Our Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading & execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Process

Our process begins and ends with listening. We ask questions about what is important to you, your family and your legacy . . . and then we listen. Through each step, we provide objective advice and investment insights to construct a wealth management plan that is uniquely yours.
    Icon Image
    1: Introduction
    We begin with an informal discussion to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value. If we all agree to move forward, we'll schedule our next meeting and request important financial information.
    Icon Image
    2: Discovery
    We continue the dialogue by fostering an in-depth conversation where we learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify any unique circumstances. We also review the documents you’ve prepared and define your priorities.
    Icon Image
    3: Asset Transfer
    With your approval, we begin to transfer your assets to Morgan Stanley. Once transferred, we begin our goals-based financial planning process.
    Icon Image
    4: Analysis & Plan Development
    Utilizing proprietary tools and insights from Morgan Stanley, we develop a personalized financial plan that integrates all of your available assets into one integrated plan.
    Icon Image
    5: Plan Presentation & Implementation
    In this step, we present appropriate strategies that are designed to work together to achieve your goals. Upon your approval, we will initiate the investment recommendations and begin to implement the additional strategies we’ve discussed. These often encompass risk management, as well as estate and legacy planning strategies.
    Icon Image
    6: Ongoing Service
    Committed to premium service, we focus on developing a relationship that provides special value to you and your family. As we begin to execute each strategy, we will set up tools so you have immediate access to your account information. And because markets and personal needs evolve over time, we set up ongoing meetings to ensure your plan remains on schedule to achieve your goals.

Customized Solutions

As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. We leverage our experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. We look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to achieve your particular priorities and goals.
    Icon Image
    Wealth Management
    Wealth management brings all the dimensions of your life together. We listen carefully to understand the connections across your personal life, your family, your career, and your legacy goals to develop an integrated strategy that is uniquely yours.
    Icon Image
    Alternative Investments
    Morgan Stanley’s global network affords us the ability to offer qualified clients a wide array of alternative investments to consider – from private equities and exchange funds to hedge funds and real estate investments. Our recommendations are based on your own goals and your tolerance for investment risk.
    Icon Image
    Long Term Care Insurance
    Life’s risks can manifest themselves in many ways – from loss of life to loss of health – and have the potential to impair the efficiency of a thoughtfully developed plan. We proactively help address these concerns in a number or ways, ranging from insurance reviews to liquidity strategies.
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    One of our key areas of strength is helping you prepare for and thrive in retirement. From IRAs to RMDs, we manage the complexities of your comprehensive retirement plan assets, helping you easily transition to the next phase of your life with security and confidence.
    Icon Image
    401(k) Rollovers
    If you have a 401(k) from a previous job, we make it easy to consolidate your assets into one account so you can monitor your progress and investment results all in one place. This helps simplify your financial life, keeps you organized and helps make your money work harder for you.
    Icon Image
    Sustainable Investing
    Many investors are seeking meaningful ways to create positive economic, social and environmental impact through the investments they make in their portfolio. Socially Responsible Investing focuses on aligning financial goals – which are driven by economic fundamentals – with impact goals – which are driven by personal values and mission. We can help you integrate these themes into your investment strategy.
    Icon Image
    529 Plans
    Helping meet the educational costs of children and grandchildren may be one of the most personal fulfilling investments you can make. We are here to help you develop strategies and investment recommendations that can help ensure the people in your life get the education they need to succeed.
    Icon Image
    Corporate Retirement Plans
    As an Executive, we know your benefits are sometimes complicated. We can help you gather the financial information needed for your Financial Planning Analysis. Begin preparing for your transition from the Workplace to Retirement with our team of experts.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN A DIGITIAL WORLD

