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Understanding your life priorities is an important part of the relationship with you. It’s not just about markets and returns, it’s about what matters most to you. I can collaborate to help create a personalized plan designed around you, your family, your goals and your aspirations.

Dylan Kesterson

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor

101 E Kennedy Blvd

Tampa FL 33602

(813) 273.8511

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ProfileRecognitionAbout MeInsightsAbout Merrill

Profile

Dylan Kesterson is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, joining the firm in 2023. Prior to joining Merrill, he started his career at a large life insurance and annuity firm, where he helped clients with risk management strategies. Dylan then went on to work for a local Registered Investment Advisor, where he served as an associate and Wealth Manager. With this experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients. His extensive knowledge spans the realms of investments, and insurance, allowing him to be a trusted steward in navigating the complex world of personal finance.

Dylan’s approach is consultative, collaborative, and comprehensive, which is characterized by a deep understanding of his clients and each client’s family, financial situation, unique needs, and aspirations. With such understanding, coupled with a dedication to fostering financial well-being and security, he leverages Merrill’s resources and his own financial acumen to provide potential solutions that empower his clients to make informed financial decisions now, and for the future. Being analytical and detail-oriented, Dylan works diligently to create an efficient wealth plan, and a cohesive financial strategy so his clients can live the life they design. Dylan is driven by his passion for delivering excellent service and guiding his clients to accomplish their goals and pursue their passions.

Dylan received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he participated in the Student-Managed Investment Fund. Dylan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^®professional, as well as a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor^® designee. Originally from Winter Park, FL, he now lives in Tampa with his wife, Lauren, their daughter, Ainsley, and their Labrador Retriever, Bolt. Dylan enjoys golf, spending time with family and friends, exploring the Tampa Bay area, and is an avid Tampa Bay sports fan.

Recognition

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2026

(Published on January 7, 2026. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2025.)

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About Me

Welcome

My mission, first and foremost, is to understand you and what matters most to you. Armed with that information I can ask thoughtful questions -- listening carefully, then understanding in detail where your wealth stands today and where you'd like it to be tomorrow. I help you design and implement a personalized plan intended to help you and your family pursue financial goals while helping manage investment risk. My approach is to focus on potential solutions that can help turn goals into reality.

Philosophy

Life is always changing and growing more complex. In the same way, your priorities and needs around your family, work, health and home are always evolving. And since your finances are so deeply connected with the rest of your life, an investment approach that is specific to your unique situation can be helpful. Even if you're accustomed to managing your finances on your own, you may find value in having a relationship with someone who understands your priorities and who has the knowledge and resources to help you make more informed decisions, no matter where you are in life.

Approach

Wealth Management is a dynamic process. As I focus on you today and help you identify your goals for tomorrow, we can strive to work together throughout life's ups, downs, triumphs, and transitions. Helping you pursue your goals starts with getting to know you, your family and developing a plan. My job is to understand what matters most to you. We will work together to create a financial strategy that reflects your investment personality and is built around your life priorities. I will be here to help you make adjustments to your plan if and when necessary over time.**Your approach to investing**Drawing upon research in the field of behavioral finance, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help us get to know you better as an investor and potentially help you refine your own investing preferences. By gaining a deeper understanding of how you think and feel about investing through this assessment, we can customize the financial approach we develop together to help you pursue what matters most to you. Our Investment Personality Assessment is one of the ways to help us get to know you \- to understand your goals and priorities. These questions will help us provide you with additional insights and resources.**Understanding your goals and priorities**Your life and goals change. We have tools to help you keep track of these changes so they can be reflected in your financial approach.

Capabilities

Regarding your finances, it is important for you to know exactly where you are, where you want to go, and how much you may need to get there. We work together to develop a personalized financial strategy, providing access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, to help you plan for your financial future. We provide transparency on potential risks and opportunities and what you're paying for and what you're getting. Understanding that life needs and market conditions can change, we will meet with you to help ensure your strategy stays on track in pursuing your goals and to adjust your approach as needed for the journey ahead.

Focus On

I believe that financial success can be achieved when you're able to make investment\-related decisions and trade\-offs that can help you reach personally meaningful goals. Whether you're planning your retirement, saving to buy a home or funding a child's education, the process begins by getting to know you and how you feel about the following:* Health: Managing healthcare expenses, now and in the future* Home: Upsizing, downsizing, remodeling or buying a vacation home* Family: Taking care of your family and other people in your life* Leisure: Spending your free time in meaningful ways* Giving: Volunteering, mentoring others and giving to charities* Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business* Finance: Bringing it all together and defining your financial goalsSuccess will be measured by the amount of progress you are making toward reaching your goals, making thoughtfully considered adjustments as events and conditions warrant.*This material should be regarded as general or educational information on healthcare or Social Security considerations and is not intended to provide specific healthcare or social security advice. If you have questions regarding your particular situation, please contact your legal or tax advisor.*

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About Merrill

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.