Experience

Makes all the difference

Our team was formed with one focus in mind, advising high net worth families in pursuit of achieving and living out their goals and dreams.  We are dedicated to developing personalized investment approaches for each of our clients and their families.  We will always define success by the quality of the financial plans we collaboratively create together, reflecting your unique needs and goals.  As we create your customized plan, we welcome the perspective of your tax and legal advisors.  We value their insight and partner with them to select and implement coordinated strategies that protect your varied interests.  

In order to meet the changing needs of our clients and their families, we are evolving our team and adding strategic partnerships.  As Lake Street Private Wealth our team will continue to be fully aligned for the future and deepening our relationship with each client.

Louis D. Close

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Lou entered the financial services industry in 1992 and offers clients a personalized approach to managing their investment portfolios.  Lou works with clients' attorneys, CPAs and other professional counsel to ensure their full spectrum of personal and financial needs are addressed.  He then prepares customized portfolio and product recommendations to ensure each client's retirement, estate planning and other financial goals become a reality. 

Lou is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association and has earned membership in the prestigious UBS Chairman's Council.  He holds an economics degree from the University of Minnesota.  Active in the community, Lou currently serves on the Board of Directors for Bolder Options, a youth mentoring organization.  Previously, he has served on the Advisory Board for the University of Minnesota's Athletic Department as well as on board of the One Percent Club.  He has coached a girls travel basketball team in Wayzata, and was a councilmember at his church, Oak Knoll Lutheran.  He and his wife, Jill have three daughters and currently reside in Orono.  California Non-Resident Insurance License #0J24824

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • ND
  • NE
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
  • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
    The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
  • Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors, 2021The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

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

Credentials

  • Private Wealth Advisor
681 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391

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Chris R. Watkins

Managing Director

Financial Advisor

Chris is one of the lead Financial Advisors of our team located in the Wayzata, Minnesota Office.   Chris has a passion for providing affluent families in-depth advice, helping clients manage generational wealth and providing clients the solutions for challenging problems that ultra-high net worth clients face.   Chris also works with business owners in preparing for a strategic exit planning utilizing the firm’s global resources and works to assist clients with commercial real estate lending. 

Prior to joining the team, Chris spent several years in Management at UBS and leverages his past management experiences to help our clients access the extensive global resources of UBS. 

Chris is proud to be involved in a number of local charities serving the needs of children and the underprivileged.  California Non Resident Insurance License #2015469

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • ME
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • ND
  • NE
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2022, 2023, 2024
    The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

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

Credentials

  • Private Wealth Advisor
681 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391

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Andrea Murray

Executive / Team Assistant

Andrea is usually the first voice you hear when you call the Major Close Watkins Wealth Management Group. Since entering the industry in 1996, she has developed a range of skills that help streamline operations for the team and its clients. Her responsibilities include opening and servicing new accounts, answering monthly statement questions and managing all client correspondence, in addition to helping manage account changes and other important client needs. Andrea takes pride in providing clients with the personalized attention and solution-oriented service they deserve. She currently lives in Edina with her husband, Kent and their three children.

681 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391

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Carson Walker

Authorized Officer

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

Carson joined our team in 2018.  Carson supports the team by servicing high-net-worth and ultra-high-net worth clients.  Carson’s focus includes alternative investments, portfolio strategy, allocation implementation, and is the point of contact for next generation clients. 

Carson is a graduate of University of Wisconsin Platteville, and lives in Lemont, IL with his wife, Jessica, and their son.

Registered States:
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • ND
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TX
  • VA
  • WI
  • WY
One North Wacker Drive
Suite 3700
Chicago, IL 60606

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Dustin Neumann

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

Dustin has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry and worked for Wells Fargo Advisors prior to joining UBS. Serving his current position, he helps assisting clients with their various needs as well as assisting in the financial planning process. In addition, his other roles consist of helping with client meetings as well as functioning as a backup to other team members.

A native to Minnesota, Dustin graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree at Metro State University. In his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports, especially football and soccer. He can also be found running along various trails in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter months. He also volunteers as a math tutor at the Hubb's Learning Center in St. Paul.

Registered States:
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • FL
  • GA
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • ND
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TX
  • VA
  • WI
  • WY
80 South 8th Street
Suite 2900
Minneapolis, MN 55402

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Carol Henry

Director

Team Administrator

As the Team Business Manager Carol’s primary focus is to help our team deliver the very best we can to each client. She works with our whole team, ensuring our internal practices and processes are aligned with our focus. Carol has been with UBS for over 35 years. Prior to joining our team, Carol was the Market Administrative Officer for the Minnesota Northern Plains Market. She's able to use her past experiences with UBS to ensure each client is serviced at the very highest level. Carol lives in Delano, MN and has 2 grown children.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • FL
  • IA
  • IL
  • MN
  • ND
  • SD
  • WI
  • WY
681 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391

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Molly Padmore

Senior Client Associate

Molly helps with all things Operational related for our team.  She focuses on managing client information and documentation, efficient execution of client trades, and providing excellent client service. Her skilled navigation of external partners and vendors makes her indispensable and treasured by our clients.

Molly has been in the business for 25 years. Her understanding of internal operations allows the team to provide an unparalleled client experience. Molly earned her B.A. in Finance from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul Minnesota. Molly holds series 7, 63 and 65 licenses. Molly has earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP) designation.

Molly lives in Bloomington Minnesota with her adult daughter Macayla. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Registered States:
  • MN
681 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391

Email Me