Our Story and Services

At The Meridian Group, we focus on what is most important to you, your family and your future. We provide the personalized service, problem-solving skills and world-class resources needed to help you make more informed and confident decisions about your wealth.

Above all, we commit to making a meaningful difference in your life through the delivery of five core values that have become the hallmark of our practice:

• Deep and caring relationships that span generations
• Competence through extensive experience
• Proven processes that help drive results
• A focus on education for ourselves and our clients
• A pledge to ongoing, proactive service

With our passion and perseverance, we deliver a client service model that puts you in the center of every decision. We are dedicated to earning your trust every day through a powerful combination of wisdom, knowledge and experience. Above all, we strive to ensure every client feels like our only client.

Getting started is easy. It begins with a conversation. As our name implies, we look forward to discussing how we can support and enhance the lifestyle and legacy you envision for you, your children and your grandchildren now and for years to come.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Capabilities
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About PWM

Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
  • Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
  • Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
  • Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
  • Approximately 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $1.2 trillion in AUM
  • Comprising 26% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2025
  • Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, September 2025

Source: Barron's (Awarded March 2025) This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on an algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the assessment of Barron's and may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.

Working with You

The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley believes that every investment begins with a plan, which is why comprehensive financial consulting is the first step we take when we begin our new client relationship. Our highest goal is to fully understand your financial needs, long-term goals and lifestyle aspirations. The financial planning process that we adhere to enables us to do so, and to gain the privileged insight of knowing you well.

Our comprehensive financial planning process will utilize involves these seven areas of focus:
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    1. Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
    The first step of our process involves us taking a closer look at your current financial situation. This stage will include tracking your income and expenses, determining your net worth and establishing an emergency fund.
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    5. Reducing the Effect of Taxes
    As a part of our process, we will help you develop a plan that aims to reduce the effects of taxes, by projecting the effects of federal income taxes and creating a tax-deferral strategy.

    For business owners, we can work with you to help implement the most appropriate qualified retirement plan for your business.
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    2. Saving for Major Expenses
    Whether you're funding the education of a loved one, are saving to buy a house, or starting your business, our financial planning process will help you identify and plan for your major life expenses.
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    6. Protecting Against Financial Crisis
    In the event financial crises does arise, we will have a plan in place to protect you and your loved ones, including helping ensure your family’s ongoing financial needs will be met upon your death, protecting your income if you become disabled and assessing the applicability of long term care insurance.
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    3. Planning for Retirement
    Planning for retirement involves setting clear goals and implementing strategies to help you secure a comfortable retirement. By estimating for your retirement income and expenses along with the value of government and corporate sponsored programs, we can help you determine how you can meet your future retirement goals.
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    7. Preparing an Estate for Heirs
    Preparing an estate involves creating a comprehensive plan for the orderly distribution of your estates, minimizing excess estate taxes, generating the funds for estate taxes and establishing funding liquidity to cover estate taxes, if necessary.
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    4. Designing an Investment Strategy
    While taking your risk tolerance into consideration, we will develop an effective and efficient investment strategy as a part of our process. Once your strategy is put in place, we will monitor and adjust your investment portfolio periodically.

INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU

Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between - as your Financial Advisors, we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Using a suite of tools that includes goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.

We can create your personal roadmap to help achieve and protect your goals — a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources, and provides a baseline for future discussions.

    Family Office Resources

    Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized resources to ultra-high net worth clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues. Below are pertinent resources that illustrate Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources capabilities.
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      Health and Wellness Education
      The newest offering from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources, Health and Wellness Education, features an extensive range of differentiated services to help you make clear and informed decisions on matters that impact your personal wellbeing.
      Learn More Here

    WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

    Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

      Equity Solutions

      Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

      • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
      • Liquidity Events
      • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

      Learn more
      Retirement

      For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

      • Defined Contribution Consulting
      • Solutions-Oriented Plans
      • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

      Learn more
      Deferred Compensation

      Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

      Services include:

      • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
      • Portfolio Construction
      • Wealth Management Services
      Learn more
      Executive Services

      Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

      • Equity Compensation Services
      • Equity Award Analysis
      • Specialized Solutions
      Learn more
      Saving and Giving

      Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

      • College Savings
      • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
      • Charitable Giving
      Learn more
      Financial Wellness

