Shaun grew up in a hard-working middle-class family, and he particularly enjoys guiding clients as they reach for the wealth management goals that are most important to them. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2005, he has worked extensively with retired and soon-to-retire clients. This experience has given him insights into the financial concerns that are most important to retirees. He is often asked to share his knowledge with other Merrill financial advisors and was named to Forbes’ "America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list in 2018(Published on July 25, 2018. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2018)* and Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year)**.
Shaun is a qualified Portfolio Manager who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the Firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Portfolio Manager may manage his strategies on a discretionary basis. Shaun holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CFP® certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. as well as the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPCTM designation.
In 2022 Shaun moved into the Resident Director role. In addition to the supervision involved in the role, Shaun enjoys using his experience to lead advisors and associates here in Birmingham.
Volunteering is an important part of Shaun’s life. He served on the board of directors for Easter Seals of Alabama, coaches youth sports, and is active in several ministries of his church. Shaun is also a member of the Merrill Lynch Christian Focus Group. He lives in Hoover, Alabama, with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Owen.
Education:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor’s degree, Social and Behavioral Sciences
*2018 Forbes “America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC considered advisors born in 1979 or later with a minimum 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have built their practices, lead their own teams, joined teams, are considered future leaders, or combinations thereof. Ranking is based on in-person and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect all client experiences, endorse any advisor, indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Making their wealth last through retirement – and beyond – is a primary concern for most of my clients. I help them manage their investments for today and the years to come, with strategies designed to preserve assets from unnecessary risk while providing needed growth. My aim is to help clients generate income while preserving principle for the next generation.
More than half of my clients are active and retired employees of a large regional utility, and I am deeply familiar with the company's retirement plan benefits. I also have a broad knowledge of retirement income planning and stock options strategies to help mid-level and senior executives of other large corporations make the most of their company benefit plans.
I believe in a diligent, careful and active approach to investing that can be adjusted to meet each client's evolving needs. I look forward to addressing your unique financial situation with strategies that even the wealthiest investors have come to expect from a seasoned, driven Merrill advisor.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
