Experience

Aric brings more than 20 years of experience to multigenerational families and business owners by offering thoughtful advice in four core areas of focus: investment management, lending solutions, tax-aware retirement planning and estate planning\ strategies. Providing his high net worth clients a personalized experience, Aric and his team strive to maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism in their relationships. As of August, 2024, Aric and his team oversee over $2.4 billion in assets under management.

Aric is a lifelong learner, seeking ongoing accreditation and experience. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he has a roster of clients that includes successful business and entertainment executives, physicians, attorneys and real estate entrepreneurs. He offers tailored, goal-oriented planning and objective investment guidance that looks to align his clients’ long-term planning with their values. Aric believes that clients appreciates his ability to anticipate needs, provide individual attention and communicate clearly and confidently about important financial decisions. As a result, he hopes that this will make a real impact in the lives of his clients.

Past experience

VP Wealth Management, Citi Smith Barney, 2001 – 2009
Managing Director, UBS Beverly Hills Office, 2009 – current

Education

UCLA, B.A., economics and political science, magna cum laude, honors
Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses

Credentials

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® 
Senior Portfolio Manager
Certified Private Wealth Advisor, CPWA® 
CA Insurance License #0C48803

Personal life

Aric resides in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
He is active in numerous charitable and political organizations, and currently sits on the board of directors and is President of Young Israel of Century City.
Aric enjoys coaching his children’s Little League teams.

With over 30 years in the finance industry, Jim brings an extensive knowledge of both traditional and modern financial strategies. Jim’s mission is to help others achieve their goals by creating comprehensive financial plans that include asset management, trust and estate strategies, tax strategies, as well as philanthropic arrangement. By utilizing the breadth and depth of UBS resources as well as external partners, he is able to guide clients through their financial decision-making empowering them to look at their finances differently. Throughout his career he has also specialized in inter-generational planning, helping his clients, their children and grandchildren align their goals and values.

By being a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he is able to help business owners with key aspects of their business such as succession planning, liquidity, and development.

Jim has been an arbitrator for the NASD, now FINRA, for over 20 years. As such, he strives to maintain the highest level of integrity, diligence, and professionalism. As a team, we have developed long-lasting multigenerational client relationships built on those values. Jim believes that every client deserves personalized advice and care throughout their financial journey with him.

During his time at Citi Smith Barney, Jim received numerous awards and recognition industry wide. In 2007, he was named as the #12 Financial Advisor in the country by Bank Consultant Magazine and again made the top 25 in 2008. 

Past experience

• Insurance Specialist, Chicago Chamber of Commerce, 1990
• Senior VP Wealth Management, Citi Smith Barney, 1991-2009
• Managing Director, UBS Las Vegas Office, 2009 – current

Credentials

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CFP®
• Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA
• Senior Portfolio Manager
• Series 7, 63 & 65 securities licenses
• Life & Health Ins. license

Personal life

• Jim resides in Las Vegas
• He is FEMA certified in animal rescue
• He enjoys travel, fishing, and all types of adventure sports.

Dr. Bob Levin began his Wall Street career in 2001 and has experience as a physician, pharmaceuticals analyst, and business owner. He directs a wealth management advisory team that specializes in working with physicians and their healthcare (HC) businesses. It bothers him that doctors are seeing more patients in less time for less money and more hassle. Bob believes that doctors devoted to their patients and families deserve to have a trusted financial expert team devoted to them. His clients are busy professionals who rely on his team to serve as their primary resource in the financial world. Bob takes pride in showing them a disciplined strategy to achieve their financial goals and conducting that process with professionalism and integrity.

Bob is from Detroit and founded a service company, paying for college with it. He received his B.S. in 1981 and M.D. in 1985 from the University of Michigan. He then completed a residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in 1988 and worked as a pediatrician until 2000.

But he missed the excitement of business. He attended Johns Hopkins Business School and from 2001-2002 he worked as a drug analyst at JPMorgan in New York City. In 2003 he joined the Global Private Client Group at Merrill Lynch in Beverly Hills and in 2006 he earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification. At Merrill Bob began his advisory practice working with physicians.

In 2016  Bob’s team moved to UBS in Beverly Hills and in 2020 he obtained the Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) certification. In 2022 Bob formed Ascend Wealth Partners with Aric Zamel. Professionally Bob serves as a financial consultant to the physician membership of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology at its annual meeting and has given estate planning seminars to other HC organizations.

Away from work Bob studies Talmudic law and likes sports, music, and travel. He especially enjoys any water–related destination with his family.

Morgan Hees began his career in the financial services industry in 1985 with the municipal bond desk of Dean Witter Reynolds in Los Angeles, CA.  He earned his MBA from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate Management Center of Claremont Graduate University in 1991.  After moving to Santa Fe, Morgan began his financial advisory business in 1995 and has since earned his Portfolio Manager designation with the successor firm, Morgan Stanley.  In January 2015, he joined UBS Financial Services to form Hees Wealth Management Consultants.

