Welcome

Welcome to the home page of The Blue Lake Group, a 2023, 2024, and 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management team.

Individuals and families have increasingly complex needs, which is why we believe wealth management has evolved to be more than simply picking investments.

Our experience has taught us the importance of developing a multi-disciplinary approach. For this reason, we collaborate with our clients’ accountants, attorneys, and other key advisors to develop customized financial plans and investment strategies.


Your unique goals.
Our experience and guidance.









Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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Our clients are individuals and families with active lives who rely on us to provide them with thorough, unbiased and carefully considered guidance on a full range of financial topics. When you work with us, we commit to treat you with respect, care and confidentiality.

The Blue Lake Group at Morgan Stanley - Overview of our Core Services

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    FINANCIAL PLANNING
    A well-crafted financial plan is the cornerstone of our relationship with you.
    Our discovery process will provide us with the information needed to develop a plan that reflects your unique situation.
    Learn more about our Planning Tools
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    INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
    We offer a wide range of investment management strategies including tax efficient asset allocation, alternative investments and investing with impact.
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    CASH MANAGEMENT & LENDING SOLUTIONS
    We help you manage your day-to-day finances more efficiently with unique cash management and lending solutions. Our team leverages knowledgeable professionals to provide expertise.
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    EXECUTIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES
    We understand the regulatory challenges executives face. Our team delivers specialized guidance and tailored solutions to help meet your unique needs.
Our comprehensive suite of tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View (TWV). By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth View
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    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the latest report
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report
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    Cyber Security
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is our highest priority. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Learn more about Cyber Security
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn more about MSO

Our Holistic Approach

The Blue Lake Group delivers a personalized approach to wealth management beginning with a meticulously crafted financial plan. Our clients’ plans reflect all of the major stages of their lives and serve as a lifelong resource. These plans also serve as a guide for the creation of the ideal portfolio for you and your family.

To begin your complimentary Financial Plan Analysis, please click the link below to complete our Financial Planning Questionnaire, or click the "Contact Us" button located under our team name.

Location

233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 419-3361(312) 419-3361

Meet The Blue Lake Group

About Trevor Ricks

Trevor is a founding member of The Blue Lake Group at Morgan Stanley, and a former small business accountant. He has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation which demonstrates his commitment to a consultative approach to wealth management. Trevor serves his clients as a Family Wealth Advisor where he takes time to fully understand their goals and deliver personal, family-centered wealth management strategies. Each financial plan produced by Trevor and his team is supported by a deep understanding of the dynamics of family, taxes, and investment management. Trevor believes in combining these three tenants together to give his clients the best advice.

Trevor has built his practice by understanding and meeting the needs of business executives and wealthy families. He believes that trust is an essential part of wealth management and continues to build that trust with each email, phone call and meeting.

Trevor lives with his family in Heber City, Utah. He is a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and has also guest lectured finance courses at The University of Illinois at Chicago and The University of South Florida. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing, alpine skiing, cooking, and extreme sports.
Securities Agent: ID, WY, WV, WI, WA, VA, TX, TN, SC, PA, OR, OH, NV, NM, NJ, NH, NE, ND, NC, MT, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, IN, IL, IA, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, NY, CO, CA, AZ, RI, AR, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1321578

About Carter Bass

Carter Bass is a First Vice President, Financial Advisor, Alternative Investments Director, and Dedicated Equity Plan Specialist at Morgan Stanley. Carter first joined The Blue Lake Group at Morgan Stanley in August 2017 in our downtown Chicago office. Prior to joining the team, Carter attended The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University where he graduated with a BS degree in Marketing.

Carter now focuses on helping corporate executives and high net-worth families advance and protect their wealth by engaging with them on important issues such as stock concentration, estate planning and portfolio construction. Carter’s focus in the Alternative Investments space allows him to deliver innovative investment opportunities to help strengthen client portfolios and better align them with their financial goals. Carter’s continued dedication to helping clients has earned him national recognition in the industry as a Forbes Top Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for 2023 and 2024.

Carter and his wife currently reside in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood. Carter is passionate about traveling, Green Bay Packers football and enjoys an active lifestyle playing basketball, golfing, snow skiing and chasing around his Golden Retriever, Ralph.




2023 and 2024 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023 and 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
Securities Agent: NH, FL, IA, KY, OK, ID, WV, WA, TX, ND, PA, UT, VA, NV, NM, MN, ME, MO, SC, CA, WI, NJ, SD, NE, NC, MI, WY, VT, OR, TN, MT, OH, MD, KS, VI, RI, MS, NY, MA, AK, IL, AR, CT, DE, LA, AZ, IN, GA, CO, DC, HI, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1744848

About Michael J. DeVries

Michael DeVries joined The Blue Lake Group at Morgan Stanley in 2019 and has been providing investment guidance and planning advice to his clients for over a decade. Michael enjoys helping High Net-Worth Families and Businesses define and achieve their financial goals and objectives. In doing so he guides clients through a variety of challenging areas including maximization of Equity Compensation, planning for Retirement Benefits, and employing Alternative Investment Strategies.

Michael has been recognized as a 5 Star Wealth Manager in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Michael graduated from the University of Illinois- Chicago with a Bachelors in Business Administration. When Michael is not in the office or seeing clients, he can be found Golfing, Wakeboarding or spending time with his family in South Florida.
Securities Agent: RI, NJ, SC, NE, ND, MI, IN, HI, AZ, UT, DE, MS, VI, ID, WV, ME, SD, NM, AK, VT, TX, OH, NH, MN, KY, VA, MA, FL, DC, TN, NY, NV, LA, AR, AL, WY, WI, PA, NC, MO, KS, IA, GA, CA, IL, OK, MD, CO, OR, MT, CT, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282657

About Gianna Bugno

Gianna Bugno is a Business Development Associate with the Blue Lake Group. Prior to joining the team in 2020, Gianna earned her B.S. in Finance and Banking with a minor in Economics from the University of Missouri.

Gianna handles executive interaction including trading, transaction support, and money movement. She ensures the team is continuously evolving by producing materials aimed at enhancing the complete client experience. Gianna earned her Series 7 and 66 Licenses, as well as her Illinois Life and Health Insurance Licenses.

Gianna resides in Chicago and enjoys spending time at the lakefront, exercising and traveling to new places with her family and friends.

About Chuck Walters

Chuck started his career with Morgan Stanley in 2018 in the Chicago office. Since joining Morgan Stanley, Chuck has held a variety of roles working with some of the top financial professionals in the business. This experience helps him provide the world class resources of Morgan Stanley to any client situation.

Chuck earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from North Central College in Naperville. He has completed additional training to receive the Financial Planning Specialist designation. He holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as State of Illinois Insurance License.

Chuck currently lives in Chicago. In his free time he enjoys staying active through golfing and riding his bike along the lake front.

About Bella Anichini

Bella Anichini is a Registered Associate with The Blue Lake Group. She handles client related services such as client onboarding, meeting scheduling and account maintenance. Bella enjoys connecting with clients and aspires to exceed client expectations.

She currently holds a B.S. in Finance from Miami University, Farmer School of Business. Outside of work, Bella resides in Chicago, where she enjoys exploring the city with family and friends by trying new restaurants and experiences.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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 The Blue Lake Group today.
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 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 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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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 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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7When 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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8Morgan 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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9When 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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10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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11Morgan 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

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12Investors 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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13Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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)