Profile

In an impressive career that’s spanned decades and generations of client families, Charles puts discipline and devotion at the center of a client-centric wealth management approach. Among those he serves are corporate executives (many with stock options and concentrated stock), entrepreneurs and attorneys, retirees, ambitious millennials, independent men and women, and a growing number of divorced persons and widows.

“I’m a ‘belt and suspenders’ advisor who enjoys helping clients preserve assets and make wise decisions,” Charles explains. “I especially want to be sure that clients’ lifestyles can be sustained in retirement, after losing a spouse, or following divorce. For smart people who want to collaborate and appreciate the value I can offer, I’m proud to support their best interest.”

Charles supplements his deep experience with the many books and periodicals he reads on investing and keeping abreast of the markets and economy. Tailoring each strategy to allow for as much input as a client wishes to provide, Charles believes in practicing empathetic listening and presenting concise explanations. In doing more for fewer clients, Charles says, “There’s no substitute for face-to-face meetings, whether clients have time at 9am or 9pm. Things come up in-person that may not be revealed over the phone. Having a client’s attention – and their spouse’s – can result in more meaningful outcomes.”

Using Merrill research portfolios and selected outside managers, Charles formulates tailored client portfolios with a blend of asset classes – including equities, fixed income, mutual funds, and municipal bonds, in particular. Charles maintains that the most viable financial strategies evolve over time and require ongoing review of a client’s health and other factors.
|“Being proactive, collaborative, and respectful are cornerstones of my philosophy," Charles points out. "I offer input without dictating and respect clients’ decisions. I’m also happy to do the legwork – evaluating an investment opportunity, reviewing trust documents, or offering my perspective to a child looking at colleges. What I do is a privilege. I feel like clients and their families are members of mine. In my client relationships, I look to create a synergy."

"My whole approach is based on being a genuine and caring person.", Charles emphasizes.


PERSONAL PROFILE

Charles joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2008 for the vast resources he could “bring to the table.” To enhance both sides of clients’ balance sheets, Charles is an active liaison between clients and specialists throughout Bank of America N.A. Looking forward with clients to satisfy their wishes for children and grandchildren, he often works closely with Merrill Trust specialists on crafting estate-planning strategies.

Charles attended the University of Chicago. He has served a loyal and growing circle of client families for more than 25 years, at three other global financial institutions.

Charles is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can draw from his experience to help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Senior Portfolio Advisor may manage those strategies on a discretionary basis.

Charles and his wife, Diane, are proud parents of three young children – two adopted from South Korea and Russia. When he’s not chasing after them, Charles remains physically active with his fitness routine. Once the kids are asleep, Charles and Diane enjoy conversation, watching movies and home cooking.

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.