$9.4 billion
Assets under management
When you have created or inherited substantial wealth, you face daily decisions about your immediate needs, your longer-term goals and aspirations for future generations. From business to finance to family, you have possibilities limited only by your own imagination, courage and determination.
As Private Wealth Advisors and Family Office Consultants, we offer the access, perspective and, importantly, the passion to help our clients pursue what is possible today and for generations to come. Our deep history with multigenerational families, entrepreneurs, senior executives and family offices means we have the experience you need to unlock opportunities, preserve wealth and create continuity.
Drew began his career in financial services in 1999 at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management, where, in 2008, he successfully achieved membership in the firm’s influential Leadership Council. In April 2009, he joined UBS Private Wealth Management and now leads one the largest teams in all of UBS. Drew’s clients have appreciated his team’s holistic approach, incorporating liability management and estate planning, along with tax optimization and philanthropic strategies into their investment advice, creating a thoughtful overall financial plan. The team focuses on providing executives of both public and private companies, as well as multigenerational families thoughtful advice regarding any financial issues.
Prior to his career in wealth management, Drew spent seven years designing and managing the construction of custom racing yachts at Nelson-Marek Yacht Design, focusing primarily on the design of America’s Cup yachts. In addition to designing the yachts, Drew was a crew member aboard multiple America’s Cup yachts. Drew continues to pursue his passion of sailboat racing, winning 3 World Championships & 3 National Championship in the past 5 years – He is the 2021 & 2020 IC 37 National Champion, the 2019 Farr 40 World Champion, the 2017 & 2018 Melges 20 World Champion, as well as the 2017 Melges 20 US National Champion. He has also been Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Finalist.
Drew is passionate about animals, serving on the boards of and as treasurer for two nonprofit animal rescue organizations: Farm Girl Dog Rescue, Inc. and Animals Help People Help Animals (AHPHA). Equally enthusiastic about sailing, Drew is an active member of the New York Yacht Club, the San Diego Yacht Club and the California Yacht Club. He is on the investment committee for the San Diego Yacht Club. Drew is also on the board of US Sailing Hall of Fame, and is Chairman of the Investment Committee for the US Sailing Association, managing the investments for the US Olympic Sailing Team.
With over 20 years of experience in private wealth management, Michael holds a high level of expertise that distinguishes him as a leader in the industry. He is a lead financial advisor on Mainsail Wealth Partners, , and manages 12 staff members along with 5 other financial advisors. Michael attributes this success to the shared efforts of his team.
Recognized for an accomplished career and commitment to service, Michael was named Co-Chair of the influential UBS Financial Advisor Advisory Council (FAAC) in 2015. The FAAC, a select group of 14 Financial Advisors representing all UBS Advisors, addresses the critical issues and concerns that ultimately help Advisors better serve their clients. In addition, he is a Senior Portfolio Manager. Michael has served on the Private Wealth Management Banking Committee, advising the firm on lending issues that impact the firm’s wealthiest clients.
Prior to starting his career in private wealth management, utilizing his entrepreneurial abilities, Michael owned and operated a sports card distribution company. The company was active under Michael’s guidance and leadership for most of the 1990s. Michael earned an M.B.A.in Finance from UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he subsequently joined the Alumni Executive board and served as c\Chairman of the Alumni Development Committee. He also attended San Diego State University, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a Distinction in Finance.
Outside of work, Michael is a runner, a triathlete and an all-around family man. In addition, Michael serves on the board of the East Valley YMCA. He received The Significant Sig Award in 2021, which is one of Sigma Chi Fraternity’s highest honors recognizing alumni members for their exemplary achievements in their fields of endeavor.
Steven has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined UBS Private Wealth Management in 2009 and received his Private Wealth Advisor accreditation & designation in 2012. Steven provides customized wealth planning strategies to high net worth individuals and families, with a focus on entrepreneurs who have sold a business and executives at public companies. He has experience in managing wealth resulting from IPOs, mergers, and sales of and privately owned businesses, and has spent most of his career working with options and the hedging of concentrated stock positions.
Steven was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and his family moved to the United States at a young age where he spent most of his childhood growing up in Atlanta, GA. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a double-major in Economics and Psychology, Steven joined Lehman Brothers in 2001 in their Equity Derivatives division. Two years later he was hired by Credit Suisse to work in their Debt Capital Markets group and then transitioned into their Private Banking division in 2004. While working full-time, Steven was able to obtain his M.B.A. from the Marshall School of Business in 2009. Steven currently serves on the Board of Directors at Hillel Hebrew Academy and mentors and offers career guidance to military veterans through American Corporate Partners.
Jim began his career in Financial Services in 1983. After a career spanning several firms, Jim joined UBS Private Wealth Management in 2014.
