Our Story

The Barnes Group is dedicated to helping successful individuals and their families in the southwest part of the country. We seek to be your chief financial officer by helping you align your financial resources with your personal values and goals. Our team delivers exceptional customer service and emotional support during volatile markets, while holding ourselves to the highest standard of integrity and professionalism.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

Our mission is to do the right thing by every client. We want to take the time to get to know you, your family- your objectives and goals- and then use our network to give you a comprehensive plan for success. We can coordinate our work with your tax specialist, attorneys, and other professionals, as well as help connect you with people in these areas.
Over the last 40 years, The Barnes Group has advised and served the needs of institutions, families, and wealthy individuals just like you. We focus on a holistic approach to help manage wealth.
Our areas of focus include:
Retirement Planning
Investments
Legacy and Estate Planning
Tax Planning
We cannot wait to help deliver a hands-on, high-end service to you where you will have a consistently reliable experience.

Our Clients

Our clients turn to us when they encounter a shift in circumstances. We believe it’s our job to be a stabilizing presence for you through major life events. We’re there for you when there’s a birth or death in the family, a shift in career path, a health or education issue or the beginning or end of a relationship. We view these important milestones as more than a series of financial transactions. By taking a whole-person approach, we help to mitigate the effects of major life transitions and navigate the change with ease.

Diligently, we help you prepare for the “what ifs” before they occur. We proactively engage you in conversation and strategy about potential life events and economic or market changes so you can meet them with confidence.



GOALS-BASED PLANNING


We objectively evaluate investment
opportunities based on your short-term and
long-term goals



ASSET MANAGEMENT


We provide you with technical, fundamental,
quantitative stock analysis from both our firm
and third parties




ONGOING COMMUNICATION


We continue a rewarding and long-term
relationship based upon honesty and integrity

Experience

John L. Barnes, III

1988 - Present: Morgan Stanley*
Executive Director, Wealth Management
Senior Portfolio Management Director
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor
NMLS # 1316544
Executive Director, Wealth Management
Senior Portfolio Management Director
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor

Dallas, TX

1983 - 1988: Dean Witter
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Dallas, TX

Director's Council
Smith Barney

15 Year Loyal Service Award
Smith Barney

BBA, 1977
Texas Tech
Lubbock, TX

Series 65 - Investment Advisory Agent, 1992
Dallas, TX

General Lines Life and Health Insurance


Randall L. Barnes

1988 - present: Morgan Stanley*
Executive Director, Wealth Management
Senior Portfolio Management Director
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor
Dallas, TX

1982 - 1988: Dean Witter
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Dallas, TX

Director's Council
Smith Barney

15 Year Loyal Service Award
Smith Barney

BBA - Business (Finance & Marketing), 1980
University of North Texas
Denton, TX

Series 65 - Investment Advisory Agent, 1992
Dallas, TX

General Lines Life and Health Insurance

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Location

8383 Preston Center Plz
Ste 400
Dallas, TX 75225
US
Direct:
(214) 696-7070(214) 696-7070
Toll-Free:
(800) 933-3936(800) 933-3936
Fax:
(214) 696-7108(214) 696-7108

Meet The Barnes Group

About John L Barnes III

John L. Barnes III is one of two founding members of The Barnes Group, a family office team providing comprehensive wealth management advice and services to individuals and families of substantial wealth.

A 39-year veteran of Morgan Stanley (and its predecessors), John and his brother Randy formed The Barnes Group in 1982 to serve the needs of their affluent clients. As an Executive Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Financial Planning Specialist of The Barnes Group, John creates and manages many of the team’s custom portfolio strategies. His clientele include individual and institutional investors focusing on wealth management, managed money, estate planning, retirement and education planning strategies.

In 2008, John was ranked by Barron’s as one of the top 100 Financial Advisors in the country and has annually been a member of the Directors Counsel at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. John also sits on a Roundtable for a CEG program with 12 other elite members in the business. After completing Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Vista Program, John entered in the Advanced Roundtable Program to continue his ever expanding knowledge of the financial industry and to share insights in cutting edge technology with other top advisors. More recently, John and his team have been named to Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” for 2023 and 2024.

