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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.