Our Story

We are deeply rooted in our mission to be the guardian of your prosperity through good times and bad for this generation and the next. We provide our clients with confidence and clarity in planning for their financial future. Over three decades, we have refined our process, expanded our services and built a model that provides a tailored and holistic experience.

Our advisor team offers experience in personal financial and retirement planning, business planning and corporate services and non-profit asset management. In each of these areas we offer wealth management strategies for a myriad of financial situations.

While we started as a brother/sister team, today’s much larger team continues to embrace the meaning of the surname Edwards, which traces its origins back to England in 900 a.d. Its root words, “ead” and “ward” mean prosperity and fortune, guardian and protector respectively. Centuries later, The Edwards Group shares this philosophy and remains driven by this purpose.
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Our Proven Process

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1. Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
2. Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
3. Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
4. Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
5. Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
6. Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

At The Edwards Group at Morgan Stanley, we make administering your retirement plan easier, so you can target more time running your business. We strive to provide you with custom solutions to help reduce associated risk and minimize costs in an effort to maximize returns. Our team's experience and guidance helps allow plan sponsors to effectively navigate the fiduciary landscape among:

  • Defined Contribution Plans
  • Defined Benefit Plans
  • Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans and
  • Cash Balance Plans.

Plan Consulting:
We integrate all aspects such as plan design, vendor research and benchmarking, investment fund lineup oversight, employee education and engagement programs to support financial wellness and retirement readiness, and program management. The Edwards Group acts in your best interest by providing strategies that are aligned with your unique investment objectives. Our team's world-class resources seek to deliver beyond traditional consulting to provide a holistic approach to managing your retirement plan.

Your Duty as a Fiduciary:
Recently, it has become more complex managing a Corporate Retirement Plan such as a 401(k), 403(B), or Cash Balance. A number of responsibilities fall upon the plan sponsor –from investment management and fee analysis, to documenting fiduciary processes, to working with the recordkeeper – with the intention of helping their employees prepare for retirement. The Edwards Group promotes plan sponsor engagement and education to help empower you to make confident and informed decisions about your retirement plan now and in the future.

Our Comprehensive Approach:
Our tailored consulting and management of your Corporate Retirement Plan provides an end-to-end process that can be of benefit to the plan sponsor and employees alike including: plan management and risk mitigation, investment management, expense and service provider oversight, and employee engagement through production and delivery of an employee education plan. Our team is positioned to help you review your plan's investment policy statement, select and review investments, evaluate service providers, prepare benchmarking reports and share best practices. Additionally, our robust investment options at Morgan Stanley allow us to work to help improve outcomes for retirement for your employees while helping the business maintain and adhere to industry standards.

    Community Engagement

    Embracing the responsibility of being a guardian of prosperity extends beyond our work life. Our team is committed to building prosperity and guarding those most vulnerable in the communities where we live and work. We remain engaged with a number of local non-profits and community organizations. In 2019-2025, The Edwards Group at Morgan Stanley was honored by Columbus Business First with their annual Corporate Citizenship Award in recognition of our extensive service to the Central Ohio community.

    The Edwards Group works to further Morgan Stanley’s culture of global citizenship. For 80 years, our firm has been a leader in the financial services industry and our team leverages our company’s global resources in the communities where we do business.

    Client Resources & Events

    We believe that you deserve to receive exceptional service while getting our very best possible investment counsel. When we talk together, we aim to get to the heart of what’s truly important in your life. We focus on the well-being of your life – your family, your business concerns, your health and your passions – knowing that every decision we make together can impact many people. Keeping you all updated on upcoming firm events that are engaging and timely adds to the level of service that we provide.
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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.
      GIC Weekly Research 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.
      On The Markets Research Report
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      Implications of the Secure 2.0 Act
      Starting in 2025, if permitted by the plan, participants who have attained age 60, 61, 62, or 63 have an increased catch-up limit. Click the link below for the updated Maximum Benefit and Contribution Limits for 2019-2025.
      Click Here for More Details
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      One Big Beautiful Bill Cheat Sheet
      In this cheat sheet we outline some of the most frequently discussed tax provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
      View Cheat Sheet Here
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      2026 Federal Tax Tables
      This document outlines the 2026 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.
      View 2026 Tax Table

    WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

    Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

      Equity Solutions

      Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

      • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
      • Liquidity Events
      • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

