The Cottrell & Klaus Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
5905 E Galbraith Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45236
(513) 985.5946
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Our team was formed with a passion for helping clients with the challenges of managing their financial lives. We combine the vast resources of Merrill with our brand of an intimate family office boutique to provide clients with tailored family business plans and highly personalized service.
The Cottrell & Klaus Group
Welcome

Our team shares a common goal: to help corporate executives and business owners pursue meaningful outcomes.  Our client experience centers around a simple philosophy: funded contentment.  Wealth carries a different meaning that is unique to each of our clients.  Our purpose is to define answers to questions like:

  • Is the path I'm on viable?
  • When can I spend more time doing what I want, where I want and with the people I love?
  • What am I not worrying about that I should be?

Our team provides fiduciary services through Merrill’s Investment Advisory Program. In a world where investment indexing is easier now more than ever, our team members facilitate a different kind of conversation; helping families manage everything from executive compensation to multi-generational wealth planning.

Our team demographic breaks the traditional mold. We understand you want an advisor that is not going to be retiring at the same time you will. We understand you want the next generation of your wealth to be well-equipped and have a trusted advisor. We understand you want a team that embraces technology and is adaptable to your needs. Our team is intentionally built with a unique mix of experience yet longevity ahead to serve you and your family for decades to come.

The experience we provide is designed around Access, Education and Process. After a two-step planning process, our on-boarding process is built for seamless transition: completed entirely electronically and with transparent and consistent communication from on of our Service Partners. We welcome you to explore more about our team below.

Recognition
Andrew Cottrell
Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2019, 2022-2024
(Published annually Aug – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2020-2021, 2024
(Published annually July – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2021-2023
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
The Cottrell & Klaus Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2024
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
About Us
Philosophy

The Cottrell & Klaus Group serves a unique but important set of clientele—executives, owners and the senior leadership of publicly-traded and private companies across the country. We are fluent in planning with clients that build wealth through concentration.

Our team of seven is equipped to serve those employed at the highest level, especially, though not exclusively, those receiving restricted stock, options, and/or profit share. Our team integrates itself with other professionals that your family would work with, including attorneys, accountants, and insurance agents.

Meet Our Team
Andrew Cottrell,

CEPA®, CPWA®

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
513.985.5946
Casey Klaus,

CPWA®

Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
513.985.5941
Drew Grombala
Financial Advisor
513.985.5938
Emily Morris,

CRPC™

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
513.985.5972
CHERI FITZGERALD
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
513.985.5822
Brian D Whitling,

CFP®

Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
513.985.5914
Karrie Lofton
Wealth Management Client Associate
513.985.5914
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.
Don Livio
Investment Solutions Group Portfolio Strategist
Bank of America, N.A.
Jonathan J Sadler
Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #589863
Ashley Knight
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
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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Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.
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.
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.