John is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor in both Business Administration and Marketing. John currently resides in Dallas, Texas. John and his wife Juanita, have two sons, Matt and Blake.

"Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2008) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2006 - Dec 2007. "
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023,2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. ”
Securities Agent: VA, AL, NE, MI, IL, IA, CA, NH, MN, DE, AZ, AR, NY, NM, MO, FL, WI, PA, OH, MA, DC, OR, NV, NC, GA, CO, KY, KS, IN, WA, VT, TX, TN, OK, MD, LA, CT, NJ, AK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1316544

About Randall L Barnes

Randall L. Barnes is one of two founding members of The Barnes Group, a family office team providing comprehensive wealth management advice and services to individuals and families of substantial wealth.

As an Executive Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Financial Planning Specialist, Randy co-manages assets for the Group’s diverse clientele and identifies unique opportunities to match clients’ individual portfolios. He also focuses on long-term relationship building and for 40 years, he has driven the Group’s mission to provide unparalleled client service. Randy provides a full suite of investment services and comprehensive financial planning strategies to individual investors, institutions focusing on wealth management, managed money, estate planning, retirement and education planning strategies.

In 2008, Randy was ranked by Barron’s as one of the top 100 Financial Advisors in the country. Randy’s commitment to providing some of the finest quality service available has also led to his membership in Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Directors Council and Chairman’s Council. More recently, Randy and his team have been named to Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” for 2023 and 2024.

Randy is a graduate from the University of North Texas with a bachelor degree in Business Administration. Randy has been married to his wife Kim since 1989, and they have one son, Rand.

"Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2008) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2006 - Dec 2007. "
“Forbes America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023,2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. ”
Securities Agent: WI, KY, OR, NM, KS, AZ, VA, TN, DC, WA, VT, OH, NH, MD, CO, AK, PA, OK, MO, CT, AR, NJ, MA, HI, NY, MN, LA, GA, TX, NV, NE, MI, DE, IA, FL, NC, IN, IL, CA, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1393604

About Luke Halliday

A native Texan, Luke has worked in the investment industry since 2006. He received the CFP® designation after successfully completing the rigorous requirements of the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards, Inc. As a CFP®, he assesses every financial conversation with a client from a comprehensive point of view.

He joined The Barnes Group in 2013. Luke is well versed in the areas of tax planning, investments, retirement planning, estate planning and financial planning strategies.

Luke currently resides in Bedford, TX with his wife Heather and three children Dylan, Abigail and Noelle.

About Rand Barnes

Rand Barnes is a second-generation member of the Barnes group. He joined the team in 2019, and serves as a first point of contact for our clients. He also delivers direct support to our team to ensure all our clients receive unrivaled service.

Rand is a graduate of Baylor University and has a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Rand currently lives in Farmers Branch with his wife, Kelsey, and rescue cat Ringo.

About Samantha Flood

Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Sammy is the newest member of the Barnes Group. She has been with the firm since 2017 and works closely with Luke and Rand to deliver an exceptional level of service to our clients.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Sammy worked in sales and customer service roles at a Cincinnati based payment processing company. She attended Transylvania University, in Lexington, KY, and graduated with an undergraduate degree in Spanish Education. Sammy earned her MBA in marketing from Xavier University.

Outside of the office, Sammy enjoys running, hiking, fishing, and rooting on her Cincinnati sports teams. She currently resides in Carrollton, TX with her husband Johnny and their two Labrador retrievers, Molly and Georgia.
CA Insurance License #: CA Insurance License# 4276675

About Jessica Papson

Jessica began her career with Morgan Stanley in 2011. She started working with the Barnes Group in 2012 and after a brief hiatus rejoined the team in 2024.

Jessica graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Business Administration and concentration in Entrepreneurship. She assists clients with all aspects of client service and administrative duties.

Jessica currently resides in Royse City, Texas, with her husband, Chris and their two children.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

The 1% Move


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
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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
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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 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

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

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

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2Morgan 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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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 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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5Morgan 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.

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6Morgan 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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7Investors 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.

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8Morgan 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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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)