Jim received a B.S. in Mathematics from Santa Clara University. He holds FINRA series 7, 8, 63, and 65.
Jim has focused his practice on a limited number of affluent families, primarily former Executives, Founders and early employees of Technology companies. Jim works with his clients addressing not only their financial needs but also developing philanthropic and wealth transfer strategies.
Jim is involved with a number of organizations serving children, education and healthcare. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. He also served for many years on the Boards of the Taylor Family Foundation and College is Real.
Steve has worked in the wealth management industry since 2001. He began his career at UBS in New York before relocating to Los Angeles in 2003. Steve held several positions as both a branch manager and investment specialist during his time in Los Angeles. In 2012, Steve and his family moved to Northern California where he served as the Managing Director and Market Manager for UBS Private Wealth Management until 2018 when he joined J.P Morgan Wealth Management in a similar capacity. Upon returning to UBS in July 2022, Steve joined Mainsail Partners. He brings over twenty years of experience working with ultra high net worth families and the teams that served them. Steve holds an Executive MBA from the Anderson school at UCLA and a Finance degree from Penn State. He resides in Orinda, CA with his wife, Jennie, and their four children.
Brendan develops customized wealth management solutions for ultra high net worth individuals, families and foundations. Utilizing a holistic approach encompassing investing, philanthropic and tax minimization strategies, as well as estate and legacy planning services, Brendan works closely with clients and their outside advisors to provide portfolio recommendations, reviews and asset allocation analysis utilizing his team and UBS's global investment research and leading open architecture, manager and fund selection process. Brendan believes in proactively communicating with clients and creates a customized plan to achieve an ongoing dialogue with each client. He also provides clients access to various UBS educational events and materials.
Prior to joining UBS, Brendan was with UTA in Los Angeles and NAI Global in Boston before that. Brendan received a B.A. in environmental studies with a concentration in policy and law at the University of Washington, and when called for, utilizes that knowledge for clients interested in ESG (environmental, social and governance) and sustainable investing. While at the University of Washington, he was a member of the Men's Heavyweight Varsity Rowing Team. Brendan holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as a life insurance license.
Brendan resides in Manhattan Beach, CA, with his wife, Samantha, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and ocean swimming and is currently a Los Angeles Regional Advisory Board Member of The Ireland Funds.
Drew began his career in financial services in 1999 at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management, where, in 2008, he successfully achieved membership in the firm’s influential Leadership Council. In April 2009, he joined UBS Private Wealth Management and now leads one the largest teams in all of UBS. Drew’s clients have appreciated his team’s holistic approach, incorporating liability management and estate planning, along with tax optimization and philanthropic strategies into their investment advice, creating a thoughtful overall financial plan. The team focuses on providing executives of both public and private companies, as well as multigenerational families thoughtful advice regarding any financial issues.
Prior to his career in wealth management, Drew spent seven years designing and managing the construction of custom racing yachts at Nelson-Marek Yacht Design, focusing primarily on the design of America’s Cup yachts. In addition to designing the yachts, Drew was a crew member aboard multiple America’s Cup yachts. Drew continues to pursue his passion of sailboat racing, winning 3 World Championships & 3 National Championship in the past 5 years – He is the 2021 & 2020 IC 37 National Champion, the 2019 Farr 40 World Champion, the 2017 & 2018 Melges 20 World Champion, as well as the 2017 Melges 20 US National Champion. He has also been Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Finalist.
Drew is passionate about animals, serving on the boards of and as treasurer for two nonprofit animal rescue organizations: Farm Girl Dog Rescue, Inc. and Animals Help People Help Animals (AHPHA). Equally enthusiastic about sailing, Drew is an active member of the New York Yacht Club, the San Diego Yacht Club and the California Yacht Club. He is on the investment committee for the San Diego Yacht Club. Drew is also on the board of US Sailing Hall of Fame, and is Chairman of the Investment Committee for the US Sailing Association, managing the investments for the US Olympic Sailing Team.
With over 20 years of experience in private wealth management, Michael holds a high level of expertise that distinguishes him as a leader in the industry. He is a lead financial advisor on Mainsail Wealth Partners, , and manages 12 staff members along with 5 other financial advisors. Michael attributes this success to the shared efforts of his team.
Recognized for an accomplished career and commitment to service, Michael was named Co-Chair of the influential UBS Financial Advisor Advisory Council (FAAC) in 2015. The FAAC, a select group of 14 Financial Advisors representing all UBS Advisors, addresses the critical issues and concerns that ultimately help Advisors better serve their clients. In addition, he is a Senior Portfolio Manager. Michael has served on the Private Wealth Management Banking Committee, advising the firm on lending issues that impact the firm’s wealthiest clients.
