Welcome

We offer you a rare depth and breadth of talent, backed by the resources of a global powerhouse and delivered with a deep understanding of your needs and goals. It’s who we are – a team defined by our experience, credentials, knowledge… and heart.

Financial experience and credentialed knowledge like ours are the result of decades of focused time and attentive effort. Our team has provided personalized, strategic advice to several generations of clients. Our advanced credentials in financial planning, corporate retirement planning and portfolio management allow us to assist you in developing and executing a financial plan that is precisely your own and helps you meet your goals. We focus on big picture strategy while also attending with thoughtful, personalized concierge-level care to the smaller, more intricate details of your day-to-day financial life. We help you to plan for your business or career to grow, for a confident retirement, for the right educational experiences for your children and grandchildren, and for thoughtful management of your liabilities.

What truly differentiates us from other experienced teams are our tenacity and our compassion. We tenaciously leverage our advanced knowledge to find solutions that simplify your financial situation, no matter how complex it may be. Our compassion extends to every part of your life, helping to ensure you have the resources to live your fullest and most meaningful life.

We are wealth managers in the broadest sense of the term. Originally, the word “wealth” meant “in a state of good fortune, welfare, or happiness.” In our practice, we reclaim the full meaning of the word; we focus on nourishing you and your family’s entire well-being.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Location

101 Decatur Drive
Butler, PA 16002
US
Direct:
(724) 282-5365(724) 282-5365
Toll-Free:
(855) 729-1899(855) 729-1899
2100 Georgetown Dr
Suite 500
Sewickley, PA 15143
US
Direct:
(724) 933-1460(724) 933-1460

Meet The Ivory Grence Group

About John D Ivory

Always do right for your client and you’ll be rewarded in the long run.
I believe that advisory relationships don’t last 20-30 years if you are not doing the right things for your client. Along with helping grow and preserve client assets, a large part of “doing the right thing” has meant being available when someone needs to talk about the implications of a new opportunity, a new concern or even a new addition to the family. I am proud to know that our work can have a bigger impact on families than just managing their investments. Our team works hard so clients experience a comprehensive and collaborative process- one that has helped to maintain a good number of client relationships for as long as 3 generations…and counting.

I grew up on a farm in a small town in western Pennsylvania. After graduating from Knoch High School, I attended Washington and Jefferson College and enjoyed 4 years competing on both the football and golf teams. In 1991 I graduated with a degree in Business and Administration and started my career in sales. In 1997, I was hired by Legg Mason in Butler PA to become a Financial Advisor and continued to this day, after being acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2009. I am proud to have served my community over the years: through my church, president of Big Brothers Big Sisters, president of the Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels and involvement in many other organizations. I have been married since 1993 to my high school sweetheart and am blessed every day by our two children.
Securities Agent: CO, CA, NE, GA, NC, ME, DC, CT, OK, IL, TX, NY, MI, WA, SC, OH, MN, PA, MA, KY, MS, WI, KS, HI, FL, VA, VT, UT, DE, AZ, NJ, MD, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1576029

About John A Grence

Experience as a Financial Advisor since 1997
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
West Virginia University
Master of Business Administration
University of Pittsburgh
Financial Planning Specialist Designation
Professional Registrations
Series 7 - General Securities Representative
Series 9 - General Securities Sales Supervisor-Options Module
Series 10 - General Securities Sales Supervisor-General Module
Series 31 - Managed Futures & Commodities
Series 63 - Uniform State Exam
Insurance and Annuity Licensed in Pennsylvania and Ohio
Securities Agent: CA, UT, SC, PA, MI, AZ, NY, MS, OK, NJ, MN, CO, WA, VT, TN, NC, ME, MA, KS, DC, WV, OH, NM, NE, KY, GA, TX, AL, VA, OR, LA, WI, IL, FL, DE, MD; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2396149

About Carson Kessler

I grew up in Harmony, Pennsylvania and went to Seneca Valley High School. I then attended Slippery Rock University to major in both Finance and Economics, while playing on the baseball team during my time there.
Upon graduating in 2017, I joined Edward Jones, completing their Financial Advisor Career Development program and opened my branch office in Gibsonia. In March of 2021, I joined the Ivory Grence Group at Morgan Stanley to help continue serving clients. The following year in 2022, I became a member of Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Pacesetters Club, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who demonstrate the highest professional standards and first-class client service within their first five years.
Within the Ivory Grence Group, I focus on developing long-term relationships with current and new clients, next generation investors, administration of our corporate 401(k) plans, and identifying complex planning issues.
In my spare time, you can find me hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time on a baseball field helping coach youth travel baseball. My wife, Michelle, and I live in the Fox Chapel area with our daughter Margot, and red toy poodle, Milo.
Securities Agent: NC, AZ, TX, NJ, SC, MI, DE, NV, KS, CA, OK, MN, CO, VT, MA, WI, VA, OH, AL, UT, OR, KY, PA, NY, MD, IL, GA, DC, WV, MS, ME, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2495659

About Courtney Ricciardella

As a Wealth Management Associate and Financial Planning Associate, I prepare research summaries, portfolio reviews and reports, and investment proposals. My role also includes initiating trades, as well as gathering all the necessary outside assets, such as annuities and 401(k) plans, to build a comprehensive overview of a client’s investment picture.

I am an analytical person by nature; I love the numbers side of financial planning. But, I am also an empathetic listener who can quickly understand the financial landscape of a particular client situation and, along with my team, develop solutions to meet the challenge. I pride myself on my attention to detail, while delivering first class service with incredible personal care.

I joined Morgan Stanley as an intern while I was finishing my BS degree in mathematics at Slippery Rock University. I officially became part of the Ivory Grence Group soon after graduation. Outside of work, my time is focused on family activities. My husband and I have two young boys who are intent on trying every sport imaginable. It’s a delight to see where their interests take them and watch what catches their attention and passion.

About Mary Ann Hay

As a Portfolio Associate, I provide strategic and operational support to our team and our clients, helping to resolve issues with the concierge level of service for which we are known. I am also the go-to person on our team for questions regarding estate matters. For more than four decades, I have helped guide clients through the procedural maze that accompanies changes in circumstance, such as a birth, death, marriage or divorce. My ability to quickly understand the financial landscape of a particular estate issue helps our team design the best solution.

I grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, and have been working in the financial services industry since 1977, when I joined Union National Bank’s Trust Department. For nearly 10 years, I was immersed in the world of trusts and estates, a knowledge base which has only grown in the ensuing years. In 1987, I joined the advisory team which eventually became the Ivory Grence Group and I have been with them ever since. I am honored to have known some of our client families for more than four decades.

Outside of work, my life revolves around my husband, our children and grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. I have always loved hockey and my husband and I are big Pittsburgh Penguin fans. We have even been known to travel to other states to watch them play “away” games.
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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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 Ivory Grence Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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3Morgan 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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4Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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5Morgan 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:
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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.

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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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)