Copper Beech Tree Group at Morgan Stanley

Kurt was recruited to Morgan Stanley in 1993 and assists clients with all aspects of their Financial Planning from portfolio construction to life planning. In addition to being a Executive Director, he has earned the designation of Senior Investment Management Specialist. This coveted distinction is awarded to Financial Advisors, by the Consulting Group, who have exemplified a comprehensive understanding and thorough knowledge of professional asset management. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he worked in Corporate Finance for a Silicon Valley technology company. Kurt saw all sides of the business from its start-up phase to the initial public offering.
Originally from the Bay Area, Kurt holds a BS in Finance (San Jose State University), an MBA in Finance (Golden Gate University), a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (University of California, Berkeley) and was a graduate in Wharton’s first class of the Private Wealth Management Program (University of Pennsylvania).

Kurt has time and again demonstrated a strong commitment to his profession and community. He currently volunteers or has served in leadership positions with the following organizations: Pat Tillman Foundation (Advisory Board), CFP Program - University of California, Berkeley (Advisory Board Chair), Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Advisory Board (President), Financial Management Association - Silicon Valley Chapter (President), Youth Re:Action Corps - Leland High School (Mentor Board Chair).

Since 1998, Kurt has taught the Investments course in their highly regarded Financial Planning Program for the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley he has won multiple teaching excellence awards. In 2009, Kurt developed and taught the inaugural Essentials of Wealth Management course for Stanford University in their Continuing Studies Program. Additionally, his biography has been published in the directory of Who’s Who of Professionals and Who’s Who in America.

Kurt lives in San Jose, California and cherishes time spent with his sons Kyle and Connor.

Lawrence began his career with Jordan Walters and Kurt Carrasquilla in 1998. During his tenure, Lawrence has developed professionally, having passed the Series 7, 63 and 65 examinations. The breadth of his responsibilities include portfolio management, asset allocation analyses, proactive strategic discussions, and, as with all team members, client contact and excellent responsiveness.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Lawrence gained extensive management experience and communication skills while working in the retail service industry. He aptly combines a wonderful attitude with his experience in his daily client interactions.

As a graduate of San Jose State University with a BS in Business/Finance, Lawrence is committed to the pursuit of continued study. He has earned the designation of Consulting Group Analyst after completing a comprehensive advanced training program. Additionally, Lawrence has been awarded the title of Financial Planning Specialist after completing extensive coursework, passing a rigorous exam and fulfilling significant annual continuing education requirements.

Lawrence is a Bay Area native and enjoys the diversity, attractions and spirit within the community. He and his wife live in Daly City with their daughter and son.

Lawrence has been involved with a variety of charitable events, passionately donating his time and giving back to those in need. Annually, he participates in the Sports of the World's Children Benefit Tournament, helps serve food during the holiday season at St. Anthony's in San Francisco and coaches the Junior Giants and his church's youth softball team.

Joseph was recruited in 2000 and has since surpassed all of our team's expectations. Drawing from his years of industry experience, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and clients. In addition to his daily pursuit of precision, timeliness and proactive attention to our clients, he is well versed in our financial planning processes and investment strategies.

Before joining Morgan Stanley, Joseph earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from San Jose State University. In addition, he earned the Financial Planning Specialist designation after successfully completing the firm's rigorous and lengthy examination. He has obtained several security licenses, including the Series 7, 63 and 65. Joseph continues to strengthen his understanding of sophisticated and complex strategies, expanding and deepening his knowledge base.

Joseph enjoys living on the coast with his wife and four children. He is an avid contributor to various charitable organizations, and enjoys volunteering for others. In addition to spending quality time with his family and community, he enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and a persistent effort to lower his handicap on the golf course.

Years of diverse experience, understanding risk and how to mitigate it, competency, and resources of a formidable firm allow Daniel to pursue his interest in enabling others to achieve their goals.
Daniel has spent years in the financial services arena including positions at Apple Computer, Inc. (Treasury-Capital Markets, Corporate Finance, and Foreign Exchange) and Deutsche Bank (Managing Director - Debt and Equity Capital Markets and Sales & Trading covering corporations, high net worth individuals and private equity firms). Additionally, he worked several years as a Chemical Engineer for GE in Upstate New York.
After having spent his childhood in Ethiopia, Daniel moved to the United States in 1975 where he attended high school at Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He then received his B.S. in Engineering from Cornell and went on to get his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business.
Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients including asset allocation, hedging and monetizing of concentrated positions, foreign exchange and alternative investments. He speaks Italian and Amharic and is interested in world affairs.
Bonnie, Daniel’s wife, and he have two children attending college, Marina and Alessandro. The family lives in Saratoga, California.

Nicholas has been in the financial services industry since 2004 starting his career at Bank of America. He was promoted quickly and ultimately supervised a fast-paced, highly respected team at the bank. Nicholas was then recruited to Morgan Stanley and continues to build upon his industry knowledge and experience. With hard work and vigor in mind, Nicholas is committed to precision and diligence in our clients daily operational needs.  With a Business/Finance degree from San Jose State University, Nicholas strives to utilize his academic foundation to better assist clients on a daily basis.
As a San Francisco native, Nicholas enjoys the Bay Areas diverse community. Although he lives in San Jose, he makes frequent trips to San Francisco to spend time with his family and friends. Outside of the office, he is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys following the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors year round. Nicholas has a very charitable spirit and volunteers his time with various non-profit organizations in the community.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

Karlene started her career in financial services as a Bank Teller with U.S. Bank in 2016 and was quickly promoted to a Banker. In 2022, she was recruited to Morgan Stanley and initially worked on the operational side of the firm. In 2023, she joined the Copper Beech Tree Group as a Client Service Associate and clients have expressed appreciation for her can-do attitude and attention to detail.

As a finance major at San Francisco State University, Karlene is looking forward to graduating in May 2024. Additionally, she was awarded an Associates Business Degree from Bellevue College in Washington and is a California Notary Public. Karlene enjoys giving back to her community and cherishes volunteering with her church and the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. When she is not at work, Karlene loves traveling and spending time with her family and friends.