John Francis
The Trident Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(904) 273-7594(904) 273-7594
Toll-Free:
(800) 366-1566(800) 366-1566
Our Mission Statement
We help you simplify your financial life by organizing & aligning investments with specific goals so that you have financial peace of mind no matter how volatile the markets.
About The Trident Group at Morgan Stanley
We are 2 experienced financial services professionals who understand a wide range of legacy and complex financial investments – stocks, options, insurance, annuities, inheritance, private real investments and more – and help assess, organize and manage in a way designed to match your financial goals and estate plans. We provide services to individuals, families, business owners and their extended network, focusing on value & performance while avoiding excessive fees and complexity.
We are committed to understanding every aspect of our clients' lives so that we can leverage our team's extensive experience and utilize Morgan Stanley's vast resources to provide best-in-class, custom solutions. Our services include creating long-term financial plans with measurable goals, delivering customized investment strategies, providing candid guidance on critical financial decisions, and helping clients achieve their goals.
Our ultimate objective is to put our clients in a financial position that allows them to enjoy what matters most to them.
We are committed to understanding every aspect of our clients' lives so that we can leverage our team's extensive experience and utilize Morgan Stanley's vast resources to provide best-in-class, custom solutions. Our services include creating long-term financial plans with measurable goals, delivering customized investment strategies, providing candid guidance on critical financial decisions, and helping clients achieve their goals.
Our ultimate objective is to put our clients in a financial position that allows them to enjoy what matters most to them.
Services Include
- Wealth PlanningFootnote1
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote2
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote3
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote4
- AnnuitiesFootnote5
- Life InsuranceFootnote6
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote7
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote8
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote9
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote10
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Our Clients
Our clients include:
• Corporate Executives and Professionals with successful careers
• Business owners and Private Investors
• Individuals and their Families
• Supporting Next Generation
We focus on providing clients with best-in-class services including:
• Cash management and lending for households, businesses, and investors
• Integrating retirement assets, executive compensation, and outside investments into a coordinated investment strategy
• Maximization of Life Insurance, long-term care, and Annuities for the long-term
• Actively assisting with tax strategies through-out the year and in conjunction with major events such as the sale of a substantive investment, business succession, retirement, and estate taxes
• Assistance with Financial Planning for important events such as kids’ education, relocation, job change, retirement, and global travel
• Assistance with estate planning and philanthropic goals
• Corporate Executives and Professionals with successful careers
• Business owners and Private Investors
• Individuals and their Families
• Supporting Next Generation
We focus on providing clients with best-in-class services including:
• Cash management and lending for households, businesses, and investors
• Integrating retirement assets, executive compensation, and outside investments into a coordinated investment strategy
• Maximization of Life Insurance, long-term care, and Annuities for the long-term
• Actively assisting with tax strategies through-out the year and in conjunction with major events such as the sale of a substantive investment, business succession, retirement, and estate taxes
• Assistance with Financial Planning for important events such as kids’ education, relocation, job change, retirement, and global travel
• Assistance with estate planning and philanthropic goals
Working With You
When we work together, you benefit from personalized advice, objective guidance and dedication to your success as an investor. Our goals-based wealth management approach will address key areas of your financial life beyond traditional investments and may incorporate diverse recommendations for helping build and preserve your wealth. Here we’ve outline our approach when working with you:
Goal Setting
We begin with an in-depth conversation identifying what is important to you, your family, and your legacy. By learning your values, your decision-making process, and identifying any foreseen or unforeseen circumstances that will further enhance or adversely affect you, your family, and your legacy, we are better able to develop and implement a strategy best suited to your financial goals. Lastly, we collect important financial information and identify your top priorities.
Strategy Development
Next, we conduct a detailed financial analysis using industry standard techniques, further enhanced with proprietary planning and risk analysis tools. The developed financial plan with detailed recommendations will help guide you build, preserve, protect, and transfer your wealth. This analysis serves as the foundation for your initial plan, as well as a basis for future wealth management decisions.
Financial Plan Presentation
A detailed plan presentation includes, but is not limited to asset allocation, investment strategies, estate planning, federal and state tax minimization strategies, complex issue recommendation, and an in-depth conversation. If we need to redefine any of the strategies, a subsequent meeting is held. Once we agree to the plan in its entirety, we can then identify specific investments and set up our dialogue going forward.
Implementation
Upon your approval, we'll begin to implement the strategies outlined in your plan. Once your assets have been transferred to Morgan Stanley, we review the data of your new statement and introduce you to all of the new tools and resources available to you. There is a learning curve and we are available to work with you and for you.
First-Class Service
We are committed to delivering first-class service that emphasizes ongoing communication through face-to-face meetings throughout the year and phone calls when you need guidance.
Client Resources
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
Goal Based Planning
Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology to help reach your financial goals.
Learn More About Our Planning Tools
Morgan Stanley Research
Morgan Stanley has earned its reputation as an industry leading source of investment research. Our timely, in-depth analyses of companies, markets, and global economies are a great resource to learn more about the financial marketplace.
Read our research here
Morgan Stanley Reserved
MS Reserved is a complimentary loyalty program available to Morgan Stanley Clients with a minimum of $1M in AUM. As a reserved member, clients will have access to exclusive partner offers and discounts, as well as thought leadership content and a variety of lifestyle and personal finance topics.
Learn About MS Reserved
Thoughts on the Market Podcast
Here you can find podcasts on a variety of market-related topics from Morgan Stanley thought leaders.
Listen here
Digital Vault
Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
Get Started TodayLocation
50 A1A North
Ste 112
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
US
Direct:
(904) 273-7594(904) 273-7594
Toll-Free:
(800) 366-1566(800) 366-1566
Meet The Trident Group
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
Robert Mickler
Private Banker
About Robert Mickler
Robert Mickler is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Florida and Georgia.
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.
Robert began his career in financial services in 1991, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he held several positions with Merrill Lynch, most recently as a Resident Manager and Wealth Management Banker in the Global Wealth Management organization.
Robert is a graduate of Villanova University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and family. Outside of the office, enjoys playing golf, reading, and traveling.
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.
Robert began his career in financial services in 1991, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he held several positions with Merrill Lynch, most recently as a Resident Manager and Wealth Management Banker in the Global Wealth Management organization.
Robert is a graduate of Villanova University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and family. Outside of the office, enjoys playing golf, reading, and traveling.
NMLS#: 863115
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
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
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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
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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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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
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Trident Group today.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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.
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
4Morgan 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
5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Morgan 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.
9Morgan 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.
10Morgan 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.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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.
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
4Morgan 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
5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Morgan 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.
9Morgan 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.
10Morgan 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.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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)