      Learn more
      Retirement

      For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

      • Defined Contribution Consulting
      • Solutions-Oriented Plans
      • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

      Learn more
      Deferred Compensation

      Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

      Services include:

      • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
      • Portfolio Construction
      • Wealth Management Services
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      Executive Services

      Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

      • Equity Compensation Services
      • Equity Award Analysis
      • Specialized Solutions
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      Saving and Giving

      Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

      • College Savings
      • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
      • Charitable Giving
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      Financial Wellness

      We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

      • Financial Education
      • Digital Tools
      • Financial Guidance

      Learn more

    Location

    4449 Easton Way
    Suite 300
    Columbus, OH 43219
    US
    Direct:
    (614) 473-2401(614) 473-2401
    Toll-Free:
    (866) 273-3726(866) 273-3726

    Meet The Edwards Group

    About Brian J Edwards

    Brian Edwards is a Managing Director of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor who has worked in the financial services industry since he founded The Edwards Group in 1989. In his role, Brian leads the team and guides overall investment strategy, working with successful small business owners and high net worth individuals navigate complex family wealth situations. He enjoys helping clients and team members achieve their goals and dreams, and is known for bringing steady perspective to complex decisions.

    Brian holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation and has earned internal designations including Senior Investment Management Consultant; Professional Alliance Group Director; Corporate Client Group Director; Corporate Retirement Director; Family Wealth Advisor; and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist. He has been with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms for his entire career dating back to 1989, and the success of his practice facilitated the formation of The Edwards Group at Morgan Stanley. Brian has been a member of Morgan Stanley’s President’s Council or Chairman’s Council since 1996. His day-to-day focus includes coordinating team efforts, guiding portfolio and planning conversations, and helping clients think through issues as family priorities and market conditions evolve.

    Brian earned a B.A. in Economics from Kenyon College. The same long-term, relationship-driven approach that has defined his career also shapes how he invests his time outside the office: he is a member of St. Edward’s Church and stays involved in charitable work in the community, while also maintaining professional and civic ties through the Investment Wealth Institute, The New Albany Country Club, Granville Chamber of Commerce, Licking County Chamber of Commerce, The East Wing Association at Kenyon College, and Business Networking International. Born and raised in Cleveland, Brian now lives in Granville, Ohio, with his wife, Judy, whom he married in 1992; together they have two children, Madeline and Grant. Outside of work, Brian and Judy enjoy traveling, and his ability to speak German has long been a natural complement to that interest, as he values time spent exploring new places, staying connected with family, and giving back locally.

    Recognition(s): Barron’s Magazine Top 1,200 Financial Advisor (2014–2026).
    Securities Agent: CO, IL, OR, HI, VT, VA, OH, NH, MD, AK, MA, KY, KS, CT, NY, WY, WV, WA, OK, NE, MO, ID, DE, AZ, AL, TX, PA, NM, AR, UT, NV, NC, MI, ME, NJ, MN, LA, IA, GA, FL, DC, CA, WI, TN, SC, MT, MS, IN; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1274649

    About Nicole T Edwards

    Nicole Edwards is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor who has been a member of The Edwards Group since January, 1999, when she joined her brother, Brian, and long-time assistant Kristy Burcham to form the team. She now has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and the team has grown from three people to over 17 strong. Much has changed in those 25+ years and her original focus on portfolio construction has evolved into a focus on financial planning, retirement planning, and legacy planning. The importance of willingly serving as a fiduciary for our clients cannot be underscored and that is especially true for Nicole as she serves as the team’s liaison for our team’s non-profit clients.

    Nicole holds internal designations as an Alternatives Investment Director and Financial Planning Specialist. In her day-to-day work, Nicole spends time conversing with clients in-person, replying to emails, reviewing portfolios, meeting with external investment professionals to fulfill due diligence obligations, providing solutions for client cash management, and serving as a resource for members of the team. Nicole's greatest satisfaction comes from working with multiple generations within families, helping them coordinate near-term priorities with longer-term legacy planning. She welcomes partnering with clients through significant life events, including widowhood and divorce, and the planning challenges that can accompany periods of change.
    Prior to moving back to Ohio to join her brother, Brian, Nicole held a variety of operational and managerial positions at United Parcel Service (UPS) in the Tennessee District. Nicole attended The University of Tampa in Tampa, FL, where she earned a B.A. in English and served as a teaching fellow at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where she earned her M.A. in American Literature.

    Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she remains a tortured Cleveland sports fan. She resides in Westerville with her long-time partner, Renee. They enjoy spending time with friends and are thankful that many of them have become “snowbirds”. Other vacations include visiting National Parks and traveling abroad. In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, sipping on good wine and bourbon, and finding ways to give back to the local community.
    Securities Agent: TN, ME, MA, KS, CA, NJ, WI, MT, MS, AR, PA, OR, HI, DE, WA, NY, NM, MI, KY, GA, CO, OK, NH, AL, NC, MO, LA, IN, FL, AZ, VA, IL, TX, SC, OH, ID, WV, VT, UT, NE, MN, MD, IA, CT, DC, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 287342

    About Mark Poulin

    Mark Poulin is a Financial Advisor and Corporate Retirement Director who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2014 and has more than 36 years of industry experience. In his role, Mark leads the team’s engagement with corporations and plan participants, helping create a financial culture for employees by using the firm’s wellness tools to drive meaningful tax deductions for the company while strengthening recruiting, retention, and financial rewards for long-term team members. He also provides goal-based retirement planning for individuals and families, leveraging experience across 401(k), profit-sharing, defined benefit, and cash balance plans, as well as the latest software, to maximize tax efficiency across accounts.

    Mark’s day-to-day work centers on designing and implementing retirement plan strategies that create significant tax deductions while enabling team members to participate in company profits. He partners closely with business owners, plan sponsors, and plan participants to simplify complex plan features and align plan design with broader business goals. Mark enjoys educating business owners about planning opportunities that he believes are often not being modeled, and he brings a practical, implementation-minded approach to coordinating plan improvements and participant outcomes.

    Mark holds the CRPS, CRPC, QPFC, and C(k)P designations. He has been recognized as part of a Top DC Advisor Team and as a Best in State Wealth Management Teams honoree. Prior to his current role, Mark held senior leadership positions at Aegon, Merrill Lynch, and ING.

    Mark earned a B.A. in Finance and an M.B.A. in Business Management from Franklin University. Born and raised in Columbus, he now resides in Pataskala, where he enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and being outdoors. Mark has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1997, and they have three children: Conner, Cali, and Chloe.
    Securities Agent: WY, NC, IN, CO, WI, MD, TN, MN, MI, IA, ME, WA, VA, UT, TX, OH, NY, NM, ND, LA, ID, CT, WV, NH, IL, CA, AR, AL, OR, OK, MS, MO, KS, VT, PA, NJ, KY, HI, GA, AZ, NE, MT, DE, DC, SC, MA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1288236

    About Heather Powell

    Heather Powell is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2017 and has more than 14 years of experience in the financial services industry. In her role, Heather enjoys working with mid-career executives and entrepreneurs to create tailored wealth management solutions that capitalize on tax efficiency. She also has unique expertise in building financial strategy for those in public pension systems, including OPERS, the Ohio Highway Patrol, STRS, and Ohio Police and Fire.

    Heather is a CPWA® and CDFA® professional and holds internal designations as a Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation and Financial Planning Specialist. She partners with clients to navigate complex financial decisions and develop customized strategies designed to build and sustain wealth for generations. Heather is passionate about empowering clients to be actively engaged in the financial planning and decision-making process, helping ensure priorities remain clear as circumstances evolve. Most days are spent helping clients evaluate planning trade-offs and implementing recommendations that align to each client’s goals and financial complexity.

    Prior to her current role, Heather served as Director of Business Development at TrueCore Federal Credit Union. She earned a B.S. in Communications from Ohio University.

    Heather is committed to serving her local community. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Food Pantry Network of Licking County and the Licking County Coalition for Housing, and she is a member of the Licking Memorial Health Systems Development Council. She is also active in the Rotary Club of Newark. Born and raised in Kalida, Ohio, Heather now lives in Granville with her husband, Mark, their son, Reed, and their family dog, Artie. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, reading, and traveling.
    Securities Agent: VA, TX, NC, MT, GA, DE, AZ, WA, KY, AR, WV, WI, OR, NJ, KS, AL, PA, MO, MA, MN, ME, MD, IL, CT, UT, TN, SC, OK, MI, IN, OH, NY, NE, LA, FL, IA, HI, CA, VT, NH, ID, DC, CO, WY, NM, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 954233

    About Erik Zwilling

    Erik Zwilling is a First Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2025. In his role, Erik develops and integrates a financial planning process to help clients pursue their financial and life goals, with a particular focus on retirement planning. He is especially passionate about empowering families to retire on their terms—helping take financial concerns off their list and guiding them toward the confidence to both live better and give better.

