The Polyak/Schnell Group at Morgan Stanley

As a founding member of the Polyak/Schnell Wealth Management Group, Jim is the Portfolio Management Director of the group’s proprietary portfolio management services. With over 20 years of managing portfolios, Jim is the creator of the group’s proprietary Strategy Portfolios, which takes risk-based approach to portfolio management. Jim’s goal as a Portfolio Management Director is to achieve meaningful investment results over the long-term, for each individual client, through the disciplined application of their risk-based portfolios. He believes adding a risk-based strategy to a diversified portfolio may provide a better opportunity for prosperity then asset allocation alone.

Jim is a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Jim is associated with the Fordham Alumni Association, the NYC Downtown Economist Club, the Chamber of Commerce in Bronxville, NY, and the Sierra Club. When Jim is not managing money, his personal interests include traveling, cooking, fishing, exercise, and working with various charities together with his wife Deborah.

Robert joined Morgan Stanley in 1988 and has over 36 years of investment management experience. Robert is a founding member of The Polyak/Schnell Wealth Management Group. He graduated from Rutgers College of Rutgers University in 1984 with a BA in Economics. While at Rutgers, Robert was President, Treasurer, Secretary and Fraternity Council Representative for Alpha Delta Epsilon of Alpha Mu as well as participating with the Rutgers Rugby Club and Track & Field Team in Shot Put and Discus.

Robert's business focuses on professional money management, high net worth fixed income, qualified plan development and implementation, retirement and estate planning strategies. He is on the Acceptability Board and is and Arbitrator and Hearing Officer for the New York Stock Exchange.

Robert’s Honors and Recognitions include the following: 25 Year Loyalty Service Award Morgan Stanley & 2016, 2015, 2014 Five Star Wealth Manager-Investments (New York Magazine).

Robert‘s associations include the following: Knights of Columbus: Grand Knight, Color Corps, Honor Guard, Faithful Captain; Volunteer for the Military Working Dog Heritage Museum; Volunteer for the Military Working Dog Team Support Association; Volunteer for the United States War Dogs Association; Master Diver, Wreck and Underwater Photographer for the National Association of Underwater Instructors; Certified CERT (NYC OEM Community Emergency Response Team); Member of Community Board 6 in Queens, NY; Past President of the FBI New York Office Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association FBI InfraGard Member; Member of the Adirondack Mountain Club; Past President, Past Chairman of the Board, and Board Member of the Men’s Club of Forest Hills (1913); Member of the Alpha Delta Epsilon Alumni Association of Rutgers University; and Member of Archbishop Molloy High School Alumni Association.

Robert's personal interests include international travel, scuba diving (Master level NAUI), saltwater aquariums, hi fidelity, photography, mountain climbing and hiking, kayaking, biking and the New York Mets.

Robert, his wife Maani, their daughter Ishanika Gabriele, and their dogs, Raja "King", Sunni, and Leo, currently reside in historic Forest Hills Gardens (one of America's most notable planned communities, created by the Russell Sage Foundation and designed by planner and architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1909 to be a "modern Garden of Eden"), New York.

2014, 2015, 2016 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2014, 2015, 2016) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.

Lisa Berez is a distinguished professional in the Finance Industry, known for her dedication and extensive experience. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, and embarked on her career in 2007 as a Client Service Associate at Smith Barney. Following the merger with Morgan Stanley, Lisa continued her journey with the company and has since risen to the position of Senior Client Service Associate, where she now works with The Polyak/Schnell Group at Morgan Stanley.

Over the years, Lisa has demonstrated exceptional skill in servicing both international and domestic financial advisor teams, consistently delivering outstanding client support. Her expertise and commitment have made her a valued team member at Morgan Stanley.

In addition to her professional achievements, Lisa is a founding member of Morgan Stanley’s Culture Committee, where she has been instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture since its inception. Her leadership and vision have significantly contributed to the committee’s success.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Lisa is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with Backpacks For The Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid and essential supplies to the homeless population in New York City. Her compassion and dedication to helping others exemplify her character and values.

Outside of her professional and volunteer endeavors, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her family, indulging in cooking, exploring the outdoors through hiking, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. Her multifaceted interests and passions enrich her life and those around her, making her a well-rounded and inspiring individual in the finance industry.