      We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

      • Financial Education
      • Digital Tools
      • Financial Guidance

      Learn more

    Location

    340 Mount Kemble Avenue
    Morristown, NJ 07960
    US
    Direct:
    (833) 759-1045(833) 759-1045

    Meet The Meridian Group

    Photo of Chip Wieczorek

    Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Portfolio Management Director
    Phone:
    (973) 425-8512(973) 425-8512
    Photo of Matthew C. Giordano

    Matthew C. Giordano

    Wealth Management Analyst
    Phone:
    (973) 425-3893(973) 425-3893
    Photo of Tyler Hugo

    Tyler Hugo

    Financial Advisor Associate
    Phone:
    (973) 425-8533(973) 425-8533
    Photo of Jessica Corazza

    Jessica Corazza

    Wealth Management Associate
    Phone:
    (973) 425-3876(973) 425-3876
    Photo of Lucas Cervelli

    Lucas Cervelli

    Registered Client Service Associate
    Phone:
    (973) 425-2364(973) 425-2364
    Photo of Alexandra Toth

    Alexandra Toth

    Client Service Associate
    Phone:
    (973) 660-4679(973) 660-4679

    About Darren L. Hugo

    Darren's financial services career began in 1989. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he was with the US Department of the Treasury as a Securities Analyst in the Economic Policy Division. His focus is on estate & business planning strategies, and investment portfolio design for private clients. An emphasis is placed on developing long-term, trusting relationships. He is a Certified Financial Planner TM, a member of The Financial Planning Assoc., & American Society of Chartered Financial Consultants. He graduated from the University of Maryland and lives in Bernardsville, NJ with his wife and children.
    Securities Agent: OR, HI, SD, RI, NV, GA, PA, NH, MN, NJ, MA, DE, CT, AZ, VA, CO, WI, MI, NY, MO, LA, KS, IL, ID, FL, AR, NC, ME, WA, VI, TX, KY, DC, CA, VT, PR, MT, MD, SC; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 2063429

    About Gerald E. Crum, Jr.

    Gerald began his career in 1994 at Brown Brothers Harriman on the Credit Committee. Later he was an equity trader where he used technical & fundamental research. He combines his fixed income & equity markets knowledge to deliver financial advisory Services focused on capital markets theory, estate planning strategies & portfolio design. A graduate from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics, he was born and raised in Cresskill, NJ & lives in North Caldwell with his wife and two sons.
    Securities Agent: VA, NV, HI, MI, MD, WA, VI, LA, VT, RI, DC, NY, NJ, NH, MT, MO, MA, KY, WI, NC, MN, ID, FL, AZ, AR, OR, CT, CO, ME, KS, IL, GA, TX, DE, CA, PR, SD, SC, PA; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 2063428

    About Chip Wieczorek

    Chip started his career as an entrepreneur at the age of 19, starting his first business during his summers in college. After earning a degree from Rutgers University, he continued as a small business owner for several years and then made the switch to wealth management in 2006.

    Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Chip was a Director, Financial Advisor at Cary Street Partners where he helped clients with retirement planning, estate planning and investment management. Prior to that he was a Vice President, Wealth Advisor at Beacon Trust where he gained extensive knowledge of trusts, estate planning and estate administration as well as earning his CERTIFIED FINANCAL PLANNER™ designation in 2012. Chip started his career at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as a financial advisor in 2006. Chip received his B.A. in Economics, with a concentration in Accounting, from Rutgers University.

    Chip lives in Bernardsville with his wife and three sons. Outside of the office, he enjoys coaching and playing hockey, golf, traveling and spending time with his family.
    Securities Agent: AR, DC, VA, ME, PR, NE, MA, CA, NV, NJ, NC, WV, WA, SC, WI, RI, OR, HI, FL, VT, SD, NY, ID, DE, MT, MN, GA, NH, LA, CO, AZ, MD, CT, VI, TX, PA, MO, MI, KY, KS, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 2564560

    About Matthew C. Giordano

    Matt began his career in 2003 with Smith Barney. He joined The Meridian Group in 2005 as an Administrative Assistant and is now a Wealth Management Analyst. Matt graduated from Rider University in 2002 with a degree in business administration. He was born and raised in Florham Park, NJ where he now lives with his wife, Olivia and sons, Mason and Matteo. In his spare time, he enjoys watching his sons play sports and being outdoors.