    Erik is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional and also holds the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designations. He supports clients with security and manager analysis, portfolio reviews, and ongoing client meetings, and he contributes to business development by helping families clarify priorities and align resources to match the way they want to live in retirement. Erik also provides insurance support across long-term care, permanent insurance, and annuities, helping clients evaluate coverage needs and integrate these decisions into the broader retirement strategy they are building.

    Prior to his current role, Erik served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He is a veteran whose career has remained anchored in service, and he is committed to giving back through local charity involvement and hands-on community support.

    Erik earned a B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Otterbein University. He has volunteered with local charities and organizations including Charity Newsies (as a “Corner Captain”), the Knights of Columbus, RCIA Leader at St. Paul’s, and the Academy for Autistic Children, and he is a former board member of RELA and Bridgeway. Born in Americus, Georgia, Erik now lives in Hilliard, Ohio, with his wife, Shellie, who has spent more than 30 years teaching for Columbus City Schools. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, touring craft breweries, boating on Indian Lake, and traveling to see his favorite bands in concert.
    Securities Agent: IL, WV, GA, FL, MA, IN, ME, WI, NC, KY, TN, SC, NY, AZ, NV, MT, MN, UT, TX, KS, VT, CA, WY, PA, NJ, NE, OK, NM, MS, MI, LA, ID, HI, AL, OR, MO, MD, VA, DC, AK, IA, CO, AR, WA, CT, NH, DE, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

    About Ben Ferguson

    Ben Ferguson is the team’s Group Director and has been a member of The Edwards Group since February 2019. In his role, Ben oversees the team’s business management and daily operations, including client service, the development and implementation of client strategies, and team coordination to support a consistent client experience. He helps translate client needs into clear, actionable processes, partners with colleagues to drive timely follow-through, and works to ensure service standards are consistently met across the team.

    Prior to joining The Edwards Group, Ben held various management roles within Morgan Stanley Firm Operations, building a strong foundation in operational leadership and service delivery and supporting teams focused on efficient execution and high-quality service.

    Ben earned a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati. Born in Cincinnati, he currently lives in Pataskala with his wife, Bridget, their daughter, Ireland, and their dog, Sloan. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

    About Nicholas Brosky

    Nick Brosky is a Business Development Director and Financial Planning Specialist who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2022 and has worked in the financial services industry since 2007. In his role, Nick partners closely with Financial Advisors to strengthen a client-centric experience through disciplined financial planning, thoughtful outreach, and digital engagement. He also serves as the initial point of contact for MS at Work Equity Plan Participants to help them evaluate next steps for their equity compensation and connect with the appropriate advisory resources.

    Nick is a CPWA® professional, holds an internal designation as a Financial Planning Specialist, and maintains Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations.

    Prior to his current role, Nick served as a Wealth Strategy Associate at UBS and previously was a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. He earned a BSBA in Finance from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. Originally from Aurora, Ohio, he now resides in Hilliard with his wife, Jess, their two sons, Brooks and Jaxon, and their dog, Biff.

    About Trent Baker

    Trent Baker is an Investment Consultant and CFP® professional who rejoined The Edwards Group in 2023. In his client service role, Trent provides investment portfolio reviews and retirement and income planning for clients. He enjoys interacting with clients and helping them accomplish their investment and financial planning goals.

    Trent earned his CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation in 2007 and has extensive experience in individual financial planning and the corporate qualified plan business. Most days are spent reaching out to clients and conducting review meetings to help ensure planning remains aligned with each client’s objectives.

    Prior to his current role, Trent spent thirteen years with Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms. He began his career in banking and commercial lending.

    Trent earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications from The Ohio State University (1983). Born and raised in central Ohio, he now spends time between Columbus and Southwest Florida. Outside of work, he enjoys running and golf.

    About Kristy Burcham

    Kristy Burcham is a Wealth Management Associate and Assistant Vice President who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 1992 and has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. In her role, Kristy supports high net worth client service with a focus on delivering top-tier client support.