A native of California, Morgan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.  He and his wife, Katy, were married in 1984 and have three children.  Morgan is active in the Santa Fe community, having been a Business Leader of the Lensic Theater he currently serves as a member of the endowment committee for the Santa Fe Preparatory School. In his free time, Morgan enjoys gardening, reading, and numerous outdoor activities.

As an integral part of the team, Yev provides key capabilities for their holistic approach: market research, asset consolidation and allocation, portfolio construction, trade strategies and executions, and client reviews. Working extensively with ultra high net worth clients, Yev is dedicated to maintaining operational excellence, as well as the integrity, accuracy and discipline exemplified by the team.

Yev offers specializations in multiple aspects of investment management, analysis and research. He provides deep access to the global resources, solutions and services of UBS. The result is a highly personalized investment strategy and service experience for each client.

Past experience

• Prior to joining UBS, Yev worked for three years at Merrill Lynch as an investment specialist and relationship manager in the Phoenix, AZ area.
• He started his career as an intern at a boutique investment firm in Los Angeles

Personal life

• Yev enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, sports and trying new restaurants.
• He is active in the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization.

CA Insurance License #0M76971

“I am driven to provide insight and advice specific to each client’s needs. I have ongoing conversations not just about our clients’ overall finances, but their life goals, dreams and aspirations.”
– Yev Katkovsky

With a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, Colin has a broad knowledge of investments and provides a high level approach to portfolio management. Through his ability to analyze various scopes of investments ranging from securities, bonds, structured products and alternative investments, he is an integral part of the financial planning process. He works with the team on portfolio construction and management as well as client reviews. 

Furthermore, he specializes in market and economic research and is always looking for an opportunity to provide an advantage for our clients. With an experience in owning his own business catered to customer service, he understands that every client is unique and deserves customized investment strategies tailored to their specific needs.

Past experience

• Prior to joining UBS, Colin ran his own VIP concierge service that catered to multiple high net worth clients in Las Vegas. After substantial growth, he sold his company and changed directions by moving into the finance sector.
• Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, UBS Las Vegas Office, 2016 – current

Personal life  

• A Detroit native, he has lived in Las Vegas for over 15 years
• He enjoys hiking, reading, and volunteering at the local animal shelters

Bojana has been in the financial industry for over 10 years through various roles and is accustomed to dealing with diverse and unique clients. With a deep understanding of clients, their priorities, and what they want to accomplish, she is able to help them navigate through life situations outside the realm of finance. 

Since starting at UBS in 2018, she has progressed rapidly from an operational role to becoming an integral part of the team, focusing on financial planning, insurance and cash-flow analysis, portfolio reviews, and trading. Additionally, she helps clients with their lending and mortgage needs.

Past experience

• Bojana started her finance career by working at Wells Fargo, 2012 - 2017
• From Wells Fargo, she moved to Ameriprise Financial where she got licensed and transitioned into Client Service Associate, 2017-2018
• In early 2018 she started at UBS Las Vegas Office as a Client Service Associate and has since transitioned into Wealth Strategy Associate, 2018 – current

Credentials

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP®
• Series 7, 63 & 65 securities licenses

Personal life

• A huge sports fan with a love for basketball, football, and hockey. 
• She is an avid foodie that enjoys trying out new restaurants and foods from all cultures.

"I strive to empower clients in their financial goals and support their endeavors while providing insight and guidance on their portfolio strategies.  My goal in life is to be an advisor and help clients reach their greatest potential." - Bojana Grujicic

With a Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation, Matt has a broad knowledge of investments and provides a high level approach to portfolio management. Through his experience building customized portfolios to meet the unique needs and goals of clients through the use of various investments ranging from equities, bonds, structured products and alternative investments, he is an integral part of the financial planning process. He works with the team on portfolio construction and management as well as client reviews.

Matt earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of Southern California.

Past experience

• Prior to joining UBS, Matt worked for 7 years at Merrill Lynch as a financial analyst and relationship manager in Los Angeles, CA
• He started his career as an intern at Goldman Sachs

Personal life

• Prior to entering the financial services industry, Matt served on active duty with the United States Marine Corps
• Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, running and hiking
   

Registered States:

AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WY

Alisa is a Wealth Management Associate and has worked in the financial services industry since 2004. As the inside support for the team, she administers all the aspects of client accounts including securities transactions, cash management and managed account administration. Her primary focus is to maintain and facilitate account servicing needs for our high net worth clients. Alisa earned an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix and holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses and is insurance licensed. She resides in Northridge, CA, with her two daughters and enjoys participating in charitable events, various outdoor activities, flying small planes, and traveling, especially going on cruises around the world.

