

The TRC Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
Our Story
We bring a wide range of skills and extensive experience when it comes to guiding not only families’ private wealth management solutions, but also the financial needs and goals of everyone we work with, setting the tone for the long-lasting relationships we cultivate within our practice.
Educational Events

401(k) Investment Committee Training - March 7th, 2024
Retirement Investment Committee members and Human Resource Managers who want to learn more about their responsibilities overseeing a corporate retirement plan. Discussion will focus on committee governance, best practices for committee members, legislative updates and top trends for 2024.
401(k) Investment Committee Training - January 26th, 2023
Retirement Investment Committee members and Human Resource Managers who want to learn
more about their responsibilities overseeing a corporate retirement plan. Discussion will focus on
committee governance, best practices for committee members, legislative updates and top trends
for 2023.
401k Fiduciary Best Practices - November 9th, 2022
Retirement Plan committee members interested in understanding ways to reduce 401k retirement benefit costs and running a more efficient plan.
Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy - October 25th, 2022
Insightful virtual presentation to better understand the different Social Security
claiming strategies and how to optimize your social security income in retirement.
401k Fiduciary Best Practices - September 16th, 2022
Retirement Plan committee members interested in understanding ways to reduce 401k retirement benefit costs and running a more efficient plan.
401k Fiduciary Best Practices - April 29th, 2022
Retirement Plan committee members interested in understanding ways to reduce 401k retirement benefit costs and running a more efficient plan.
Market Outlook & Investment Opportunities - March 2nd, 2022
Economic positioning in 2022 and our overall Market Outlook for the year.
M&A: 401k Considerations Before and After the Transaction - December 21st, 2021
Mergers and Acquisitions can have an impact on the benefits you offer your employees. We discussed considerations before and after the transaction plan sponsors should be thinking about.
401(k) Investment Committee Annual Fiduciary Training - November 16th, 2021
Understand your administrative oversight duties and develop your fiduciary process.
401(k) Fiduciary Best Practices - October 28th, 2021
Retirement Plan committee members interested in understanding ways to reduce 401k retirement benefit costs and running a more efficient plan.
Location
Meet The TRC Group
About Thomas Kokjohn
Tom has also been providing a wide range of retirement plan services to employers and plan participants since 2001. He focuses on creating comprehensive employee education programs for participants, specializing in on-site group meetings, one-on-one financial planning, and participant transition consulting. His passion for education is most evident by the amount of time he spends with participants to simplify investing, describing complicated topics in an easy-to-understand manner and empowering participants to be confident investors.
Tom holds several noteworthy designations, having been recognized for his work with families, plan sponsors, and participants. Tom is a Certified Financial Planner™, working closely with individuals and families to design a road map for a successful financial future. Additionally, The Financial Times named him to its prestigious list of America’s Top 401 Retirement Plan Advisors In 2015, 2017, and 2018. Tom is also a Corporate Retirement Director, representing less than 2% of Financial Advisors identified by Morgan Stanley as a retirement-focused Financial Advisors. Additionally, The TRC Group at Morgan Stanley was named to the 2024 Forbes List of Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, a reflection of our commitment to both our clients and Morgan Stanley.
A graduate of California State University, San Marcos, Tom holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration. He has also earned an academic certificate in Personal Financial and Estate Planning from San Diego State University through SDSU’s graduate school of business. Tom lives in 4S Ranch in San Diego, CA, with Shannon, his wife and their three children. He spends weekends coaching their sports teams and enjoys golfing, surfing, traveling, and camping with his family in what he calls “the great outdoors.”
2015, 2017, 2018 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods:
Awarded 2018; Data 12/31/15 - 12/31/17
Awarded 2017; Data 12/31/14 - 12/31/16
Awarded 2015; Data 9/30/13 -9/30/14
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. (https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/)
NMLS#: 1818339
CA Insurance License #: 0D36160
About Michael P Roberts
For more than thirty years, Mike has dedicated his career to helping corporate retirement plan clients understand, create, and manage retirement plans that meet and anticipate their unique needs and fiduciary responsibilities. He has extensive experience and holds several titles that underscore his unwavering commitment to this highly detailed area of financial services. Mike works closely with employers to develop a best practices approach to managing all aspects of their retirement plan – from providing them with the most competitive plan, to helping them manage their fiduciary liability, to protecting their many interests.
In addition, Mike brings a wealth of experience helping to bridge a comprehensive financial plan with investment management. With a keen understanding of market dynamics, risk assessment, and client goals, he can design and implement robust investment strategies designed to meet individual financial objectives. By leveraging the Morgan Stanley resources, he can provide individuals and families with sophisticated insights and disciplined approach to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, ensuring their wealth works optimally for their future.
While building his business across a broad spectrum of diverse industries, Mike has earned numerous designations. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst™ Designation from the Haas School of Business UC Berkeley and is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). Mike earned the Certified Financial Planner™ Designation from Boston University and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. He is also a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors, a sister organization of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. Most recently, Mike earned his Certified 401(k) Professional designation through The Retirement Advisor University at UCLA. Additionally, The TRC Group at Morgan Stanley was named to the 2024 Forbes List of Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, a reflection of our commitment to both our clients and Morgan Stanley.
Mike has been married to his lovely wife Sandra for 27 years. They have four children, each of whom excels as student and athletes. Mike and Sandra have routinely exhibited an unwavering commitment to education and hard work, which, they believe, has contributed significantly to their children’s success. Mike and his family live in 4S Ranch, CA. In his spare time, Mike enjoys riding his motorcycle, travel, and coaching youth sports.
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. (https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/)
NMLS#: 1820866
CA Insurance License #: 0C53474
About Christopher Lelli
As a Morgan Stanley Portfolio Associate, and the dedicated relationship manager for the TRC Group at Morgan Stanley, he handles most of the day-to-day duties that ensure each client's satisfaction with their retirement plan. This includes coordinating education and enrollment support to plan participants, coordinating the distribution of monthly newsletters, and scheduling quarterly plan reviews with Plan Sponsors.
While Chris possesses many positive attributes, he is perhaps best known for his strong communication skills. Whether a Plan Sponsor would like specific information on a particular investment or a plan participant requires education on asset allocation, he has the expertise and the ability to deliver The TRC Group's investment philosophy in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Overall, Chris strives to develop and maintain a solid personalized relationship with each of the Group's clients. Or as he likes to say, No one is a number with us.
Chris is a graduate of San Diego State University and lives in San Diego, CA with his lovely wife Carla, with whom he has been married for years, and their ten-year-old daughter Katherine. He enjoys cooking, hiking, golf, going to the theater and doing all those things that parents typically do.

Contact Thomas Kokjohn

Contact Michael P Roberts
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Retirement for Plan Sponsors
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
1When 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
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.
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.
5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Morgan 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
7When 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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Awards Disclosures