The Fernhill Group at Morgan Stanley

Brian R. Larson co- founded the Fernhill Group at Morgan Stanley. Growing up as a son of a bond salesman, he has been familiar with the financial industry since the age of six. He grows on that foundation daily as he focuses on putting the needs of clients in the forefront to help create a powerful long-term relationship that benefits all. Bringing over 30 years of investment industry experience, Brian is dedicated to helping you navigate our complex investment environment. The Fernhill Group consistently focuses on providing exceptional client service with compassion and dedication.

In 2000, Brian earned the Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA^®) designation. A designation given to those who have demonstrated integrity and excellence within the industry.

For many years, he has been very involved in the community. His passions and commitments include: the Excelsior Morning Rotary Club and the Wayzata Chamber including chair of the Wayzata Art Experience. He has held very active roles in each of these organizations demonstrating his perseverance to using his talents to assist and guide where needed.

Brian graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with bachelor degrees in economics and computer science. He lives in Deephaven, MN with his wife, Leontine.

At Morgan Stanley, Bruce is a member of The Fernhill Group, a team of four investment professionals that have come together to provide their clients world class investment management and financial planning services. The team draws on their extensive investment experience and the knowledge of Morgan Stanley's Global Investment Committee. In addition, Bruce's decades of fixed income experience adds an important element to The Fernhill Group's investment management capabilities.

Bruce has significant experience in the financial industry. He began his career in 1973 as a fixed income securities trader and department manager at commercial banks in Erie and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1978, Bruce joined Kidder, Peabody & Co. as a Managing Director in its Cleveland, Ohio office; and in 1986, he joined Kidder's regional office in Chicago. In 1991, Bruce joined Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis as Senior Vice President, Fixed Income Sales Manager. From 1997 to 2005, Bruce established his career in the retail securities industry in Minneapolis. In 2005, Bruce and his wife Ilene joined Wells Fargo Advisors and established the Zwick Financial Group, in which he worked as a Financial Advisor and portfolio manager. In October 2018, Bruce was delighted to be named SVP and Portfolio Manager and to join Brian, Ilene, and Christi in establishing the Fernhill Group at Morgan Stanley.

Bruce and his wife Ilene reside between Palm Beach Gardens Florida & Minnesota. Together they have a daughter, a son and six wonderful grandchildren.

Bruce received a BBA in Finance and an MBA from Kent State University.

Ilene has a breadth of fixed income and equity experience, having worked in institutional fixed income trading, underwriting and asset/liability management for commercial banks and managed fixed income and equity portfolios for non-profit organizations and private clients. She began her career in 1975 as a fixed income securities trader and investment officer for PNC Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1978, Ilene joined Central National Bank of Cleveland as a Vice President and Manager of the Bank Investment Department. In 1986, Ilene and her family moved to Chicago, where she was actively involved with several community service organizations. In 1991, Ilene moved to Minneapolis and became the Treasurer and Financial Advisor for NCJW Minnesota and the Treasurer and Investment Portfolio Manager for US Investors, Ltd. In 2000, she joined Stifel Nicolaus and Company, Inc. as a First Vice President. In 2005, Ilene and her husband Bruce joined Wells Fargo Advisors and established the Zwick Financial Group, in which she worked as a Financial Consultant. In October 2018, Ilene was delighted to join Brian, Bruce, and Christi to establish the Fernhill Group at Morgan Stanley.

In 2019, Ilene earned the Financial Planning Specialist (FPS) designation from the College of Financial Planning.

In 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Ilene was named to the firms Pacesetter's Club, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first class client service. Ilene and Bruce reside between Palm Beach Gardens Florida & Minnetonka, Minnesota. Together, they have a daughter, a son, six wonderful grandchildren and a dog named Tucker.

Ilene graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Psychology.

Christi started her career in the financial industry in 2003 with AG Edwards & Sons. In 2008 as a part of a merger her career continued with Wells Fargo Advisors where she received The Distinguished Service Professional award from 2010-2018. The award is designed to recognize outstanding professionals who embody values such as service, respect, integrity and teamwork. In 2015 she was honored to receive Team Member of the Year. In October 2018 she was excited to accept a position with Morgan Stanley in Wayzata Minnesota.
As the Fernhill Group's Portfolio Associate she has her Series 7 and 66 securities licenses which allow her to assist clients with their account administrative needs along with transaction and other service related issues.
Christi and her husband, Rob reside in Burnsville Minnesota and have 5 children and 3 wonderful grandchildren that they love spending time with.