An experienced and committed team

James has been at UBS since 2005 and is the senior partner of Shafer Block Wealth Management. He attributes his success to his personal touch, listening skills and experience. He strives to build lasting relationships through learning what his clients are trying to accomplish.

James leads the team in translating clients’ goals, their definition of risk and their personality into a financial plan that will survive the test of time. We focus on cost, risk and tax efficiency. He also brings a deep knowledge of corporate compensation plans, which has helped clients achieve their goals.

James is a graduate of the University of Minnesota–Duluth with a degree in finance and economics. In his free time, he is an avid fisherman and golfer. But most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his son Ethan.

Michael works very closely with his clients, their family and advisors to simplify the complexity of cash flow management, tax-efficient investment oversight, estate planning, legacy preservation, and personalized charitable giving strategies. He believes success is not measured by returns on investment, but by results of planning.

Michael earned a B.S. in political science with an emphasis on international relations and global economics from the University of Minnesota. He holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor^SM designation, having completed an advanced education in comprehensive wealth management.

In 2011, Michael transitioned his practice to UBS from a family-owned boutique wealth manager in order to gain access to the firm’s vast resources, tools and services for his clients.

Michael lives in Chanhassen, MN with his wife, Colleen. When not in the office, Michael spends time with family and friends and enjoys boating, fishing, traveling, and volunteering for local community and charitable organizations. He is a car fanatic and an adventurous foodie who can be found trying new foods and local restaurants.

Alex joined the financial services industry as an intern in college and earned his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM designation after graduation. He believes achieving the best client outcomes requires planning to and managing through retirement by utilizing a comprehensive planning process. Once a personalized plan is created, he emphasizes the need for estate planning, optimizing sources of income, managing assets to match client goals, and navigating their health care options; which reflect the intersection of health and wealth.

As a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Alex earned a B.S. in business and marketing education. Prior to joining the team, he worked at Merrill Lynch providing personalized service and planning to high net worth private clients. Alex focuses on serving corporate executives, successful business owners and families with multigenerational wealth planning needs

Alex lives in Southwest Minneapolis with his wife Jill. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and supporting Minnesota Wild and UMD.

Morgan focuses on delivering personalized client service to meet the expectations and goals of each client. She ensures the smooth day-to-day business functions of the team and coordinates client hospitality events. In addition to providing client relationship management, Morgan supports the development of the team business plan and coordinates with branch management on business- and team-related matters.

Morgan received her B.A. in Public Policy from The University of Chicago. Since joining the industry in 2012, she has earned her Series 6, 63, 65, and 7 securities licenses.

Morgan and her husband Keigan live in Wisconsin with their children. They enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.

Pam has worked in the wealth management industry for 24 years and is integral to the team’s delivery of a highly personalized client service experience. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations and organization of each clients’ personalized relationship.

Pam enjoys building strong personal relationships with clients to better understand their individual needs and goals. She is always prepared to exceed client expectations.

Julie Heidenreich has worked in the financial services industry since 2001. She started working with Mark Bacigalupo in October 2003 as a Registered Client Associate. She has also been the St. Paul Client Associate Coach for many years, helping train new associates and collaborating with the home office to implement new ideas and improvements.

Julie has a cat named Hoot who demands most of her attention,  but in her other spare time she likes to read, paint, entertain friends, or go for walks.

Julie she lives in Hudson, WI but is originally from Ottawa, KS. She has raised two daughters with her late husband Al. Mandie and Gina both live nearby and they spend a lot of time doing pedicures, movie nights or hanging out at the Big Sandy Lake cabin with the rest of the family.

Jack serves as a Wealth Strategy Associate with the Shafer Block team, working with clients in a variety of client service capacities. Prior to joining our team, Jack spent two years with the UBS Wealth Advice Center in an advisory role where he focused on helping clients implement investment strategies.

Jack came to UBS after graduating from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and was a member of the men’s hockey team. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, he currently resides in Minneapolis, MN. Jack is an avid golfer and very much enjoys staying involved in the game of hockey as well as being a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities Organization.