I co-manage the investment portfolios of our individual and foundation clients on a discretionary basis through Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Management program. As a Financial Planning Specialist, I work with high net worth clients to develop a comprehensive financial plan and provide strategic wealth planning advice tailored to the goals and unique circumstances of each individual.

I have Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in both Finance and Accounting, as well as a Master of Science degree in Taxation. My previous professional investment experience includes providing consulting and advisory services to investment management companies and family offices for Deloitte LLP (2016-2019).

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy skiing, backpacking, traveling, and volunteering with local non-profit organizations focused on providing shelter, education, and mental health services to those in need. I continue to support the Gonzaga University community by serving on the School of Business Administration Advisory Board and of course never miss the chance to cheer on Gonzaga Basketball.
Securities Agent: MI, AZ, SC, NJ, GA, NV, NC, IN, FL, WA, TX, NM, ID, HI, RI, PA, ND, MA, KS, CA, WI, MO, MD, OR, KY, IL, TN, OH, UT, NY, LA, CO, AK, MN, SD, WY, VT, VA, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1925840

About Matt Carson

I began my career with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in 2015 and joined the Northwest Capital Group in 2022 . As a Financial Advisor I work with clients, families and business owners to develop a customized financial approach to their goals. I use a comprehensive financial planning approach based on an in-depth understanding of each client’s lifestyle, financial situation, and goals. This allows me to implement customized investment strategies tailored to each client’s needs. I also have extensive experience working with Construction Industry Trusts and Businesses.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering along with a Master of Business Administration. I am involved in the community and involved in various local non-profit organizations focused on mental health services in the Greater Seattle Area.

I grew up in Kirkland and now live in Seattle with my wife Tiffany. I have a passion for travel whether it is to see friends and family or an outing to enjoy the great outdoors. I love a good road trip to catch Gonzaga basketball or Notre Dame football game.

2023 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2023-2024)
These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2023 Award: 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
2024 Award: 5/15/2023 – 10/30/24
Securities Agent: VT, FL, KS, RI, ND, CA, WI, NC, AK, PA, OR, NJ, MD, GA, MT, IL, TX, SC, NV, MO, MA, IN, HI, CO, MN, WA, NM, ID, AZ, MI, NY, KY, WY, UT, TN, SD, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1682637

About Joel Berntson

I began working in the financial services with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in 2015. As a Financial Advisor and planning specialist with the Northwest Capital Group I am passionate about working with my clients to develop wealth planning strategies based on their individual goals and circumstances.

As a Financial Advisor I also collaborate with my client’s tax and legal advisors to help create a personalized plan that suggests ways to help reduce taxes, incorporates estate and philanthropic goals, and helps to cover future health-care needs.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus in International Business. I love living in the Pacific Northwest and spend my free time boating on Lake Washington in the summer and Skiing at Crystal Mountain in the winter. I grew up in Snohomish Washington and now call Seattle home. I passionately support the Leukemia and Lymphoma society among other local and national nonprofits.

2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com
The award was determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following period 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
Securities Agent: MT, CO, WY, WA, SD, NY, NM, NC, GA, FL, AZ, TN, PA, MA, KY, IL, CA, IN, WI, RI, ND, MI, UT, SC, MD, ID, AK, MO, KS, MN, VT, TX, OR, OH, HI, NV, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1512489

About Brett Barton

I started in the financial services industry in the Pacific Northwest in 1993. As a Financial Advisor with the Northwest Capital Group, my primary focus is working with affluent families and their trusted advisors to deliver customized credit, investment, philanthropic and wealth transfer strategies. In this era of increasing complexity, I strive to make the financial lives of my clients and their families easier.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, I worked at U.S. Trust, where I managed and implement strategic solutions for high-net-worth individuals and their families. Since 2018, I have been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager.

I live in Seattle with my wife Marie and our dog, Clyde. When not in the office, I enjoy rowing, sailing, biking, skiing, and fixing up our old house. I have graduated from several community leadership programs with the City of Bellevue. I volunteer with several local organizations focused on addressing education, inclusion, and hunger issues in the community.

2018 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2018-2024)
These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2018 Award: 4/25/2017 – 11/16/17 2019 Award: 4/23/2018 – 11/19/18
2020 Award: 4/01/2019 – 11/13/19 2021 Award: 4/27/2020 – 10/30/20
2022 Award: 5/10/2021 – 11/30/21 2023 Award: 4/18/2022 – 10/21/22
2024 Award: 5/15/2023 – 10/30/23
Securities Agent: PA, AZ, IL, HI, CO, ND, OH, NV, AK, WI, MO, MD, MA, GA, TX, TN, RI, NY, WY, UT, MT, CA, IN, MN, WA, OR, NJ, MI, KY, KS, ID, FL, VT, SD, NM, NC, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 509814

About Tracy Griffin

I started my career in the financial services industry at Smith Barney in 2000, and I joined the Northwest Capital Group in 2003. I provide administrative support for our clients and the team, including opening and maintaining accounts, fund transfers and equity trades. The best part of my work is getting to know our clients and developing strong relationships.

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and received my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oregon. Prior to working in financial services, I was a paralegal for a southern California law firm for six years.

About Catherine Forsyth

With over twenty years of experience with Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney providing administrative support for financial advisors and their clients I have a deep level of experience to draw upon when assisting clients.   I help to onboard new clients, account modifications and updates as individuals move or experience life changes.  I assist in processing money movement such as wire transfers, establishing and utilizing bank account links and checks.  I enjoy getting to know each client and assisting them to reach their financial goals.

I am originally from Corvallis, Oregon. I received a Bachelor of Science in History.  I have worked in Bellevue since 1998 and joined the Northwest Capital Group in 2015.  I enjoy birding and walks with my dog.
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  • IRA Plans
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  • Annuities
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Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
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  • Traditional Investments
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Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
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  • Long Term Care Insurance
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Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
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Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
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  • Impact Investing
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Northwest Capital Group today.
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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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3When 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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4Morgan 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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CRC 6491812 (04/2024)