    Kristy maintains a FINRA Series 7 license, which she obtained in 1998. She brings a service-first approach focused on helping clients feel supported and informed. Most days are spent coordinating account setup and maintenance, facilitating money movement, and providing client education to help ensure a consistent, high-quality experience.

    Kristy earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication from Franklin University, graduating magna cum laude in 1997. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Englewood, Ohio, she has been a Columbus resident since 1990. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and travel, and she values time with her husband Jim, daughter Marissa, stepdaughter Sierra, and granddaughters Iris and Zoah, as well as her beloved pets. She also enjoys trips to Disney World with her daughter and sister.

    About Keith Conn

    Keith Conn is a Business Development Associate and Financial Planning Consultant who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2011. In his role, Keith supports the team’s business and corporate service clients, partnering with business owners and professionals to implement and manage business retirement plans and coaching clients toward retirement readiness by simplifying complex plan details so they can make confident decisions.

    As a Qualified Plans Financial Consultant (QPFC) and Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPS®), Keith brings over 15 years of financial services experience to his work. Previously, he served as Director of Morgan Stanley Firm Operations.

    Keith earned a B.A. in Management from The Ohio State University. A lifelong resident of London, he is Chairman of London’s Civil Service Commission, while serving on the boards of the Madison County Chamber, Madison Health Foundation, Junior Achievement, and Kiwanis Club of London; he is also a 4H Advisor. Outside of work, he enjoys boating with his wife, Sarah, and fishing with his two sons, Reece and Pierce.

    About Alex Nicholson

    Alex Nicholson is a Financial Planning Analysist who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2021 and has over five years of experience in the financial services industry. As the team’s financial planner, he helps clients gain clarity and confidence by connecting thoughtful planning with disciplined investment insights.

    Alex is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional, maintains Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations, and holds an internal designation as a Financial Planning Specialist. Most days are spent preparing retirement plans, initial investment proposals, portfolio performance reports, and data-driven analyses, while assisting with investment strategy and research.

    Alex began his career with The Edwards Group as an intern. He earned a B.S. in Finance from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. Born and raised in North Canton, Ohio, Alex now lives in Johnstown with his wife, Simone, and their two children, Calvin and Gia. Outside of work, he volunteers as a youth sports coach and enjoys watching sports, working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

    About Ahmed Barghouty

    Ahmed Barghouty is a Portfolio Associate who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2021 and has over 9 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his role, Ahmed supports portfolio management, facilitates client relationships, and helps ensure seamless execution of client needs for both retail and corporate retirement clients.

    Ahmed is a CIMA® professional and maintains Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations. He brings a service-first approach focused on helping clients feel confident and informed about their financial future. Most days are spent coordinating client meetings, handling account maintenance, addressing inquiries, and facilitating transactions to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience.

    Prior to joining The Edwards Group, Ahmed spent three years in Private Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Financial Management from The University of Akron. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia and originally from Palestine, Ahmed now resides in Galloway with his dog, Diego. He enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures and cuisines, staying active outdoors, and speaks Arabic and French.

    About Karen Mayet-Velasco

    Karen Mayet-Velasco is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst who has been a member of The Edwards Group since November 2021. In her role, Karen cultivates exceptional client relationships and supports a seamless client experience by leading the team’s branding and marketing efforts, helping identify gaps in operational procedures and data management, and preparing annuity and insurance reviews. She brings a creative mindset and a drive for excellence in customer service.

    Karen holds the Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 registrations, as well as Life and Health Insurance Licenses. She is also fluent in Spanish.

    Karen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development and Spanish from Miami University of Ohio. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, she moved to Granville, Ohio when she was 9 and now lives in Columbus. Outside of work, she enjoys tending to her plants, playing guitar, attending hot yoga classes and trivia nights, and playing in a weekly sand volleyball league with her coworkers.

    About Lynn Beach

    Lynn Beach is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst and Financial Planning Specialist who has been a member of The Edwards Group since 2023 and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having worked in the field since 2002. In her role, Lynn cultivates strong client relationships and supports a seamless client experience by handling phone coverage and processing client requests.

    Lynn holds the Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 licenses.

    Prior to joining The Edwards Group, Lynn held roles at Huntington Financial Advisors, including Business Analyst II, Regional Sales and Operations Specialist, and Client Relationship Specialist. She later joined Charles Schwab as a Senior Registered Client Relationship Specialist.

