Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(213) 486-8890(213) 486-8890
The Fortress Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(213) 486-8891(213) 486-8891
Toll-Free:
(800) 832-7648(800) 832-7648
Our Mission Statement
Bringing together our years of experience to create tailored investment strategies aimed at building and preserving your lifestyle and legacy.
Welcome
The Fortress Group at Morgan Stanley
The Fortress Group at Morgan Stanley provides select families and individuals with an exceptional wealth management experience. We believe success begins with a comprehensive strategy tailored to your lifestyle goals and legacy wishes. Our role as Wealth Managers is to understand what matters most to you and develop personalized strategies to help you achieve your financial objectives.
A Customized Approach to Wealth Management
We take an active approach to managing your assets, customizing our investment strategies to align with your specific needs. Through Morgan Stanley, we have access to industry-leading research and market intelligence across all asset classes, helping us to position our clients in the best investment strategies available.
Adapting to Your Evolving Financial Needs
Just as your life evolves, so should your financial plan. Through annual reviews, we adjust your strategy to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and adapts to changing circumstances. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team leverages its collective experence to provide the highest level of service and guidance.
Helping You Build a Lasting Legacy
At The Fortress Group, we are committed to helping you achieve a rewarding lifestyle and financial legacy. Whether you're planning for the future, growing your wealth, or securing your family's financial well-being, we are here to provide the experience and support you need.
Services Include
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote1
- Financial PlanningFootnote2
- Retirement PlanningFootnote3
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote4
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote5
- Cash ManagementFootnote6
- Municipal BondsFootnote7
- Corporate BondsFootnote8
- Life InsuranceFootnote9
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote10
- Lending Products
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
A Clear, Coordinated Process for Your Financial Goals
At the Fortress Group, we believe that thoughtful planning and disciplined execution are the keys to financial confidence. Our approach is designed to simplify complexity and provide clarity at every step, ensuring your strategy aligns with your goals, values, and life circumstances.
1. Discovery
Understand your goals and priorities.
We start by learning what matters most to you - your financial objectives, values, lifestyle, and timeline. This foundation allows us to design strategies tailord to your unique circumstances.
2. Planning
Develop a coordinated financial roadmap.
We translate your objectives into an actionable plan, integrating portfolio management, financial planning, estate strategy, and risk management to create a cohesive approach.
3. Implementation
Execute the plan with precision.
Once your plan is in place, we coordinate the steps needed to bring it to life - from investment alignment to estate and tax strategies - keeping you informed every step of the way.
4. Ongoing Review
Monitor, adapt, and refine.
Life and markets change, and so do your needs. We provide continuous oversight and periodic reviews to help keep your plan aligned with evolving goals.
Financial Planning
Setting Goals According to Your Needs
As your life stage changes, so do your goals - our platform allows you to look across your assets and liabilities to help you adapt your strategy to meet those changing demands.
As your life stage changes, so do your goals - our platform allows you to look across your assets and liabilities to help you adapt your strategy to meet those changing demands.
Estate Planning
We look at all aspects of an individual's estate to help understand the potential income tax and estate planning attributes of the vehicles.
-Control of Assets
-Basic Gifting
-Philanthropy
-Leveraged gifting
-Life Insurance
-Control of Assets
-Basic Gifting
-Philanthropy
-Leveraged gifting
-Life Insurance
Change Doesn't have to mean Uncertainty
Life transitions can bring financial complexity. We help simplify it - so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Every major change - retiring from a career, selling a business, or stepping into a new role - comes with financial questions.
At the Fortress Group, we help clients navigate these transitions with personalized planning that looks beyond the next step - toward the next decade. Backed by Morgan Stanley's global resources, our team provides the personal attention of a boutique practice with the depth of a leading welath management firm.
Retiring Soon?
Retirement isn't an ending - it's a reallocation of time and purpose.
Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, we help you turn savings into a sustainable income plan. From Social Security timing to portfolio drawdown strategies, our goal is simple: help your money support your lifestyle - not the other way around.
Changing Jobs or Careers
New role, new rewards - new questions.
Equity compensation, 401(k) rollovers, defered comp - career moves can create both opportunities and tax complexities. We help you evaluate options, manage concentrated stock, and design strategies for long-term financial independence.
Selling a Business
You built it. Now let's protect what comes next.
A business sale is more than a liquidity event - it's a life event. Our team helps business owners prepare for, structure, and manage the proceeds with tax-efficient investment and estate strategies that align with your long-term vision.