We offer a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your wealth more effectively in today’s busy world. We are happy to assist you in signing up for any of these services.
    Icon Image
    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
    LifeView Brochure
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    The Morgan Stanley Mobile App gives you the same capabilities as Morgan Stanley Online – all from the convenience of your own phone. It also offers features to simplify your everyday finances. These include mobile check deposit and Send Money with Zelle, a convenient way to send and receive money.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.
    Digital Vault
    Icon Image
    eSign
    eSign is a digital, paperless alternative to the traditional means of obtaining signatures for necessary paperwork. There is no registration process to begin using eSign – all you need is a valid email address and phone number.
    Icon Image
    eDelivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery.
    Edelivery
    Icon Image
    eAuthorization
    With eAuthorization, you no longer need to sign a paper Letter of Authorization (LOA) to authorize a wire transfer request.
    Learn More

VALUABLE TOOLS & RESOURCES:

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance various aspects 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.
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. 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
    Icon Image
    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
    Icon Image
    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Online Security Center
    Icon Image
    Tax Efficient Strategies
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
    Your Guide to Tax-Efficient Planning
    Icon Image
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
    The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
    Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    GIC Weekly Research Report
    Icon Image
    Goals Based Planning
    Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology in reaching your financial goals.
    Our Planning Tools

Location

111 S Pfingsten Rd
Ste 200
Deerfield, IL 60015
US
Direct:
(847) 291-5628(847) 291-5628

Meet The BridgeView Group

About John R. Kaufman

An investment professional with over 29 years of wealth management experience, John focuses on providing financial advice, guidance and planning for a select group of clients. He is a Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley and holds the titles of Senior Portfolio Manager and an Alternative Investments Director. John joined the firm in 2014 after serving as a Managing Director at Mesirow Financial where he was also a member of the firm’s Managed Money Advisory Board. With considerable experience evaluating both individual securities and selecting investment management organizations, John helps clients structure their portfolios to meet their specific goals and risk tolerances. He works closely with individuals, institutions and corporations to apply prudent policies and procedures to their investing programs.

John graduated from the University of Iowa with a BS in Business Administration and Communications. He currently resides in Highland Park, Illinois with his wife, Graziela, and four sons. As an active member of his community, John serves as a board member for the Rush University Neurobehavioral Center and The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, as well as the American Liver Foundation. While away from the office, he enjoys skiing, playing golf and traveling with his family.

CA Insurance License #: 0K16236
Securities Agent: AZ, AR, OK, FL, CO, CT, UT, TX, OH, NC, IL, MN, WY, PA, MT, WI, NM, CA, NY, NV, NJ, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1316530

About Liam C. Hansen

Liam focuses on providing financial advice, while integrating long-term planning, and helping clients navigate their financial goals. Liam joined the firm in 2019 after two years at Merrill Lynch, where he focused on creating and implementing client financial plans and investment strategies to help clients achieve their goals.

Liam graduated from Butler University with a BS in International Business and Spanish. He currently lives in Streamwood, Illinois, with his wife, Katie. Outside of the office, Liam coaches Water Polo at New Trier High School helping students to develop skills for life in and out of the pool. He also enjoys playing water polo himself, trying new cuisines, and travelling with his wife.

NMLS# 1704981
Securities Agent: RI, WY, IN, MN, OH, NJ, UT, WI, WA, VA, TX, TN, SC, PA, OR, OK, NY, NV, NM, NC, MT, MO, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, KS, IL, ID, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1704981

About Hilary Bryson

With over twenty years of experience in the investment industry, Hilary is often the first voice of contact when clients call into the office, eager to assist and utilize her skills to tackle any client issue. She has held a wide range of positions including client sales associate, cashier/ broker services, and financial advisor. Hilary is a capable and trusted professional, well-able to serve the day to day administrative needs of The Bridgeview Group’s client base. She has FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 registrations, as well as, Illinois Life, Annuity and Long-Term Care insurance licenses.

A native Chicagoan, Hilary attended Triton College in River Grove, Illinois and is married to Stefan. In her spare time, Hilary enjoys outdoor sports, spending time with friends and family and gardening.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
Article Image

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
Article Image

A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.

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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image

Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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
Article Image

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.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The BridgeView Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

Back to top



2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



3Alternative 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.

Back to top



4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



5When 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.

Back to top



6When 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.

Back to top



7The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

Back to top



8Investors 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.

Back to top



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)