Our Story and Services

There are only so many hours in a day. But for many successful executives and business owners, the calendar is already full. There are teams to lead, boards to steer, enterprises to grow — and at the same time, there are family moments to cherish and life experiences to savor. The best days can feel like a balancing act; the worst, like an unsustainable sprint.

At The Kull Landis Group, our clients come to us because they no longer want their financial life to compete for their time and attention. We understand the pressures you face: financial, professional, and personal. Our goal is to build and managed the financial foundation that lets you focus on the people and pursuits that matter most — knowing that your financial future is in good hands.

Over the years, we’ve guided families with highly complex financial needs across multiple generations and countless life milestones. That requires not just experienced leadership and sound financial judgement, but intense, individualized focus and care. We maintain an intentionally select group of clients so that we can deliver highly personalized service, supported by the institutional depth and resources of Morgan Stanley. From alternative investments to family office resources, we help you move beyond the numbers to redefine what’s possible, at every stage of your financial journey.
Let’s Write Your Next Chapter
  • For a second opinion about your current investments, or to talk about your goals, please call us at (937) 312-2208.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Case Studies

Case Study: Giving with Clarity

A multigenerational family wanted to gift a meaningful sum to their children, but the question wasn't just the dollars — it was how the gift would fit with their long-term retirement goals. With multiple income streams, investments across taxable and tax-advantaged accounts, and planned legacy commitments, this wasn't a simple decision.

We stepped in to model the gift in the context of their entire plan, factoring in tax implications, projected growth, liquidity, and legacy objectives. By testing multiple scenarios, we identified a path that allowed the family to give generously while staying on track. In the end, they not only had a plan that worked — they gained the clarity and excitement of knowing their wealth could support both today's intentions and tomorrow's goals.

Takeaway: Generosity shouldn't come with guesswork. We help you give confidently today, with clarity about the impact on your future.

Case Study: Avoiding Unnecessary Tax Surprises

During a review of a client's estate plan, we uncovered a potential tax exposure that could have cost them significantly if left unaddressed. For a family who had spent decades building their wealth, that discovery came with obvious concern.
In coordination with Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources and the client's professional network of tax and legal professionals, we developed a restructuring strategy, modeling different scenarios to ensure alignment. Ultimately, the solution significantly minimized taxes, preserved flexibility, and gave the family more resources to devote to the people and causes they cared about most.

Takeaway: The smartest financial strategies don't just help you build wealth; they also help you preserve it. Our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn.

Case Study: Enjoying the Rewards of a Lifetime of Work

After decades of disciplined saving, one retiree struggled with whether they could spend their wealth without risk. They worried about market fluctuations, healthcare costs, and leaving a legacy for their family, all while wanting to enjoy the life they had built. The hesitation was understandable — after years of careful planning, the idea of truly living in retirement can feel daunting.

We reviewed their entire financial picture, stress-testing multiple scenarios across spending, investments, taxes, and long-term care. The plan confirmed they could enjoy retirement, support causes they cared about, and preserve wealth for future generations. The strategy acted as a living document, revisited a few times each year to ensure it evolved with their needs. With this ongoing clarity, they were finally able to embrace the next chapter of life and enjoy the retirement they had worked so hard for throughout their career.

Takeaway: There's a meaningful difference between hoping you can enjoy your wealth and having a plan designed to support that goal. The right strategy can help bring greater clarity.

Ultra-High Net Worth

At The Kull Landis Group, we help families, executives, and business owners with substantial wealth align their resources with the life and legacy they want to create. Inevitably, there comes a time to focus on shaping what comes next. Whether it’s transitioning a business, transferring wealth to the next generation, or pursuing philanthropic goals, our approach helps ensure your wealth serves your vision.
Scale Meets Precision
From IPOs to liquidity events, we coordinate strategies at the highest level of global finance. Every decision leverages Morgan Stanley’s full spectrum — including investment banking, alternative investments, and bespoke lending solutions. The result? Clear decisions in highly complex financial landscapes.
Family Office, Redefined
Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources give clients access to capabilities far beyond traditional wealth management. Estate oversight, multigenerational planning, personal security, private aviation, and lifestyle management are all coordinated seamlessly with advanced investment and tax strategies. That helps you gain the flexibility to focus on what matters most — family, legacy, and impact.

Family is Everything

Some conversations are hard — even when you know they matter. Planning for long-term care, preparing heirs for wealth, or discussing end-of-life decisions can feel uncomfortable, yet they shape the future of your family and your legacy. We help families navigate these moments with the kind of guidance that touches both finances and relationships.