    Lynn attended Ohio University, where she studied Applied Management. Born in Mansfield, Ohio, she resides in Newark, Ohio, with her husband, Jeremy, and their children Carter, Kierstin, Kamryn, and Cooper. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, walking, and spending time with her family and menagerie of animals.

    About Dani Nichols

    Dani Nichols is a Wealth Management Associate who has been with The Edwards Group since 2023. In her role, Dani supports clients with exceptional attention to detail and a personal approach, working alongside them as they pursue what matters most to them and their financial goals.

    Dani brings more than 16 years of experience in finance, including a long tenure in banking and additional experience in financial services. Her background includes retail banking, residential and commercial lending, underwriting, business development, and training and development. Prior to joining The Edwards Group, Dani served as Vice President at First Federal Savings and Loan Association.

    Dani earned a B.S. in Finance from Franklin University. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, The Buckeye Lake Historical Society, and Granville Chamber Alliance. Born and raised in Hebron, Ohio, she lives in Newark, Ohio with her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Myla, and enjoys traveling, glamping, and playing competitive card games with family.

    About Jack Parsons Jr.

    Jack Parsons is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst who has been a member of The Edwards Group since August 2025 and has more than 3 years of experience in financial services. In his role, Jack supports the team’s client service and day-to-day execution, helping clients with account transfers and money movements and supporting the advisors with client scheduling, with a focus on helping the team achieve clients’ financial objectives through exceptional service.

    Jack holds the Series 7 and Series 66 registrations. He values collaborating with a hard-working team focused on helping individuals and clients reach their full financial potential.

    Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Ohio State University (2024). Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he lives in the Clintonville area with his girlfriend, Anna, and their Bernedoodle, Shadow. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, cycling on his Peloton, running, cooking, reading, golfing, and spending time with friends and family; he also enjoys reading financial reports and academic studies on investing and personal savings.

    About Joseph Reeder

    Joseph Reeder is a Client Service Associate who has been a member of The Edwards Group since August 2026. In his role, Joseph supports the team by helping deliver a high-quality client experience with a primary focus on the 401(k) and Cash Balance areas of the business. He coordinates service needs, supports plan-related processes, and ensures clients receive timely, organized, and attentive assistance.

    Joseph holds the SIE, Series 6, and Series 63 licenses. He values building connections with clients over time and enjoys getting to know clients and developing those relationships.

    Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Denver. Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, he moved to Denver, Colorado from 2021–2026 for college and post-grad and very recently relocated to Columbus. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, running, lifting, reading, cooking, skiing, and spending time with friends and family, including his parents, Katie and David; his siblings, Gavin, Abby, and Olivia; and their cockapoo, Sammy.

    About Austin Roberts

    Austin Roberts is a Client Service Associate who has been a member of The Edwards Group since June 2026 after interning with the team the summer of 2024. In his role, Austin supports the team’s financial planner and contributes to the wealth management process by helping ensure timely, accurate execution of client-related deliverables. He assists with performance report generation, prepares investment proposals, and conducts data analytics for firm clients to support a high-quality client experience.

    Austin recently graduated from college and is new to the financial services industry. He enjoys collaborating with a strong team that is committed to delivering high-quality financial services to clients.

    Austin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Ohio Wesleyan University. Born and raised in Granville, Ohio, Austin grew up in a family of five with his parents, Jennifer and Todd, and two younger brothers, Ian and Duncan. Outside of work, he is a big sports fan—especially football—and follows the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State football. He also enjoys strength training and fishing.

    Awards and Recognition

    Barron's Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
    2011-2012, 2014-2026 Barron's Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State, Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2011-2012, 2014-2026). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
    Wealth Management
    Global Investment Office

    Portfolio Insights

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    Equity Compensation

    Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

    • Vesting events
    • Option expirations
    • Restricted stock units
    • Tax implications

    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
    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

    Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

    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
    Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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    Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors

    Prolonged conflict with Iran could lead to higher oil prices, hotter inflation and greater market uncertainty.

    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
    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

    Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

    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.

    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
    Small Business Retirement Plans
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    Small Business Retirement Plans

    Learn about retirement plans for smaller businesses and how to select the right type for you and your employees. Compare SEP or SIMPLE IRAs vs 401(k)s.

    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 Edwards Group today.
    Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
    Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

    1Morgan 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.

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

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

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    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 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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    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.

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

    Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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