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

Welcome to our blog series, 'Private Wealth Groups to Watch: 10 Leading Advisory Teams in the Midwest'. In this third installment of four, FINTRX spotlights ten prestigious advisors from private wealth advisory teams across the Midwest region of the United States. Embark on an enlightening exploration as we delve into the distinctive strategies and subtle complexities that distinguish these top-tier financial experts within their local markets.


Before we delve into the series, it's crucial to establish a clear framework for what qualifies a representative or group as a 'top advisor' in the RIA landscape. While assets under management (AUM) and client size are factors we consider, our evaluation extends beyond size or market share. We employ criteria that include influence, innovation, market impact and expertise to make a well-rounded determination. 

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



Matthew Engen 

    Matthew Engen

     Engen Neuenschwander & Associates

 

Title: Senior Vice President; Senior Resident Director; Wealth Management Advisor
Firm: Engen Neuenschwander & Associates of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Location: Fargo, ND
Est. Group AUM: $620M
North Dakota AUM Rank:
9th
Industry Tenure:
28+ Years

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Matthew Engen, Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Engen Neuenschwander & Associates of Merrill Lynch, brings over 28 years of industry expertise to his role. A graduate of Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Matthew has built a distinguished career at Merrill Lynch since 1999, focusing on developing customized financial strategies tailored to individual client needs. His dedication has garnered him considerable recognition earning accolades such as being named one of Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors" for 2021 and 2022, as well as appearing on Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2022 and 2023. As Senior Resident Director, Matthew oversees the Merrill office in Fargo, North Dakota, leveraging a wealth of resources from Merrill and Bank of America to offer services including estate planning and philanthropic solutions.

Engen Neuenschwander & Associates, a Fargo, ND-based private wealth group affiliated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., specializes in personalized wealth management services for individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of building lifelong, multi-generational relationships. The team, led by Matthew, includes other skilled advisors like John Neuenschwander, Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager and Kristine Shea, Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor, among others. By leveraging Merrill's global resources, they develop tailored investment strategies aligning with client objectives, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. 

 

 

Dana Locniskar-1

 

    Dana Locniskar

     The Locniskar Pursel Bucher Biddinger Group  

 

Title: Managing Director; Private Wealth Advisor
Firm: The Locniskar Pursel Bucher Biddinger Group at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Est. Group AUM: $3.9B
Michigan AUM Rank:
13th
Industry Tenure: 53+ years

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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. 

Dana is deeply involved in his community, serving on boards for several organizations such as the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, City Year Detroit, and Teach for America Detroit. He is a Trustee Emeritus at Detroit Public Television and the Futures Foundation and is active with the Robert H. Tannahill Society Estate Planning Council at the Detroit Institute of Arts, United Way of Michigan's Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Additionally, Dana is the founding president of The Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeast Michigan and has spent over 25 years volunteering at Cornerstone Schools.

The Locniskar Pursel Bucher Biddinger Group, part of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., is a multi-generational legacy team specializing in guiding client families through the complexities of significant wealth. They emphasize continuity and connectivity across life stages, providing customized advice to nurture long-term family legacies. 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.

 

 

Abe Post Sr

 

    Abe Post Sr.

     Post & Associates  

 

Title: Managing Director; Wealth Management Advisor
Firm: Post & Associates at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Est. Group AUM: $1B
Michigan AUM Rank:
74th
Industry Tenure:
40+ Years

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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, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a wealth management group affiliated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Led by Abe and comprising four advisors—Patrick Kosanke and Jennifer Blizinski (Assistant Vice Presidents and Wealth Management Associates), Edyta Carter (Business Development Specialist), and Jackie Noble (Registered Wealth Management Associate)—the team is dedicated to understanding clients' values and priorities to design personalized financial plans that manage investment risk and achieve financial goals. They emphasize building long-term, multi-generational relationships and integrating investment portfolios with comprehensive wealth management strategies. Additionally, they support retirement benefit plan sponsors by managing defined contribution plans and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities.