Prior to starting his career in private wealth management, utilizing his entrepreneurial abilities, Michael owned and operated a sports card distribution company. The company was active under Michael’s guidance and leadership for most of the 1990s. Michael earned an M.B.A.in Finance from UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he subsequently joined the Alumni Executive board and served as c\Chairman of the Alumni Development Committee. He also attended San Diego State University, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a Distinction in Finance.
Outside of work, Michael is a runner, a triathlete and an all-around family man. In addition, Michael serves on the board of the East Valley YMCA. He received The Significant Sig Award in 2021, which is one of Sigma Chi Fraternity’s highest honors recognizing alumni members for their exemplary achievements in their fields of endeavor.
Steven has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined UBS Private Wealth Management in 2009 and received his Private Wealth Advisor accreditation & designation in 2012. Steven provides customized wealth planning strategies to high net worth individuals and families, with a focus on entrepreneurs who have sold a business and executives at public companies. He has experience in managing wealth resulting from IPOs, mergers, and sales of and privately owned businesses, and has spent most of his career working with options and the hedging of concentrated stock positions.
Steven was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and his family moved to the United States at a young age where he spent most of his childhood growing up in Atlanta, GA. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a double-major in Economics and Psychology, Steven joined Lehman Brothers in 2001 in their Equity Derivatives division. Two years later he was hired by Credit Suisse to work in their Debt Capital Markets group and then transitioned into their Private Banking division in 2004. While working full-time, Steven was able to obtain his M.B.A. from the Marshall School of Business in 2009. Steven currently serves on the Board of Directors at Hillel Hebrew Academy and mentors and offers career guidance to military veterans through American Corporate Partners.
Jim began his career in Financial Services in 1983. After a career spanning several firms, Jim joined UBS Private Wealth Management in 2014.
Jim received a B.S. in Mathematics from Santa Clara University. He holds FINRA series 7, 8, 63, and 65.
Jim has focused his practice on a limited number of affluent families, primarily former Executives, Founders and early employees of Technology companies. Jim works with his clients addressing not only their financial needs but also developing philanthropic and wealth transfer strategies.
Jim is involved with a number of organizations serving children, education and healthcare. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. He also served for many years on the Boards of the Taylor Family Foundation and College is Real.
Steve has worked in the wealth management industry since 2001. He began his career at UBS in New York before relocating to Los Angeles in 2003. Steve held several positions as both a branch manager and investment specialist during his time in Los Angeles. In 2012, Steve and his family moved to Northern California where he served as the Managing Director and Market Manager for UBS Private Wealth Management until 2018 when he joined J.P Morgan Wealth Management in a similar capacity. Upon returning to UBS in July 2022, Steve joined Mainsail Partners. He brings over twenty years of experience working with ultra high net worth families and the teams that served them. Steve holds an Executive MBA from the Anderson school at UCLA and a Finance degree from Penn State. He resides in Orinda, CA with his wife, Jennie, and their four children.
Brendan develops customized wealth management solutions for ultra high net worth individuals, families and foundations. Utilizing a holistic approach encompassing investing, philanthropic and tax minimization strategies, as well as estate and legacy planning services, Brendan works closely with clients and their outside advisors to provide portfolio recommendations, reviews and asset allocation analysis utilizing his team and UBS's global investment research and leading open architecture, manager and fund selection process. Brendan believes in proactively communicating with clients and creates a customized plan to achieve an ongoing dialogue with each client. He also provides clients access to various UBS educational events and materials.
Prior to joining UBS, Brendan was with UTA in Los Angeles and NAI Global in Boston before that. Brendan received a B.A. in environmental studies with a concentration in policy and law at the University of Washington, and when called for, utilizes that knowledge for clients interested in ESG (environmental, social and governance) and sustainable investing. While at the University of Washington, he was a member of the Men's Heavyweight Varsity Rowing Team. Brendan holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as a life insurance license.
Brendan resides in Manhattan Beach, CA, with his wife, Samantha, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and ocean swimming and is currently a Los Angeles Regional Advisory Board Member of The Ireland Funds.
Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures
Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures
Drew Freides, Michael Kanigher and Steven Westerman are among a select group of Private Wealth Advisors who have earned the Family Office Consultant (FOC) business designation. Understanding the complexities of intergenerational wealth and the associated challenges, FOCs align specific needs to the full suite of UBS capabilities, managing the investment, business, passion and legacy needs their clients face.
“Whether we’re helping you realize your dream because you have retired or sold your business, are pursuing a new business venture, exploring a philanthropic passion or we’re assisting you in the education of your children about future financial responsibility, our team has the insight, resources and broad access you need across the firm and around the globe.” — Drew Freides
Senior leaders with deep industry experience
Our Private Wealth Advisors start with a frank discussion about your goals, your values and the future you envision for your family. We consider how your financial assets and liabilities integrate with all the complexities of your business ventures, family needs and legacy objectives.
