Private Wealth Groups to Watch: 10 Leading Advisory Teams in the Midwest

Dana Locniskar, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor for The Locniskar Pursel Bucher Biddinger Group at Merrill, boasts over 50 years of experience in wealth management for high-net-worth clients and institutions. Since joining Merrill in 1970, Dana has been consistently recognized for his expertise, with features on Forbes' "America's Top Wealth Advisors" list from 2016 to 2022 and Barron's "Top 1,200 Advisors" from 2009 to 2022. His work involves customized advice in wealth management, concentrated stock strategies, as well as trust and estate planning. 

The Locniskar Pursel Biddinger Nienberg Rochow Group at Merrill Lynch comprises experienced financial advisors who focus on wealth management for high-net-worth individuals, families and institutions. Apart from Dana's leadership, the team includes, but is not limited to, Thomas Pursel, a Managing Director as well as Matthew Biddinger, Griffin Nienberg and John Rochow, who all serve as Senior Vice Presidents and Financial Advisors.

Abraham "Abe" Post, a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Post & Associates of Merrill Lynch, brings over four decades of experience in financial services. Known for his energetic and detail-oriented approach, Abe focuses on retirement planning and advises businesses on company-sponsored retirement plans. His expertise is recognized through multiple accolades, including repeated listings on Barron's "America's Top 1200 Financial Advisors State-by-State" and Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" in 2023. Abe holds prestigious designations such as the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) and the Retirement Benefits Consultant title.

Post & Associates, led by Abe, is made up of just four other advisors; Patrick Kosanke and Jennifer Blizinski, both serving as Assistant Vice Presidents and Wealth Management Associates; Edyta Carter, a Business Development Specialist; and Jackie Noble, a Registered Wealth Management Associate. Together, this cohesive team collaborates to provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to its clientele. 

Judy Fredrickson, Managing Director and Financial Advisor at Metcalf Fredrickson Group at UBS, provides investment planning and wealth management services for affluent families and institutions since 2012. Her expertise includes pre-transaction planning for private business owners and multi-generational wealth management. A former Principal at Alliance Bernstein and executive at Imation Corporation and Eastman Kodak Company, Judy actively engages in family governance education and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon. 

Louis Close, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Lake Street Private Wealth of UBS, has been serving clients since 1992. Recognized by Barron's as one of the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors in America from 2010 to 2019 and by the Financial Times as a Top 400 Advisor, Louis offers a tailored approach to wealth management. He holds a CIMA® designation from The Wharton School and collaborates extensively with clients’ legal and financial advisors. Additionally, Louis is committed to his community, serving on boards for Bolder Options and the University of Minnesota's Athletic Department.

The team at Lake Street Private Wealth in Wayzata, MN, consists of six main members: Louis Close; Christopher Watkins, Managing Director and Financial Advisor; David Gannon, Managing Director–Wealth Management and Financial Advisor; Elizabeth Engelmann, and Kelli Puhl, all serving as Senior Vice Presidents and Financial Advisors, as well as Jamal Abu-Shamala, Vice President–Wealth Management and Financial Advisor. Additionally, the team includes other skilled individuals who bring a wealth of experience in financial services, specializing in personalized investment management, wealth management for affluent families, and strategic business planning.

Thomas Freeman, Managing Director and Family Office Consultant at FCS Private Wealth Management (FCSWM) & Family Office of Wells Fargo, brings over 34 years of expertise to high-net-worth clientele. Having started his career at Merrill Lynch and subsequently working at UBS, he founded his firm in 2020. Thomas is recognized for his comprehensive service to ultra-wealthy families, managing assets worth approximately $1.7 billion. His accolades include being named a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and a Barron's Top 1,200 Advisor in 2022. Outside finance, Thomas is a former professional football player and a marathon runner, demonstrating his dedication and discipline. 

The FCSWM team, led by Freeman, is composed of seasoned professionals dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. Alongside Freeman, you'll find Ted Chartier and Matt Sayers, both Partners, Sarah Tiedt, Vice President and Family Office Wealth Advisor, Susan Freeman, Vice President, Financial Advisor & Certified Financial Planner, Greg Spears, Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer, as well as Margo Shepard and Andrew Shepard, both Founders and Partners of Shepard Wealth Advisors. Their combined expertise and unwavering commitment to client success solidify FCSWM's standing as a trusted advisor in the realm of wealth management.