 

 

Krystal Julius

 

    Krystal Julius

     Eckerline Julius Wealth Management Group

 

Title: Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
Firm: Eckerline Julius Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Location: Wayzata, MN
Est. Group AUM: $1.4B
Minnesota AUM Rank:
14th
Industry Tenure:
15+ Years

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Krystal Julius, Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill's Eckerline Julius Wealth Management Group, has been a valuable member since 2008. Based in Wayzata, MN, she brings over 15 years of experience and holds a CRPC® designation and a marketing management degree from the University of Saint Thomas. Krystal excels in retirement planning, investment management and wealth preservation, utilizing the resources of Bank of America and Merrill. Krystal is also an active community participant, often involved in YMCA activities.

The Eckerline Julius Wealth Management Group at Merrill, led by Krystal, is based in Wayzata, Minnesota, and comprises seven professionals. With decades of experience, advanced education, and a genuine commitment to client success, they offer a comprehensive suite of services, including investment management, banking and lending, strategy and planning, trust and estate planning, insurance and philanthropy. Serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses, the team prioritizes a personalized approach, client interests, and privacy, recognizing that wealth management extends beyond financial assets to encompass all aspects of their clients' lives.

 

 

Judy Fredrickson

 

    Judy Fredrickson

     Metcalf Fredrickson Group  

 

Title: Managing Director; Financial Advisor
Firm: Metcalf Fredrickson Group at UBS Financial Services Inc.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Est. Group AUM: $4.2B
Minnesota AUM Rank:
2nd
Industry Tenure:
21+ Years

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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. 

The Metcalf Fredrickson Group, part of UBS Financial Services Inc. in Wayzata, Minnesota, specializes in sophisticated planning and investment management for high-net-worth individuals, families, endowments, foundations and corporations. Led by Judy and Robert Metcalf, the team excels in pre-transaction planning for business owners and asset management for privately owned companies, addressing unique entrepreneurial challenges. Their collaborative approach involves working closely with clients' trust and estate attorneys and CPAs to provide comprehensive multi-generational wealth planning and wealth transfer strategies. 

 

 

Louis Close-1

 

    Louis Close

     Lake Street Private Wealth  

 

Title: Managing Director; Private Wealth Advisor
Firm: Lake Street Private Wealth at UBS Financial Services Inc.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Est. Group AUM: $3.6B
Minnesota AUM Rank:
4th 
Industry Tenure:
31+ Years

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Louis Close, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Lake Street Private Wealth of UBS, has served 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.

Lake Street Private Wealth, part of UBS Financial Services Inc. in Wayzata, Minnesota, excels in providing high-net-worth families with tailored investment strategies to meet their financial goals. Their team of six dedicated professionals prioritizes collaboration, working closely with clients' tax and legal advisors to develop customized, coordinated plans. Committed to exceptional personalized service, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including investment management, estate planning, and expertise in alternative investments, ensuring clients effectively navigate the complexities of wealth management and achieve their financial objectives.

 

 

Christina Boyd

 

    Christina Boyd

     Boyd Wealth Management Group  

 

Title: Managing Director; Senior Financial Advisor
Firm: Boyd Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Location: Wayzata, MN
Est. Group AUM: $1B
Minnesota AUM Rank:
8th
Industry Tenure:
28+ Years

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Christina Boyd, Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor at Boyd Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch, has over 28 years of experience providing tailored financial advice to high-net-worth clients. Christina has been recognized as one of America's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors by Barron's since 2014, and Forbes ranked her as Minnesota's #1 "Best-in-State Wealth Advisor" from 2018 to 2022. She focuses on comprehensive wealth management strategies, including retirement planning, estate planning and investment risk management. Additionally, Christina is actively involved in community service, notably with Children's Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota.

The Boyd Wealth Management Group, a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., is led by Christina and comprises a dedicated team of seven professionals. Focused on personalized advice and exceptional service, the group assists clients with education funding, retirement planning, healthcare cost management, and wealth transfer. They have built enduring relationships with clients, some lasting over 40 years and spanning multiple generations. 