With more than 20 years of financial services experience, Silvia is at the center of the Zamel Wealth Management Group, handling their operational requirements and their clients’ administrative needs. Responsible for all client accounts, Silvia manages account opening, transfers, disbursements, wires, credit lines and all related paperwork.

Excited every day by the opportunity to help clients and resolve interesting challenges, Silvia is a key part of the team’s client loyalty and longevity. She assists with account reviews and resolving complex banking and brokerage issues. Silvia takes pride in working with their impactful and driven clients.

Past experience

• Started at Bank of America in 1991
• Moved to Morgan Stanley in 1995
• Joined UBS in 2016

Personal life

• Originally from Europe, she came to the US to study her English, and decided to stay after spending time in California and New York.
• Silvia has two children.
• She enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking and traveling—especially back to Europe to visit her family.

“ I love working with clients and providing highly personalized service. I believe our clients deserve the best. That’s why every day I come in, I don’t feel like it’s work; I really enjoy what I do.”
- Silvia Hagoski

One of Peggy’s fortes is assistance with our older clientele.  She provides computer aide, checkbook balancing, management of estate sales for clients who move, and arranges for transportation to appointments.  Peggy helps surviving family members of deceased clients in handling their affairs.  She makes it a priority to visit clients to help alleviate depression and isolation that has increased since the pandemic.

Peggy holds Series 63 and 7 licenses as well as a Health & Life Insurance license.  She heads up the Desert Market’s charitable efforts overseeing 14 branches and is the leadership behind UBS’ Season of Service activities.  She serves as a board member for various charities and has consistently led the Desert Market to the top of all UBS markets for participation and individual hours of volunteer service. 

Past experience

• Team Administrator and Senior Client Service Associate – UBS – 2009 – Current
• Senior Client Service Associate – Citicorp Investment Services & Smith Barney – 1997 - 2009
• Legal Administrative Assistant – Hopkins & Sutter (Illinois) - 1990 – 1997

Personal life

• Peggy is a talented musician with 17 years of classical piano training and 12 years of guitar and vocalist experience. 
• She is an avid photographer specializing in animal photography.
• Peggy enjoys travel, sports and animals.

“I am not only involved in the financial picture for our clients, but I enjoy providing personal assistance in day-to-day living as many of our clients are retired. I consider each of our clients as our extended family and like to be sure each of them is treated as such.” -Peggy Thompson

Ask Ari what he enjoys most about being a client service associate, and he will tell you that he loves assisting people. More specifically, he likes to help clients manage their accounts in ways that can help them save time and make their lives easier. His primary role is to support the operations and administrative needs of the team, which includes a host of tasks related to account management. Ari enjoys the role and as someone who has always been interested in finance, he is keen to learn more.

Experience

• Israel Discount Bank – Private Banking Relationship Manager
• Israel Discount Bank – Commercial Lending Division

Education

• B.S., business administration, Touro College

Life

• Ari and his wife were married in August 2020, and they live in Los Angeles.
• Ari is actively involved with American Friends of Sheba Medical Center, a national nonprofit organization that supports the Sheba Medical Center hospital in Tel HaShomer, Israel.
• In addition to enjoying sports, reading, traveling, and discovering new cultures, Ari's newfound passion is gardening, a pastime he developed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

 "I really enjoy working with our clients, and I want to assist them whenever possible. The more I learn, the more I can be there for them." 
- Ari Benchimol

Nicole began her financial career with the UBS Service Group specializing in Retirement accounts. She has been a Client Service Associate since 2021. Nicole assists with daily operations, marketing, and client services. She currently holds the series 7 securities license. Prior to embarking on a new profession in the financial industry, Nicole had a career in event management. Nicole holds a B.S. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and in her leisure enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with family.   

“Discovering this industry and learning about finance has been inspiring and rewarding. Supporting people fulfills me, and I prioritize building customer relationships. I feel lucky to be a part of one of the best teams in finance” - Nicole DiTommaso 

Dylan recently joined UBS as a Client Service Associate in August of 2023.  Prior to beginning his finance career, Dylan attended the University of Oregon where he graduated in 3 years with a B.S. in sports business. Dylan’s favorite part of being a Client Service Associate is the ability to assist others.

Personal Life

• Coaches baseball at his alma mater, Westlake High School
• Enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and golfing

Michelle Rosenberg is a Client Service Associate and has worked in office management since 2001. She is involved in all aspects of client relationships including portfolio reviews. Michelle graduated from Touro College in New York with a bachelor’s in business management. She is an active member of several charitable and community organizations in the Los Angeles area. Michelle enjoys a rich family life and is a mother and grandmother.

Lizzette began her career at UBS in 2023. She joined the Ascend Wealth Partners team as a Client Associate in July of 2024 after earning her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California at Riverside.

Lizzette assists with all administrative and account servicing needs. She is passionate about personal finance and enjoys helping clients meet their financial goals.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, going to the beach and spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Mariposa.