The Eustis Group is a leading wealth advisory group that works with clients using a holistic approach to wealth management. Our ten person team offers the attention of a boutique firm, backed by the sophistication and resources of a global institution.
The private wealth advisors with Merrill Private Wealth Management are rigorously trained to help meet your specialized needs with relationships based on trust and personalized service.
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As a founding member and Managing Director, Private Wealth Manager of The Eustis Group, Curtis is well adept to the specialized needs of individuals and families with wealth. He understands that relationships are built on trust and customized service. In his day to day role, Curtis coordinates the management of the team to provide comprehensive wealth planning and wealth management to a select group of families, business owners/executives, corporations, endowments, and foundations located across the country.
Curtis has garnered recognition as a leading Financial Advisor by multiple national publications. He has been ranked by Forbes as the #1 Advisor in the State of Louisiana for the past 5 years on the “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year). He was also chosen as the #1 Advisor in the State of Louisiana in 2023, 2022 and 2021 on Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list (Published annually February – March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year). Curtis was ranked as one of “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” by Forbes from 2019 - 2023 (Published annually Aug – Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 – June 30 of current year). He was chosen by Financial Times as a “Top 400 Financial Adviser” in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year) and as a “Top Financial Advisor: State by State” by Barron’s in 2012, and from 2015 - 2023 (Published annually February – March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year). In 2023, The Eustis Group was ranked on Forbes' inaugural "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" (Published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022).
His success would not be possible without the effort of his 9 teammates, whom combined, have over 100+ years of rigorous training and experience guiding the complex needs of their clients.
Curtis is an active community member having served as Chairman of the Board for Lighthouse Louisiana, President of the Trinity Parent’s Group Dad’s Club, Head of School Society for Trinity Episcopal, Trinity Episcopal school Finance Committee, Board of Directors for the New Orleans Opera Association, Advisory Board for Bastion, and Chairman of the Trinity Episcopal School Endowment Committee. Curtis is currently a member of the Cornerstone Council for the Greater New Orleans Foundation and sits on the Board of Directors for the BK Historic House and Gardens. Curtis is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Celeste, and their three children: C.C., Collins and Clayton.
*Source: The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually February – March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.
The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” ranking considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. This is a list of the top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. Other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and 100-plus points of data provided by the advisors themselves. Rankings and recognition from Barron’s are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Years prior to 2014, this list consisted of 1,000 Advisors.
*Source: Financial Times “400 Top Financial Advisers” list, published annually Mar - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
The Financial Times “400 Top Financial Advisers” (FT 400) list is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisers, broker-dealer home offices, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each adviser’s status in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this adviser’s future performance. Neither the brokerages nor the advisers pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Rankings and recognition from the Financial Times are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser. All rights reserved.
*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Source: The Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 - June 30of current year.
Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. America’s Top Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.
Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team's best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client's experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK's research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC
Helen joined The Eustis Group in 2013 and leads the wealth management planning segment of the group. She helps clients develop detailed wealth plans for all stages of life, including education, retirement, generational and estate planning needs. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CFP® professional and is a member of the Merrill Diversity & Inclusion Council. She also serves as a board member of the local non-profit Learn to Live. Helen graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and minor in business from Tulane University. She and her husband Sam live in the Fairgrounds neighborhood of New Orleans with their dog Toulouse and cat Maple. Helen enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and is an avid gardener.
Will joined The Eustis Group in 2021 as a Private Wealth Investment Management Specialist. He performs sophisticated modeling of financial strategies and constructs customized investment portfolios to match with clients’ risk tolerance and time horizon. Before joining Merrill, Will worked at OppenheimerFunds and T. Rowe Price, where he held roles with responsibilities in sales and portfolio construction. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Financial Management and is a CFA® charterholder. Will is happiest when engaged in the community, seeing live music, or running outdoors. He lives in the Bayou St. John neighborhood of New Orleans.
Kristen joined Merrill in 2016 and brings an additional 13 years of financial experience to The Eustis Group where she works alongside Kayla and James. A native of Mississippi, Kristen graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College; she holds the Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations and is a licensed Notary in Louisiana. Kristen currently resides in Destrehan with her husband, Barry, who owns a Case Management Agency that assists children and adults with disabilities. Together, they have three children: Lila, Brynn, and Bowen.
Throughout his life, Marcus has been heavily influenced by the Merrill Family. He is a 3rd generation Advisor, following his father and grandfather, and extends the tradition of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in the Courtney family since 1949. In 2011, Marcus began his career at Merrill in the Retirement Group where he worked with employees and executives of some of the largest multi-national corporations in the world. As a result, Marcus has extensive knowledge of and experience with Defined Contribution (401k) plan strategies, employee stock option strategies, and detailed personal retirement planning strategies. With The Eustis Group, Marcus provides sound investment advice and guidance for clients and their businesses. He holds the Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations. Marcus is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in International Affairs. He is active in the New Orleans community with a focus on wetlands and coastal restoration. He and his wife, Claire, have one daughter, Ada, and a son, Marcus.
Travis has been in the Financial Services industry for over 12 years. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Travis was a partner at Johnson Rice and Company. In this role he advised mutual fund and hedge fund managers/analysts regarding their portfolios. He also worked with the Investment Banking division to raise capital for the growth and balance sheet needs of corporations. Travis now brings that experience to help individuals and business owners.