 

 

Tom Freeman-1

 

    Tom Freeman

     FCS Private Wealth Management & Family Office 

 

Title: Managing Director; Family Office Consultant 
Firm: FCS Private Wealth Management & Family Office at Wells Fargo Advisors
Location: Leawood, KS
Est. Group AUM: $1.8B
Kansas AUM Rank:
8th
Industry Tenure:
34+ Years

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Thomas Freeman, Managing Director and Family Office Consultant at FCS Private Wealth Management (FCSWM) and Family Office of Wells Fargo, brings over 34 years of expertise in serving high-net-worth clients. Beginning his career at Merrill Lynch and later advancing at UBS, Thomas founded his firm in 2020. He has earned prestigious accolades, including being named a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and one of Barron's Top 1,200 Advisors in 2022. Beyond finance, Thomas's background as a former professional football player and marathon runner highlights his unwavering commitment and discipline.

FCS Private Wealth Management & Family Office is a Leawood, Kansas-based subsidiary of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. Operating on principles of trust, competence and discretion, the 10-person team provides wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals with assets ranging from $1 million to $25 million through their Private Wealth Management division. For clients with assets exceeding $25 million, their Family Office division offers specialized services including retirement planning, risk management, estate planning, tax-efficient investing, and philanthropy. 

 

 

Dianna Smith

 

    Dianna Smith

    The Ferguson-Smith-Cohen Group  

 

Title: Co-Founder; Executive Director; Wealth Advisor; Senior Portfolio Management Director
Firm: The Ferguson-Smith-Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley
Location: Leawood, KS
Est. Group AUM: $1.5B
Kansas AUM Rank:
14th
Industry Tenure:
23+ Years

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Dianna Smith, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley, brings over two decades of industry experience, serving wealthy families, individuals and endowments/foundations. She holds the prestigious Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification and the Family Wealth Director designation, earned by fewer than 4% of all Morgan Stanley Advisors. Dianna provides comprehensive asset allocation, investment strategies, and tax-efficient planning. Her expertise has earned national and state recognition, including on Forbes Magazine's "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors" and "Top 250 Women Advisors" lists. Beyond her professional achievements, Dianna is deeply committed to her community, serving as Treasurer for the Heart of Kansas City National Charity League.

The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group, operating under Morgan Stanley, empowers clients to grow and preserve their wealth with confidence through a holistic approach to wealth management. The team offers services including asset management, retirement planning, portfolio management, financial planning and business succession planning, among others. Specializing in serving multigenerational families, entrepreneurs, executives, business owners, individuals in financial transition and stock plan participants, the team leverages its expertise alongside Morgan Stanley's research to craft active portfolio management strategies. Known for their extensive experience and personalized approach, they have been recognized by Forbes and Barron's.

 

 

Melissa Spickler

 

    Melissa Spickler

     The Spickler Wealth Management Group  

 

Title: Managing Director; Wealth Management Advisor
Firm: The Spickler Wealth Management Group of Merrill Wealth Management
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Est. Group AUM: $1.5B
Michigan AUM Rank:
41st 
Industry Tenure:
43+ Years

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Melissa Spickler, Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor at The Spickler Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch, brings over four decades of industry experience and is celebrated for her exceptional wealth management services. She serves a diverse clientele including affluent families, women in transition, executives, closely held businesses, retirees, entrepreneurs and members of the LGBT community. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Melissa offers personalized strategies that align with client's goals, risk tolerance and liquidity needs, leveraging Merrill Lynch's resources and third-party managers. Recognized by Forbes and Barron's for multiple years, she is widely regarded as one of America's top financial advisors.

The Spickler Wealth Management Group, part of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., delivers personalized wealth management strategies to a diverse clientele including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, business owners, corporations and the LGBT community. Services include retirement planning, wealth transfer strategies and business owner solutions, emphasizing long-term performance and wealth preservation. The Spickler Wealth Management Group collaborates with Bank of America specialists for comprehensive trust and estate planning. Additionally, they support retirement plan sponsors with strategic investment guidance and compliance assistance.

 

Disclaimer: This report and accompanying information have been derived using FINTRX-proprietary data. All information contained within is accurate to the best of our knowledge, including--but not limited to--job titles, education history, professional history, AUM, etc. This report and its data are not intended for reproduction and should not be used as official investment advice. FINTRX does not have any affiliation with any persons or entities included in this report. Any use of this report or its contents is at the sole discretion and responsibility of the user. FINTRX shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in the information provided.


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