Ben Cucuzza
Private Banker | Market Manager
Pablo Gomez, MBA, CDFA®, CRPC®
Executive Director,
Financial Advisor,
Family Wealth Director,
Senior Portfolio Manager
Direct:
(281) 362-4781(281) 362-4781
Toll-Free:
(800) 422-5766(800) 422-5766
My Mission Statement
I help successful families and business owners cut through financial complexity — so decisions about wealth, risk, legacy, and major life changes are made with clarity.
2025 Message
Life Happens. Let’s Plan For It.
As a Financial Advisor with decades of experience, I believe great advice goes beyond numbers—it’s about helping people. Plain and simple. Whether you’re navigating growth as a business owner, redefining life after divorce, or planning for your family’s future, I’m here to help you tackle life’s “what ifs” with clear, purpose-driven strategies.
Guidance Backed By Experience
As one of only 5%* (As of Dec 2024) of Morgan Stanley advisors to hold the Family Wealth Director designation, I bring a distinctive focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing significant wealth. I’m also proud to serve on Morgan Stanley’s National Financial Advisor Advisory Council—a group of just 16 financial advisors nationwide that collaborates with senior leadership to shape strategies that help make a difference for clients around the country.
A Process That Works For You
Financial decisions can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high. My approach is simple: I help you remove the noise so you can see the bigger picture. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps balance opportunity and risk, all to help you step into your future with clarity.
A Track Record of Excellence
• Five Star Wealth Manager (2016–2025)
What Matters Most
For decades, clients have entrusted me to help them reach their most important financial goals. It's a responsibility I treat with the utmost care and commitment. Day in and day out. I do this so you can focus on what really matters: living the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
2016-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2016-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2016 Award - 11/30/2015 through 05/18/2016
2017 Award - 09/26/2016 through 04/28/2017
2018 Award - 10/24/2017 through 05/21/2018
2019 Award - 10/22/2018 through 05/3/2019
2020 Award - 10/7/2019 through 04/24/2020
2021 Award - 09/21/2020 through 04/30/2021
2022 Award - 09/20/2021 through 04/8/2022
2023 Award-10/10/2022 through 05/05/2023
2024 Award-10/10/2023 through 8/26/2024
As a Financial Advisor with decades of experience, I believe great advice goes beyond numbers—it’s about helping people. Plain and simple. Whether you’re navigating growth as a business owner, redefining life after divorce, or planning for your family’s future, I’m here to help you tackle life’s “what ifs” with clear, purpose-driven strategies.
Guidance Backed By Experience
As one of only 5%* (As of Dec 2024) of Morgan Stanley advisors to hold the Family Wealth Director designation, I bring a distinctive focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing significant wealth. I’m also proud to serve on Morgan Stanley’s National Financial Advisor Advisory Council—a group of just 16 financial advisors nationwide that collaborates with senior leadership to shape strategies that help make a difference for clients around the country.
A Process That Works For You
Financial decisions can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high. My approach is simple: I help you remove the noise so you can see the bigger picture. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps balance opportunity and risk, all to help you step into your future with clarity.
A Track Record of Excellence
• Five Star Wealth Manager (2016–2025)
What Matters Most
For decades, clients have entrusted me to help them reach their most important financial goals. It's a responsibility I treat with the utmost care and commitment. Day in and day out. I do this so you can focus on what really matters: living the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
2016-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2016-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2016 Award - 11/30/2015 through 05/18/2016
2017 Award - 09/26/2016 through 04/28/2017
2018 Award - 10/24/2017 through 05/21/2018
2019 Award - 10/22/2018 through 05/3/2019
2020 Award - 10/7/2019 through 04/24/2020
2021 Award - 09/21/2020 through 04/30/2021
2022 Award - 09/20/2021 through 04/8/2022
2023 Award-10/10/2022 through 05/05/2023
2024 Award-10/10/2023 through 8/26/2024
Services Include
- Financial PlanningFootnote1
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote2
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote3
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote4
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote5
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote6
- AnnuitiesFootnote7
- Lending Products
- Life InsuranceFootnote8
- Municipal BondsFootnote9
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote10
Securities Agent: MS, IN, TN, SC, KS, CA, OH, HI, NC, MO, IL, AL, MA, AZ, WI, TX, OK, NY, NH, GA, NM, CO, WA, NJ, LA, ID, FL, WY, NV, MD, KY, MT, AR, VA, SD, OR, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1288114
NMLS#: 1288114
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Improving Your Performance
I leverage our unique position and our affiliates to source innovative strategies from among the most knowledgeable investment minds in the business. Employing rigorous due diligence to identify, evaluate and select each alternative investment product on our platform, I work to identify the managers that I believe are highly qualified to help my clients meet their objectives. Your choices will depend on your goals, objectives and risk tolerance.
Location
24 Waterway Ave
Ste 600
The Woodlands, TX 77380
US
Direct:
(281) 362-4781(281) 362-4781
Toll-Free:
(800) 422-5766(800) 422-5766
Fax:
(281) 362-4747(281) 362-4747
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 Ben Cucuzza
Ben Cucuzza is a Private Banker | Market Manager serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Texas.
Private Banker | Market Managers partner with Financial Advisors/ Private Wealth Advisors (collectively “Advisors”) to deliver specialized cash management and lending solutions, while strategically leading sales activity and deepening client engagement across Wealth Management markets to drive growth aligned with long-term business and client objectives.
Ben began his career in financial services in 2005 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Affluent Segment Leader at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Ben is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He lives in Houston, Texas with his family. Outside of the office, Ben is involved with the Junior Achievement as well as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He also enjoys fishing, sports, and watching the Georgia Bulldogs.
Private Banker | Market Managers partner with Financial Advisors/ Private Wealth Advisors (collectively “Advisors”) to deliver specialized cash management and lending solutions, while strategically leading sales activity and deepening client engagement across Wealth Management markets to drive growth aligned with long-term business and client objectives.
Ben began his career in financial services in 2005 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Affluent Segment Leader at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Ben is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He lives in Houston, Texas with his family. Outside of the office, Ben is involved with the Junior Achievement as well as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He also enjoys fishing, sports, and watching the Georgia Bulldogs.
NMLS#: 703137
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and 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
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
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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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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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
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
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Pablo Gomez, MBA today.
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.
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.
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.
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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
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.
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.
7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
10Morgan 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
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
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.
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.
7Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
10Morgan 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
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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), 4763067 (9/2025)