Prior to Travis' life in Finance, he spent 7 years in Houston as a medical sales professional with Stryker Corporation and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Coaching football was his early passion. He worked as a Graduate Assistant at LSU and an Undergraduate Assistant at FSU. During this time, Travis was blessed to work with and learn from true legends of the game...Bobby Bowden and Nick Saban.
Travis grew up in the New Orleans area and attended Jesuit High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University and received a graduate degree from Louisiana State University. He currently resides in Metairie with his wife, Noreen, and three children: Hadley (12), William (9), and Addison (7). Travis' time away from work is largely spent coaching youth athletics, visiting with family and friends, or enjoying a round of golf.
Kayla joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2016 as a Client Associate. Alongside Kristen and James, Kayla is a primary source for many client needs, including requests for fund transfers and reconciliations. Kayla graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Louisiana State University in 2014 and holds the Series 7, 63, and 65 FINRA registrations. Prior to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, she worked as a Branch Service Associate for 2 years with UBS Financial Services. Kayla lives in Mandeville and enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and attending LSU and Saints football games.
Barrett joined The Eustis Group in 2021 as a Registered Wealth Management Client Associate, where he provides day to day service resolution for clients. Prior to his role here, Barrett worked as a TFA Relationship Manager for Jackson-Engskov & Associates - a team based in Little Rock, Arkansas - where he worked alongside the team's advisors to develop and enhance client relationships. Barrett graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2016 with a BS in Agriculture Business and holds the Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations. Barrett and his wife, Fran, live uptown in New Orleans and enjoy spending time traveling, being outdoors, and hunting with their dog, Ace.
James joined Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2022 as a Wealth Management Client Associate. In this role, James works alongside Kristen and Kayla to provide day to day service resolution for clients. James is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. In 2018, James received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Kansas State University with a Certificate in Integrated Investment Management. Prior to Merrill Private Wealth Management, he worked as the Wealth Management Investment Operations Specialist with Sunflower Bank in Kansas City. James lives in Downtown New Orleans and enjoys attending sporting events, traveling and trying out new eateries.
Originally from South Siberia, Russia, Lana moved to the United States in 2006 as an exchange student . Prior to moving to the U.S., Lana studied Business Administration at North State University. Upon her arrival in the U.S., Lana worked for the Hotel and Hospitality industry for a decade honing her skills in customer service, communication and finance. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of New Orleans in 2019 and joined Merrill in 2021 as a Private Wealth Client Associate. In her free time, Lana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, skiing, and playing soccer.
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Private Wealth Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Hulett Sumlin
Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #437928
Colin Leroux
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Kenneth C. Sprague
Senior Structured Credit Executive
Bank of America, N.A.
Recognition
Merrill is proud of our advisors who’ve received recognition from financial industry publications or directly from Bank of America Corporation. We believe they are setting the standard for exemplary client service.
Curtis D. Eustis
Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors" 2019-2023 Published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 - June 30 of current year.
Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2023 Published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.*
Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State" 2015-2023 Published annually in February - March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2018-2023 Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Financial Times "400 Top Financial Advisers" 2018-2020 Published annually Mar - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Strategies designed to help you achieve your goals
As a client of Merrill Private Wealth Management, you have access to services and resources ordinarily reserved for the world’s largest institutions. We work with individuals, families spanning multiple generations, business owners and executives. Using a goals-based wealth management approach, we put our clients at the center of every personalized strategy.
The Eustis Group measures true wealth by more than just numbers on a balance sheet. Our passion and purpose is to help clients achieve a level of financial freedom that allows them to fully experience the lives they imagine, free from worry and rich in things money cannot buy. Connecting with our clients emotionally, as well as analytically, enables us to create appropriate solutions as unique as each client we are privileged to serve.
A Commitment to Service
Merrill Private Wealth Management is committed to providing a select group of clients with highly personalized one-on-one service. When you work with us, our knowledgeable, rigorously trained private wealth advisors will gain a deep understanding of your goals, help you develop a multigenerational wealth strategy, and help you update your strategy as needed. We are committed to providing you access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, and Merrill will continue to invest in client tools and new technology to enhance your overall experience as you and your private wealth advisor pursue what’s most important to you.
Philosophy
We believe the best financial approach is the one that helps you pursue your goals. That's why, from the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. Worried about managing future health care expenses? College on the horizon? Considering the sale of a business or purchase of a home? Preparing to pass your wealth to future generations? With access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, we will work with you to develop an approach designed to help address your financial needs.
For clients of substantial means, Merrill Private Wealth Management provides an experience that is both powerful and personal. We are dedicated to helping you pursue your goals for today while developing an approach designed to support your family members for the years to come.
Your private wealth advisor and team of specialists work with a limited number of clients, enabling them to focus their time, training and passion on helping you simplify your personal and business finances and prepare your next generation.
Boutique-like service with the access to the investment resources of Merrill and banking convenience of Bank of America
We combine the personalized attention and feel of a smaller firm with the power and insights of a global financial institution, creating financial strategies tailored to your unique situation.
A relentless commitment to transparency and customized strategies
As our client, know we are working in your best interests, providing goals-based financial strategies designed to anticipate and help meet your evolving financial needs.
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