Our Story and Services

At the Joshua Tree Group at Morgan Stanley, we work with clients and their families to help them meet the challenges of their financial lives through customized investment management and wealth planning.

Our team members have roots in Arizona and in the financial industry that span multiple generations, so our client relationships run broad and deep in our community, both personally and professionally. We offer you this legacy of continuity as we serve the wealth management needs of you and your family.

Working together, we’ll focus our knowledge and skill exclusively on helping you achieve your objectives—whether they include saving for a college education, planning for a comfortable retirement, supporting the philanthropic causes you care about, transferring your wealth to your loved ones, or preparing your children to handle their inheritance responsibly and in alignment with your family’s values.

Throughout the process, our strategies and recommendations are supported by the resources of Morgan Stanley, one of the largest and most established financial services firms in the industry, and we deliver its strength and scope to you at a local and individual level.

Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors

Source: Barron's Awarded March 2025. Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Awards Disclosures

The Joshua Tree Group has been named as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for 2025

Named as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/23-3/31/24.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Investor Resources

Timely market commentary, thought leadership and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
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    GIC On the Markets
    The latest edition of “On the Markets,” a monthly collection of the most timely research and strategy from Morgan Stanley & Co., Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and external partners.
    GIC On the Markets
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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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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
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    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
    The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond. Click the link below for more information and to access a library of interesting content.
    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast

Working With You

With dedication and passion, The Joshua Tree Group is committed to help you and your family reach your financial goals. With highly personalized care, we strive to find the best possible solutions for our individual clients.
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    Step 1: Understanding You
    Our process begins with a detailed conversation that identifies what is truly important to you. During this meeting, we'll ask a series of questions to get an in-depth understanding of your personal, professional and financial situation, as well as your long-term investment goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk.
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    Step 2: Customizable Plan
    From this ongoing dialogue, we'll analyze your current situation and begin to develop comprehensive strategies to help achieve your goals. This analysis will address income and retirement planning, as well as investment and risk management.
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    Step 3: Plan Implementation
    Once you review and approve your plan, we will begin to execute these strategies appropriately. As we work together, we will ensure that you are on track with your portfolio to achieve your financial goals.
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    Step 4: Ongoing Assessment
    We will have ongoing conversations about the management of your investment plan to help ensure your portfolio is properly balanced, and the investment vehicles utilized are performing according to preset benchmarks.

VALUABLE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

We believe financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and better long-term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.

We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
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    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Total Tax 365
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    Reserved Living and Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a complimentary loyalty program available to clients with a minimum of $1M in AUM. It can help clients save time and money on travel, gifts, automobiles and more.
    Learn More about MS Reserved
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more informed and comprehensive wealth planning and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth View

Location

14850 N Scottsdale Rd
Suite 600
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
US
Direct:
(480) 922-7800(480) 922-7800
Toll-Free:
(800) 727-4888(800) 727-4888
Fax:
(623) 209-7457(623) 209-7457

Meet The Joshua Tree Group

About Michael W Butt

My number one goal is to make sure my clients are protected. Today's investment environment is increasingly complex. New opportunities are everywhere, which is why experienced investment guidance is more important than ever.

If you are like most investors, you need an advisor who has the knowledge and the skills to help you sort through and take advantage of investment opportunities that are right for you. Everything I do is aimed at earning your complete trust, so you know for certain you have a person on your side who can provide advice and services to help you achieve your financial goals.

As your Financial Advisor, I take the time to understand your concerns, to advise you on the investment process and to create a strategy customized to your specific needs. Just as important, I know the value of keeping a long-term perspective on performance and following an investment strategy that can help weather varied market conditions.

Fostering long-term client relationships based on trust and integrity is the benchmark of my business philosophy. I believe personal service is a chief contributor to growth and profitability. Ultimately, I want my clients to succeed in whatever they choose to endeavor from a financial perspective. If I can help you achieve your dreams and mitigate risks, I have done my job.

I have had the fortune of working with some of the most trusted firms on Wall Street, including PaineWebber and Piper Jaffrey. Today, I am honored to be ranked as a 2020 Barron’s Top Financial Advisor, earning #7 in the state of Arizona as Managing Director of Wealth Management / Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley.

