Financial planning and beyond

Three generations in the front yard

No matter what your age, or where you are on your planning journey, we can help steer you down the right path toward retirement. We will work with you to build the foundation of your plan. Over time, as life or market circumstances change, we will work with you to adjust your plan where and when needed. When it comes to retirement planning, it's never too early to start.

Couple at the shore

Pursuing your goals together

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

  • James Shafer

    James Shafer

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    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.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

    • University of Minnesota–Duluth, Degree in Finance and Economics
    • Senior Portfolio Manager
    • Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
    681 East Lake Street
    Wayzata, MN 55391
  • Michael Block

    Michael B. Block

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    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 AdvisorSM 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.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

    • University of Minnesota, B.S.
    • Senior Portfolio Manager
    • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
    681 East Lake Street
    Wayzata, MN 55391
  • Mark Bacigalupo

    Mark Bacigalupo, CFP

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    Mark is a graduate of Montana State University and joined Piper Jaffray (now UBS) in 1991. He has been assisting clients in achieving their purpose in life ever since, thereby fulfilling his purpose.

    Mark and his wife Anne have been married for more than 30 years. They have three beautiful daughters, several sons-in-law and six granddaughters. He and Anne live in Blaine, MN. They love to travel and spend time with family and friends. Mark is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys volunteering with a few charitable organizations.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

    • Montana State University
    • Portfolio Manager
    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
    444 Cedar Street
    Suite 2200
    St Paul, MN 55101
  • Alex Cowan Head Shot BW

    Alexander Cowan

    Financial Advisor

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    Alex joined the financial services industry as an intern in college and earned his Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM 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.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

      • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠
      681 East Lake Street
      Wayzata, MN 55391
    • Morgan Cisneros

      Morgan Cisneros

      Team Administrator

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      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.

      • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The 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.

      • The University of Chicago, BA in Public Policy
        17775 West Bluemound Road
        Brookfield, WI 53045
      • Marguerite Harvieux

        Marguerite Harvieux

        Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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        Marguerite supports the team in client portfolio implementation, compliance and risk management. She joined UBS in 2007 after holding positions in conference services and institutional sales at Piper Jaffray. She holds her Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. With years of experience in client service, Marguerite strives to be readily accessible for clients and always anticipating their needs.

        Marguerite is a regular platelet donor and has donated over 21 gallons. She also volunteers with Serving our Troops in St. Paul and Shannon Open for Cystic Fibrosis. A passionate traveler, Marguerite travels yearly with her two nieces. She and her husband Patrick live in St. Paul, MN and enjoy entertaining friends and family.

            • Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™
            681 East Lake Street
            Wayzata, MN 55391
          • Pam Smith

            Pam Smith

            Client Associate Senior

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              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.

                    681 East Lake Street
                    Wayzata, MN 55391
                  • Julie Heidenreich

                    Julie Heidenreich

                    Client Associate Senior

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                    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.

                          444 Cedar Street
                          Suite 2200
                          St Paul, MN 55101
                        • Chris Woo BW

                          Chris Woo

                          Wealth Strategy Associate

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                          Chris is responsible for day-to-day operations and implementing client portfolios. He loves building relationships to help clients fulfill their goals. Chris brings more than 10 years of experience in the wealth management industry, with a focus on trading a wide variety of assets classes, corporate stocks plans and client service. He holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses.

                          Chris grew up in the Plymouth, MN area and spent time living in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife. They moved home after having their daughter in 2016 and reside in Medina, MN. Chris loves to spend time with his family and travel throughout the US.

                                681 East Lake Street
                                Wayzata, MN 55391

                              Are markets going "Back to the Future"?

                              Debt ceiling and inflation

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                              Estate planning strategies

                              Legacy—Wealth for others

                              For needs that go beyond your own—to help you improve the lives of others

                              What will your legacy be?
                              It’s never too early to plan ahead. A Legacy strategy can help you gain more control over your financial future and what you leave behind, so you can move forward with confidence.

                              Learn more at ubs.com/wealthway.

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                              A global leader in wealth management

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                              In invested assets globally 
                              As of 12/31/2022

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                              UBS is a world-leading wealth manager