Strategies for each generation of your family
Our team of wealth strategists can help build, articulate and monitor an integrated plan that is designed to keep pace with your changing perspective on wealth, your family’s lifestyle and your financial priorities. We have access to the global depth and breadth of UBS platforms, perspective and expertise—advanced estate planning strategists to portfolio and alternative investment management and philanthropy specialists.
A high-touch client experience
The clients we serve are busy and face complex financial decisions. Their concerns always take precedent. Our client team’s attention to detail—touching on literally every aspect of our clients’ lives—has created strong bonds across generations and helped earn lifelong trust.
“We are laser-focused on helping to ensure that the wealth you have created best serves you and those you care about most, today and for generations to come.” — Michael Kanigher
Clients count on us to work directly with their accountants, estate attorneys, insurance professionals and a wide range of UBS banking and investment specialists. We incorporate all perspectives into one integrated approach.
Exceptional families: a comprehensive experience for each generation
We seamlessly integrate comprehensive wealth management with institutional-level investment solutions for a comprehensive experience. Our team understands the dynamics of families working together to make important life decisions. Working with the UBS Global Family Office and Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services groups, we can help bridge generations to offer advice on family decision-making, business transition, wealth transfer and family office governance. Collaborating with our Family Office Solutions Group, we bring the best of UBS insights and expertise to our clients—helping them explore highly bespoke opportunities for growth, capital preservation and wealth transition.
Entrepreneurs: understanding the full cycle of business needs
We address the full cycle of business needs from strategic business financing to succession and exit strategies to post-liquidity planning. Whether you’re building capital and growing your business, selling your company, looking to manage existing liquid assets or transferring wealth, we have a honed process for helping you make smart, informed financial decisions.
Pre-liquidity planning:
Prior to the transaction, we help you develop a personalized strategy to maximize the value of this event so you can confidently pursue your life goals post-sale.
Post-liquidity wealth management:
To help inform our recommendations about deal structure, valuation opportunities and tax considerations, we’ll coordinate with our network of both third-party and UBS.
Executives: building relationships with founders and senior executives
With complicated equity award packages—as well as potentially complex tax consequences—executives and other insiders need specialized advice. Our team has deep experience providing integrated financial guidance for company founders, public and private executives and business owners.
- Impact of stock options (ISOs, NQSOs), RSUs, Founders Stock and QSBS
- Restricted stock sales, 10b5-1, Section 16
- Pre-IPO planning
- M&A planning
- 401(k) benefit and compensation plan management
- Income and estate tax planning and strategies
- Concentrated stock management and diversification
“We play key roles in the lives of our clients. We stay in touch and on top of clients’ needs for themselves, their children and grandchildren.” — Steven Westerman
Our team has the training, access and understanding of complex wealth and the individuals and families who create it, inherit it and pass it on. They count on us for comprehensive planning, credit and liability management, education planning and wealth transfer strategies.
Investment management: institution-level solutions for individual clients
By listening and aligning with your objectives, we focus on asset allocation strategies that are designed to allow for sensible growth and help mitigate risk.
- Multi-step investment process
- Tailored asset allocation
- Global private equity and private real estate
- Management of illiquid, concentrated positions
- Investment advisory responsibility
Estate planning and philanthropic strategies: helping your wealth create greater impact
We help ensure your assets are preserved and transferred to future generations and charitable organizations in a tax-efficient manner. Collaborating with your tax and legal specialists, we’ll help you pursue your specific estate planning and charitable giving goals.
- Pre-transaction planning
- Liability management
- Tax liability minimization
- Wealth transfer strategies and vehicles
- Charitable giving strategies
Educating each generation: shaping your multigenerational legacy
Attuned to preserving the financial independence of your entire family, we can help structure a deliberate and meaningful family legacy and direct capital to reflect your values.
- Financial literacy program
- Access to exclusive UBS events, including the Young Successors Program and Philanthropy Forum
- Business succession planning
- Family foundation considerations, set-up and supervision
- Advisory services for real estate, art collections, aircraft, hedge fund portfolios and more
$9.4 billion
Assets under management
160+
Collective years of experience
13
Years in business as a team
Why advisors leave (February, 2022)
UBS Advisor Drew Freides: Why I Cut a Deal to Spend the Next 18 Years at the Firm (June, 2021)
Supersizing: Why Some Financial Advice Teams are Getting Even Bigger (January, 2023)
$2.8 trillion
In invested assets globally
As of 06/30/2022
#1
For Ultra-High Net Worth clients
Euromoney Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey, 2016-2022
#1
Family office services
Euromoney Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey, 2021
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