My Story and Services

I focus on understanding the priorities of retirement-plan sponsors and help them strengthen their retirement and compensation programs, driving better outcomes for their executives and plan participants. I work with organizations on all types of retirement plans, including profit-sharing, 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k) and defined benefit, as well as on nonqualified deferred compensation and equity compensation plans. I also provide wealth management services, including goals-based planning, asset allocation and investment management.

Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, I spent 10 years at Merrill Lynch, most recently serving as senior vice president, senior retirement benefits consultant, and wealth management advisor. I have been recognized as a top US retirement advisor in 2020 by Financial Times and in 2016 by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).

I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and am a CRPS® (Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist), CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst), and C(k)P® (Certified 401(k) Professional).

I currently reside in Manhattan Beach, California, with my wife and two children.

2020 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods: 12/31/16 - 12/31/19

2016 NAPA's Top Retirement Plan Advisors Under 40 (Aces)
Source: napa-net.org awarded in 2016. Each ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by NAPA between Aug of 2015 – Aug 2016. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to NAPA to obtain or use the ranking. Nominations from the list were provided by NAPA Broker-Dealer/RIA Firm Partners. Nominees must be retirement plan advisors with their own book of business and less than 40 years of age. Nominees were required to submit responses to an application comprised of a series of quantitative and qualitative questions about their experience, size and composition of their practice, awards and recognitions, and industry contributions, which were then reviewed by a panel of senior advisor industry experts, who, based on those criteria, and following a broker-check review, selected the top young advisors. Ratings are based on the opinion of NAPA and may not be representative of any one client’s experience nor indicative of the advisor’s future performance.
©2022 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Services Include
Securities Agent: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, AK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 864597
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Graystone West Los Angeles

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We are a local team of professionals within a global organization. We have access to significant resources and the support of one of the world's largest and well-capitalized financial services firms.
Graystone West Los Angeles
-Customized equity compensation advisory and goals based financial planning
-Asset allocation and investment management
-Tax minimizing strategies
-Estate planning and wealth transfer strategies
-Fiduciary consulting and governance services
-Plan design advisory for defined contribution, equity compensation, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans
-Corporate financial wellness programs
Graystone Consulting
-Asset Allocation/global Investment committee: 8 committee members
-Alternative investment research managers across MS and its affiliates:
-100+ professionals
-MS & co. LLC analysts and strategists
-300+ professionals covering 3,000+ companies
Morgan Stanley
-60+ Graystone teams worldwide
-Decades of experience guiding institutional clients as a fiduciary, with roots dating back to 1973
-$450+ billion in institutional consulting assets*
-Our scale gives us broad access and favorable asset manager pricing
-Process-driven services include plan review, asset allocation, manager selection, custody, operations and reporting

*Source: As of December 31,2021. Morgan Stanley Quarterly Earnings report

Our Process

We follow a disciplined six-step process to help you create, implements and maintain a highly customized and comprehensive wealth management plan based on your needs and objectives
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    Discovery process
    We learn all we can about your family's goals, challenges and financial complexities as well as your executive compensation and equity awards. This robust understanding helps us formulate specific strategies and helps us customize the entire relationship to your preferences and requirements.
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    Formulation of tax and estate strategy
    After reviewing your balance sheet and existing estate plan, we work with your tax and legal advisors to help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances. Our goal is to identify investment planning techniques that may be effectively tailored to your personal and financial objectives.
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    Creation of customized strategic asset allocation
    We help you develop a customized asset allocation mix that reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities. This asset allocation becomes the basis for a long-term strategy.
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    Integration of tactical asset allocation
    These short-term adjustments in asset allocations seek to take advantage of opportunities created by temporary market distortions. Before adjustments are made, we can analyze the potential impact of any taxes or trading costs on potential returns.
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    Implementation of a customized investment strategy
    After comprehensive due diligence and extensive analysis across a range of hypothetical market scenarios, investment strategies from our global investment platform are combines to create your portfolio. Our open architecture platform includes solutions by many of the worlds most respected managers as well as proprietary strategies developed by Morgan Stanley.
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    Ongoing assessment of wealth management needs
    Coordination with you and your other advisors we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

Executive Financial Services

I provide support for executives and key insiders.
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    Execution Services
    -Sale of restricted, control and large concentrated positions
    -Legal due diligence and guidance for regulatory compliance
    -Form 144 fillings as needed
    -Form 4 execution details
    -Removal of restrictive legends
    -Transfer of shares/certificates
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    10b-51 Plans
    -deep experience in SEC rules and regulations governing executive transactions
    -guidance on insider trading policies
    -education of 10b5-1 and industry practices
    -Strategies for concentrated liquidity events and sales by multiple insiders
    -Centralized team for monitoring and executing 10b5-1 plans
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    Purchases
    -purchasing company stock by key insiders during open window or as part of a 10b5-1
    -accessing rule 10b-18 safe harbor against claims of market manipulation
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    Gifts
    -gifting of restricted stock to individuals, funds, foundations or organizations
    -coordination with issuer policies
    -reregistration of shares
    -access to donor-advised funds

Private wealth services

Support for families and multigenerational wealth
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    Investment Management
    -Securities based lending
    -Residential mortgage lending
    -Tailored lending
    -Morgan Stanley proprietary investment opportunities
    -Exclusive co-investment opportunities
    -Money manager due diligence analysis
    -Alternative investments
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    Family Office Resources
    -Philanthropy management
    -Family governance
    -Wealth education
    -Lifestyle advisory
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    Trust, Estate and Legacy
    -Wealth transfer and trust strategies
    -Current will, trust and insurance review
    -Foundation and other charitable giving strategies
    -Coordination with outside legal and tax advisors
    -Donor-advised fund (Morgan Stanley GIFT)
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    Financial Planning
    -Goals-based planning (retirement, education funding, philanthropic, wealth transfer)
    -Cash-flow planning
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    Access to Cash Management and Lending Products and Services
    -Securities-based lending
    -Residential mortgage lending
    -Tailored lending
    -Cash management
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    Risk Management
    -Hedging strategies
    -Concentrated/resisted stock advice
    -Interest-rate risk management
    -Currency exposure strategies
    -Portfolio protection solutions
    -Insurance solutions

Location

10960 Wilshire Blvd
Ste 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024
US
Direct:
(310) 443-0543(310) 443-0543
9665 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 600
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
US
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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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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 
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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.

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Walker W. Shiflet today.
1Morgan 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.

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.

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3Morgan 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

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4Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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5Alternative 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.

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6When 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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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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8When 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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9When 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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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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)