THE ZELEN GROUP

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
1033 Skokie Boulevard
Suite 500
Northbrook IL 60062
(847) 564.7261
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Through deep relationships and seasoned guidance, we create personalized financial strategies built for life’s complexity. Inspired by a multi‑generation legacy of client service—and a belief that great advice can change outcomes—we help clients make impactful decisions, protect what matters most, and plan confidently across generations and life stages. Our motivation is deeply personal: continuing a legacy of client care while raising the standard of advice for the next generation.
THE ZELEN GROUP
Welcome

With roots dating back to the 1960s, our team combines deep experience with a modern, comprehensive approach to wealth planning. Led by Senior Financial Advisor Larry Zelen, who has spent over 30 years with the firm, alongside Wealth Planner Lauren Stroner, CFP® and Registered Wealth Management Client Associate Jeff Richards, we partner closely with clients to create thoughtful, personalized strategies that support long-term and multi-generational goals.
Recognized in 2026 on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for second consecutive year (published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year), we are proud to be a growing team grounded in expertise, genuine care, and lasting relationships - both within our community and with the clients we serve.

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK* Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm 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 because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). 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 and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Recognition
THE ZELEN GROUP
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025-2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
About Us
Our Philosophy

The right financial approach is one that moves you deliberately toward your goals. We start by clearly defining what you want to achieve—then we build a strategy designed to get you there.
From the outset, we focus on what matters most to you and encourage direct, meaningful dialogue. Whether you're planning for future healthcare costs, preparing for college expenses, evaluating the purchase or sale of a home or business, or structuring a multigenerational wealth transfer, we address complex decisions with clarity and purpose.
Everything begins with a comprehensive plan built to manage, grow, and preserve your wealth today, while thoughtfully accounting for the long‑term impact of every decision.

Meet Our Team
Lawrence Zelen
Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
847.564.7261
Lauren Stroner,

CFP®, CRPC™

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Planner
847.564.7196
Jeffrey Richards,

CRPC™

Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
847.564.7156
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Merrill Lynch Logo
Julie Novitskiy
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Marcy O'Brien
Wealth Management Lending Officer
NMLS #559813
Bank of America, N.A.
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.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.