    About Tyler Hugo

    Tyler joined the Meridian Group in January of 2024 as a Client Service Associate. In 2025, Tyler joined Morgan Stanley's Financial Advisor Associate (FAA) program. In years past, Tyler interned with the team several times for many months. Originally from Bernardsville, NJ, Tyler earned his BS in Finance from Lehigh University in 2020. Bringing three years of valuable experience in the professional services industry, Tyler previously served as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers prior to joining Morgan Stanley. His commitment to integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering work ethic is a welcomed addition to our team ethos. Tyler leads an active lifestyle, whether it be exercise, fishing, or golf, all are made better when enjoyed with family and friends.

    NMLS#: 2783046
    Securities Agent: SC, MO, MT, MN, LA, HI, WI, KY, CA, AZ, WA, VT, VA, SD, MI, PA, NY, IL, ID, GA, VI, RI, PR, OR, NH, MA, AL, NV, ME, MD, FL, DC, TX, DE, AR, TN, NJ, NC, KS, CT, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

    About Jessica Corazza

    After earning her degree in Economics from Bucknell University, Jessica began her career at UBS, where she quickly established herself as a high performer across several roles, including municipal research, institutional fixed income sales, and institutional equity sales. Building on her success in the institutional space, she leveraged her deep product knowledge and client focus to serve the complex needs of private clients at a Registered Investment Advisor. Most recently, Jessica was an integral member on a Private Wealth Management team at Morgan Stanley, where she continued to demonstrate her commitment to exceptional client service and strategic insight.

    Jessica lives in Convent Station, New Jersey with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with family and staying active in her local community.

    About Lucas Cervelli

    Lucas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from The College of New Jersey, where he served as President of the Finance National Honors Society, Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). Lucas started his wealth management career with Morgan Stanley in 2022, as a Planning Virtual Engagement Associate (PVEA). As a PVEA he focused on implementing comprehensive, high-impact financial planning services for Financial Advisors and their clients. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Lucas worked alongside high-preforming business brokers, advising on deal negotiations, business valuation, and advanced data analysis support. His experience in complex financial structuring and strategic advisory enhances our ability to deliver tailored, innovative solutions that elevate client experiences and drive long-term success.

    Lucas is from Northern New Jersey and lives on a tree farm where he enjoys golfing, hiking, and being outdoors. He has a passion for helping others and has worked with several charities such as the B+ Foundation and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

    About Alexandra Toth

    Alexandra recently graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fairfield University. While at Fairfield, she was actively involved in the Dolan School of Business, where she took part in many campus organizations that deepened her interest in finance and strengthened her leadership skills. She also completed several finance internships, each of which helped shape her background, broaden her industry knowledge, and prepare her for a career in financial services.

    Alexandra will enhance our operational excellence across client communications, account services, onboarding, money movement, and the many touchpoints that define your day-to-day experience with our team. She is excited to join the team and bring her energy, dedication, and eagerness to contribute. Alexandra values collaboration and client-centered service, and she looks forward to learning from and supporting her colleagues while contributing to our continued growth.

    Originally from Chester, NJ, Alexandra is very close with her family, including her three sisters and two golden doodle puppies. Outside of work, she loves to travel, do pilates, golf, and spend time with her family and friends.
    Wealth Management
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    Portfolio Insights

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    Equity Compensation

    Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

    • Vesting events
    • Option expirations
    • Restricted stock units
    • Tax implications

    Managing Significant Wealth

    • Investment Management
    • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
    • Cash Management & Lending
    • Family Governance & Wealth Education
    • Lifestyle Advisory
    • Business Services
    Learn More about Managing Significant Wealth
    PWM Leadership Insights & Outcomes
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    PWM Leadership Insights & Outcomes

    Bringing Private Wealth Management leadership perspectives directly to you on the forces shaping wealth today, from cross-border complexity to AI for family offices and more.
    We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
    Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
    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.

    1Morgan 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.

    For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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    2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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    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.

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    4Morgan 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.

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    5Morgan 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.
    Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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    6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
    Morgan 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.

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    7Morgan 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.

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    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.

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.

    Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.

    The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.

    Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.

    Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

    For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

    See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.

    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.

    Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.

    Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

    Morgan 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

    Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
    CRC 4677197 (7/2025)