While I am proud of what I have accomplished to help my clients, my greatest achievement is raising my two grown daughters, Jordan and Cassidy, together with my wife, Alicia. As a family, we enjoy traveling the world, golfing, skiing and donating our time to non-profit charity organizations.


Disclosure:
2018-2022 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2018-2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: RI, TN, MO, NC, DE, MT, TX, OR, NE, WI, WY, WA, OK, OH, AR, WV, VA, UT, SD, SC, PA, NV, CA, CT, NY, DC, NH, AZ, MS, GA, MI, ME, NM, LA, MA, KY, IN, IL, ID, MN, MD, IA, HI, NJ, FL, AK, CO, AL, KS; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265021

About Thomas Assalone

My commitment as a financial advisor is to help clients create, and preserve wealth, by assisting in the growth and preservation of their assets. Services I provide are inclusive of, but not limited to, asset allocation, estate investment strategies, fixed income strategies, financial services and retirement savings.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most trustworthy financial institutions on Wall Street, including E.F. Hutton, Paine Webber & Co., Piper Jaffray (UBS), Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., and today, Morgan Stanley. My strength and knowledge in portfolio management enables me to help guide clients through critical decision making, providing them with recommendations for diversified holdings and tax-exempt income streams. My dedication to client service and goal-oriented investment strategies on a strictly individualized basis are paramount to the premium service I deliver every day.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from The University of Arizona with Minors in Economics and History. I joined the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) while in college and enjoyed playing a few roles on stage, in TV and on film. I traveled extensively in my youth with my parents, observing their unwavering commitment to serving our country as military servants. My father earned a chest full of medals including a Purple Heart and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service during the Vietnam War, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with my Mom. There example has been the greatest motivator of my life.

Alongside supporting my clients, I am passionate about travel, the arts, and education. In addition, I regularly contribute to worthwhile charitable organizations, including St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, the USO, reservation schools, and various public and private school initiatives.
Asset allocation and diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining financial market.

NMLS#: 2056741
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Securities Agent: OR, GA, NE, WY, MT, OH, NV, KS, RI, WV, SD, SC, WI, UT, VA, IN, IL, MD, MI, WA, MN, OK, TN, KY, TX, NC, PA, CA, NH, NY, NM, NJ, MO, CT, DC, MS, AZ, FL, ME, MA, LA, HI, DE, AK, ID, AR, IA, CO, AL; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2056741

About Timothy Bryan

As your Financial Advisor, I can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together, I can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Securities Agent: WI, OK, OH, SD, KY, HI, NC, MS, LA, WV, ID, SC, TN, RI, UT, PA, NY, KS, MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, IL, IN, AR, AZ, CO, WY, GA, FL, WA, VA, DC, TX, CT, OR, NV, NM, NJ, MO, ME, MA, IA, DE, CA, AL, AK, PR; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2097561

About Jeremy Horton

Business Experience:

2007 to present - Morgan Stanley


Education and Licensing:

Bachelor of Science - Arizona State University
WP Carey School of Business - Marketing
Magna Cum Laude, 2006

2008 - Series 7 licensed
2009 - Series 66 licensed
Registered in 50 states

About Christopher Ragazzo

Business Experience:

10+ Year experience
2012 to 2015 - Credit Suisse Wealth Management
2015 to present - Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Education and Licensing:

Bachelor of Arts - University of North Carolina Wilmington
Economics, 2010
Master of Economics - North Carolina State University, 2012

2014 - Series 7 and 66  licensed
2018 - Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states

About Meghan Kelly

Business Experience: 2019- present Morgan Stanley

Education and Licensing:

Bachelor of Science- Arizona State University Finance, 2018

2019: Series 7 and 66 licensed
2018: Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Rick Dombrowski

Rick Dombrowski is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Arizona.

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

Rick began his career in financial services in 1996, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Private Banker at BBVA Compass. He also served as a Credit Analyst, Private Banker and Regional Credit Manager at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Rick is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his family. Outside of the office, Rick enjoys music, skiing, and traveling.
NMLS#: 512436
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.

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 Joshua Tree Group today.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)