Our approach blends empathy with precision. We craft strategies that help protect independence, preserve resources, and ensure continuity of care — from retirement planning and healthcare contingencies to estate and succession considerations. At the same time, we facilitate dialogue across generations, helping parents, children, and beneficiaries align on priorities, expectations, and potential outcomes.

Beyond planning, we provide ongoing support: leveraging Morgan Stanley’s deep resources to help maintain continuity as circumstances evolve; and working with heirs to instill the knowledge, judgment, and values needed to steward their inheritance responsibly. The result is more than a financial plan — it’s a path toward a legacy of excellence.

Community Impact

Tab Image

We're excited to spotlight Pink Ribbon Good, a nonprofit that's mission is to provide free, healthy meals, rides to treatment, housecleaning support, and peer support to people affected by breast or gynecological cancer, ensuring no one has to face their journey alone. We are proud to be a presenting corporate sponsor of this organization.

Location

7777 Washington Village Dr
Ste 100
Dayton, OH 45459
US
Direct:
(937) 312-2208(937) 312-2208

Meet The Kull Landis Group

About Court Kull

With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Court Kull is focused on customized financial planning solutions for clients, while providing exceptional service to a select national clientele of affluent families and individuals. His client onboarding process begins with financial planning to understand what is most important to clients, and then developing a customized plan for clients to meet their financial goals.
During his career Court has held a variety of roles including leading trust and bank teams as Vice President, and President, all while leading large multi-state brokerage teams. In addition to his professional experience, Court has been very active volunteering and serving in the communities where he lives and works. His past community service includes Treasurer of the Deaconess Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, President of Leadership Everyone Board of Directors, Director at ARK Child Crisis Care Center, Director at Growth Alliance of Greater Evansville, Member Evansville Regional Business Committee, and Co-Chair of multiple United Way campaigns.
Court attended the University of Evansville, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, while being an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, serving as a leader in the High Iota officer role. He enjoys traveling, cooking, horticulture, and is an active outdoorsman. Court and his wife Kelly have three grown children and are expecting their first grandchild in August.
Securities Agent: GA, IL, VA, OR, MT, OK, KY, CA, MD, NY, NV, MI, IN, CO, TX, SC, DE, PA, NC, IA, FL, AR, OH, LA; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Chris Landis

With over 30 years of experience in financial services, I help individuals and families navigate the complexities of retirement with confidence. Before becoming a financial advisor, I spent five years as an electrical engineer—an analytical foundation that now informs my strategic approach to wealth management.

For nine years, I worked in the independent financial services sector before transitioning to bank investment programs, where I spent 22 years guiding clients through market cycles and financial milestones. Now, at Morgan Stanley, my practice is dedicated to growing client’s assets and creating reliable income streams regardless of market conditions, while also focusing on legacy planning for clients who want to ensure their wealth benefits future generations or causes they care about. My passion lies in helping people near and in retirement feel secure about their financial future. Through personalized wealth plans, I provide clear investment strategies and ongoing guidance, offering peace of mind during both the ups and downs of retirement.

Outside of work, I’ve been married to my wife, Jane, for 30 years, and we’ve raised four grown children, including boy/girl twins. We love our pets and enjoy an active lifestyle. I’m passionate about woodworking, cooking, and physical fitness. In the summer, I compete in pistol competitions, and in the winter, I participate in 3D target archery leagues. I’m also a huge movie and television buff, having written essays in several books on the subject.
Securities Agent: VA, FL, GA, OH, NY, MD, IN, TX, CA, NV, NC, IL, SC, PA, MT, KY, DE, CO, AR, OR, OK, MI; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Daphne Warner

Daphne was with Natcity Investments since 2001 which was acquired by PNC Investments and she was with them since 2009 before coming to Morgan Stanley in 2024. she joined the Kull Landis Group in July of 2024 after she had worked for them for 20 years. She has been instrumental in supporting client relationships in her own gracious , professional, and courteous way.

Daphne has 4 children and has been actively involved as President and Vice president in their parent teacher associations for their respective schools. She belongs to two tennis leagues and like to travel the world.
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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Kull Landis Group today.
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.

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



3Morgan 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.

Back to top



4When 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.

Back to top



5When 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.

Back to top



6Morgan 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.

Back to top



7Morgan 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

Back to top



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.

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.

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)