Location
444 South Flower St
34th Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90071
US
Direct:
(213) 486-8891(213) 486-8891
Toll-Free:
(800) 832-7648(800) 832-7648
Meet The Fortress Group
Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(213) 486-8891(213) 486-8891
Tina Karos
Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(213) 486-8921(213) 486-8921
Susie Carrillo
Senior Client Service Associate
Phone:
(213) 486-8852(213) 486-8852
About Lee J Dunayer
Lee got his start in Wealth Management at Shearson Lehman Hutton over 30 years ago. He is a Founding Partner of The Fortress Group at Morgan Stanley as well as a credentialed Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management Director. Lee focuses on Fixed Income strategies and takes a conservative approach where he seeks to get his clients as much return as he can, while limiting their exposure to risk.
He is a strong advocate for helping out his community. Lee is a command pilot for Angel Flight, and is currently awaiting confirmation of a promotion to 1st Lt in the Civil Air Patrol, USAF Aux. He was a longtime Rotarian and has also previously served on the Board of The Boy Scouts Greater Los Angeles Area Council, as well as on the Board of Burbank Water and Power as Chairman and member for many years.
True to his Southern California roots, Lee is a passionate fan of his Alma mater, USC. Lee currently resides both in Palm Desert, CA and Mooresville, NC with his wife Marti of over 30 years and his Bassett Hound. When he is out of the office, he enjoys flying, boating, golfing, bowling, pickleball and spending time with his wife and two adult sons.
He is a strong advocate for helping out his community. Lee is a command pilot for Angel Flight, and is currently awaiting confirmation of a promotion to 1st Lt in the Civil Air Patrol, USAF Aux. He was a longtime Rotarian and has also previously served on the Board of The Boy Scouts Greater Los Angeles Area Council, as well as on the Board of Burbank Water and Power as Chairman and member for many years.
True to his Southern California roots, Lee is a passionate fan of his Alma mater, USC. Lee currently resides both in Palm Desert, CA and Mooresville, NC with his wife Marti of over 30 years and his Bassett Hound. When he is out of the office, he enjoys flying, boating, golfing, bowling, pickleball and spending time with his wife and two adult sons.
Securities Agent: IL, OH, OK, MI, VA, OR, WY, GA, CO, VI, TX, NV, ID, CT, CA, AZ, WA, SC, NY, NC, MD, FL, DE, NJ, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1393544
NMLS#: 1393544
About Danny J Kim
As a Founding Partner of The Fortress Group at Morgan Stanley, Danny brings over 21 years of experience in Wealth Management. A credentialed Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management Director, he specializes in discretionary investment management with a strong focus on equity strategies. Danny has developed a range of investment approaches designed to capitalize on prevailing market conditions while aligning with his clients' financial goals.
A Chicago native, Danny is a lifelong Cubs fan who is still celebrating their historic World Series victory. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and coaching youth basketball, but his greatest joy comes from being a devoted husband and father to his two boys.
Danny earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before pursuing his MBA at Washington University in St. Louis.
A Chicago native, Danny is a lifelong Cubs fan who is still celebrating their historic World Series victory. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and coaching youth basketball, but his greatest joy comes from being a devoted husband and father to his two boys.
Danny earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before pursuing his MBA at Washington University in St. Louis.
Securities Agent: ID, AZ, MI, CO, SC, DE, HI, CA, OH, MT, WA, VA, OK, GA, CT, NV, NC, IL, TX, NY, MD, FL, WY, VI, OR, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1265087
NMLS#: 1265087
About Tina Karos
Tina is a Wealth Management Associate
with The Fortress Group. She has worked in
the financial services industry for over 10
years and holds the Series 7 and Series 66
licenses.
Tina joined the team in 2013 and is in
charge of the group’s marketing, client
engagement and event planning.
A strong advocate for empowering women,
she regularly hosts Women and Wealth
gatherings as well as a monthly Coffee
Group.
with The Fortress Group. She has worked in
the financial services industry for over 10
years and holds the Series 7 and Series 66
licenses.
Tina joined the team in 2013 and is in
charge of the group’s marketing, client
engagement and event planning.
A strong advocate for empowering women,
she regularly hosts Women and Wealth
gatherings as well as a monthly Coffee
Group.
About Susie Carrillo
Susie joined The Fortress Group as a
Senior Client Service Associate in 2016.
She brings over 30 years of experience in
the Wealth Management field at Morgan
Stanley.
She is responsible for the management of
day to day operations and enhancing the
client experience for the group’s clients.
As a lifelong Los Angeles resident, she is an
active Dodgers fan and enjoys spending her
weekends with friends and family.
Senior Client Service Associate in 2016.
She brings over 30 years of experience in
the Wealth Management field at Morgan
Stanley.
She is responsible for the management of
day to day operations and enhancing the
client experience for the group’s clients.
As a lifelong Los Angeles resident, she is an
active Dodgers fan and enjoys spending her
weekends with friends and family.
Contact Lee J Dunayer
Contact Danny J Kim
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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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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
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Fortress Group today.
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
5Morgan 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.
6Morgan 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
7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
8Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
5Morgan 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.
6Morgan 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
7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
8Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
