Our Story and Services

The Dutcher Group was founded in 1987 by Bruce Dutcher, a former naval aviator, whose finance career began punching ticker tape on a trading floor in the 1960s.

Bruce’s assiduous commitment to his clients, and steadfast guidance through all market conditions, caused the practice to flourish. Over the decades, the group has grown to serve clients and their families across 37 states as of 2024.

Since Bruce’s passing in 2023, the practice has been led by Steven Crowley and Max Dutcher, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

For us, wealth management means more than providing clients with investment advice. It means helping them maintain the financial independence they've worked their whole lives to achieve. It means striving to help ensure they have the means to pursue what's most important to them.

And it means understanding them as people with unique goals, values and circumstances that determine the strategies we develop on their behalf.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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How We Invest and Work With You

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    Our Philosophy
    • We are long the American economy as a central principal, pursuing direct investments in cash-flow-positive businesses, and avoiding speculative investments.
    • If we cannot explain it to a client in five minutes, then we will most likely not own it in our portfolios.
    • We prefer holdings that can be easily liquidated to cash.
    • We prefer holdings that provide an income stream through dividends or interest.
    • We maintain keen focus on balancing cost to invest with strong investment performance.
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    Our Process
    • We take a risk-oriented approach to allocation, back-testing portfolios against past market conditions, and stress-testing to help navigate disruptive market events.
    • We invest using meticulously maintained custom discretionary portfolios that serve client goals.
    • Our investment ideas, strategy and implementation are directed fully by our team.
    • We utilize external managers across a full spectrum of asset classes where appropriate, that can potentially provide leading performance and efficient costs to invest.

Our service model seeks to provide you with the highest quality service based on your needs and situation. Our approach takes into account more than just your investments, but rather your entire financial infrastructure, including your business and family goals, outside assets, and charitable giving.

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    Financial Planning
    • Goal-Based Financial Planning
    • Balance Sheet Analysis
    • Retirement Planning
    • Social Security, Long-Term Care, Pension Support
    • Education/College Funding
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    Wealth Management
    • World-Class Investment Resources
    • Model Portfolio Solutions
    • Tax Management Solutions
    • Targeted Risk & Liability Management
    • Alternative Investments
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    Advisory Services
    • Financial Education & Advocacy
    • Flexible & Evolving Financial Guidance
    • Coordination with Other Advisors (CPAs, Attorneys, Etc.)
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    Legacy
    • Legacy and Estate Planning Strategies
    • Family Governance Services
    • Philanthropy Support
    • Donor Advised Funds
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Location

3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 266-6086(404) 266-6086

Meet The Dutcher Group

About Steven Crowley

Steven Crowley is a Financial Advisor and partner at the Dutcher Group. He is dedicated to helping clients achieve all of their retirement and investing goals.

He is registered in 37 states and holds numerous financial licenses including the Series 7 and 66. He is also a member of Morgan Stanley’s Pacesetter’s Club, a global recognition for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service early in their career.

Prior to being a Financial Advisor, Steven was an entrepreneur and helped start and run various businesses including a pipeline equipment rental company. Steven held a real estate license in Georgia and was actively involved in the Georgia real estate market prior. Steven graduated with a B.S. in agricultural business and management from the University of Georgia in 2013 and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Outside of the office, Steven and his wife Patce live in Atlanta with their two children and two chocolate labs. In his free time, Steven enjoys golf, tennis, wildlife habitat management, and spending quality time with his family.
Securities Agent: CT, CA, TN, MS, GA, VI, NJ, MD, OR, OH, ID, WA, FL, DC, ME, HI, SC, NM, IN, AZ, AL, PA, NY, NC, MO, CO, AR, KY, TX, MT, IL, WV, VA, OK, NH, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2170781

About Max Dutcher

Max is a Financial Advisor at The Dutcher Group, with over a decade of experience in the financial industry. His practice focuses on high-impact financial planning and portfolio management for families, individuals, estates, family businesses and foundations. He loves empowering and enabling clients to establish their legacies and optimize their hard-earned wealth.

He is registered in 37 states and holds numerous financial licenses including the Series 7 and 66. He is also a member of Morgan Stanley’s Pacesetter’s Club, is a global recognition for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service early in their career.

Before joining Morgan Stanley, Max enjoyed a career in the financial sector in New York City, supporting institutional clients through mergers, public offerings and special situations at Gladstone Place Partners, Deloitte, and other boutique firms. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Furman University and a Master’s in Valuation Accounting from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

In his free time, Max lives in Atlanta and enjoys spending time with his family and his chocolate lab, woodworking, golf, and gardening.
Securities Agent: MD, VI, LA, PA, NY, MO, FL, AR, WV, VA, NH, ID, WA, NC, MS, ME, KY, AZ, AL, OR, OH, MN, IN, IL, DC, GA, TN, OK, MI, KS, HI, CO, SC, CT, CA, TX, NM, NJ, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2409493

About Mary Boyce

Mary Boyce assists clients with their everyday needs as a Portfolio Associate for the Dutcher Group. Mary has been employed with Morgan Stanley since 2005 and began working with the Dutcher Group in 2013. She grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. Mary is fully licensed and holds the SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Mary and her husband, Kevin, live in Acworth with their son, Reilly. They are members of St. Clare of Assisi Church. Outside of the office, Mary and her husband Kevin enjoy volunteering at their son’s school, North Cobb Christian, watching their son compete in sports, and spending time with their Bernese Mountain Dog, Ralphy.

About Charmaine A. Sylvester

Charmaine Sylvester, Portfolio Associate & Registered Client associate has been in the financial industry for over 25 years. She was born on the Caribbean island of Grenada and migrated to the United States at the age of 10 with her parents and siblings. She currently lives outside of Atlanta, GA nearby to her 3 children, but previously lived in Brooklyn, New York for over 30+ years. She started her career at Merrill Lynch in 1994 as a receptionist, then quickly moved into the role of Client Associate where she discovered her passion for the financial industry. During her time at Merrill Lynch, Charmaine obtained her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

In 2007, she made a life changing decision to leave NY to move to GA along with her children to be closer to family. She accepted a position as a Registered Client Associate with Smith Barney, where she was responsible for the daily administrative and operational tasks for the team. Charmaine is the mother of three beautiful adult children and the grandmother to two sweetest grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family, reading, cooking, and gardening. Charmaine is one of the best cooks in her family and enjoys entertaining friends and family, especially during the holidays. She also enjoys traveling to various places, but her favorite of them all is the island of Grenada, where she was born.

Hear from Our Clients

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.

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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 Brian Ford

NMLS# 687710

Brian Ford is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Brian Ford began his career in financial services in 2006, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Regional Private Banker at Wells Fargo, as well as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial.

Brian is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He and his family reside in Cumming, Georgia. Outside of the office, Brian dedicates his time to developing future leaders in youth athletics, serving as a Coach on his children’s baseball teams. When not on the field, he also enjoys running, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 687710

About Jay Zaffos

Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.

Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

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

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 Dutcher Group today.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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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4Alternative 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.

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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan 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.

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7Morgan 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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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.

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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)