We provide customized services supported by the broad capabilities of a global institution. Working with a limited number of clients, we are able to offer you and your family personalized attention for all aspects of your financial life, now and for future family members.
Meet the Team
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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Steve Nagel joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1996. Over the course of his career, Steve has worked on wealth management strategies that serve as a compass in helping high net-worth families to pursue their financial goals while also simplifying their complexities of wealth. He is a Managing Director, Private Wealth Manager and has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation.* Steve has received national recognition and has earned a number of distinguished accolades as a leading Financial Advisor. Steve was named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors from 2018 - 2023 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year). Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors in 2016 and 2018 (Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year) and Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors from 2016 - 2023 (Published annually in Feb-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year).* Named to Forbes "America's Top Wealth Management Teams- High Net Worth" 2022 and 2023(Published annually November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year). Named to Forbes "Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams" list in 2023 and 2024 (Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year).
He has served as a coach in Merrill's Practice Management Development Program and on the national faculty of Merrill's Optimal Practice Model training platform on topics of behavioral finance and building a high-level client focus team. Steve also received the Bank of America Corporation's David Brady Community Service Award in 2013.* The award recognizes employees who exhibit high standards of excellence and outstanding dedication to clients and community service. He and his wife have raised over $1.5 million dollars which has been donated to the fight against cancer.
*Bank of America Corporation’s David Brady Community Service Award is named for David Brady, a Merrill financial advisor who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He was highly respected for putting the client first and giving back to his community. The award that bears his name was created in 2007 and seeks to honor individuals within Bank of America Corporation Global Wealth & Investment Management who continue to emulate David’s ethos.
*Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Financial Times “400 Top Financial Advisers” list. Opinions provided by Financial Times (FT 400) and 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. The award does not evaluate client service quality and is not indicative of any future performance success or a higher level of performance results. Rankings results are not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Rankings produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc on behalf of Financial Times. All right reserved.
*Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list. Opinions are Barron’s who evaluated advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience and employed at their current firm for at least one year. Ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. Other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated for the firm, quality of practice, regulatory records, internal company documents and 100-plus points of advisor-provided data. Rankings do not reflect any one client’s experience, endorse any advisor and do not guarantee future investment success. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Years prior to 2014, this Barron's list consisted of 1,000 advisors.
*Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK* Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK* Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Tom has over 20 years of industry experience and has been with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management for 18 years. He was named to Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2019 - 2023 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year), and holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation obtained through the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation that allows him to help business owners throughout the process of preparing and selling their company. His experience in identifying opportunities and assessing risk for both corporate executives and business owners has been essential to the development of sophisticated and innovative strategies in today's marketplace. Tom focuses on wealth management planning, single stock risk management, non-traditional investments, liability planning, business succession planning, as well as other complex strategies for high net worth families and business owners. Tom earned his BA from Lamar University with an emphasis in Finance. He received All-Academic honors as well as other distinguished baseball awards while playing Division I baseball. Tom and his wife, Ashley, have twin daughters and are active in Frisco with Preston Trail Community Church, Casa Hogar Orphanage and Clothe a Child.
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
*Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Kim has been with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management since 1982. She has extensive experience in servicing wealthy families and focuses on investment information, client service needs and monthly reporting. Kim has earned a ranking in the Service Quality Top 100 Wealth Management Client Associate award, out of 6,500+ candidates, for best in client service in the Firm 2010 through 2020. Kim lives in Garland, is active in her church and has a passion for gardening and baking. Kim has two daughters, Kaitlyn and son-in-law Myke and Jessica, along with son-in-law Adam and grandson Colton.
*The Top 100 Wealth Management Client Associates (WMCAs) Merrill internal Service Quality award is an annual program ranking FINRA-registered WMCA’s for overall client satisfaction, breadth of relationships, online delivery services and good standing with the firm.
Karen has been with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management since 1994. Karen focuses on opening, servicing and maintaining accounts, targeting special needs situations and tracks performance. Karen has extensive experience in servicing wealthy families and also received the Service Excellence Award for her commitment to clients and was only one out of four who received this distinguished award out of 76 potential Client Associates. Karen also earned a ranking in the Top 100, out of 6,500+ candidates, for best in client service in the firm in 2010 through 2020. She has a Business degree in Management from The University of Texas at Arlington. Karen enjoys the great outdoors and loves to travel.
*The Top 100 Wealth Management Client Associates (WMCAs) Merrill internal Service Quality award is an annual program ranking FINRA-registered WMCA’s for overall client satisfaction, breadth of relationships, online delivery services and good standing with the firm.
Zule has been with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management since 2000. Her focus and passion throughout her career has been to provide truly outstanding service to clients in the many aspects of their experience with the firm. She assists clients with everything such as opening accounts, consolidating account transfers, fed wires, online access and app navigation. Zule also earned a ranking in the Top 100 Wealth Management Client Associates, out of 6,500+ candidates, for best in client service in the firm in 2018 and 2020. Zule has received the Bank of America Corporation's David Brady Community Service Award. David Brady lost his life on Sept. 11th and Merrill gives this special award acknowledging a few employees each year who continually enhance the lives of their colleagues, clients and communities in which they serve. In her spare time, she likes to do volunteer work with various charities. Zule lives in Carrollton with her son Raymond.
*Bank of America Corporation’s David Brady Community Service Award is named for David Brady, a Merrill financial advisor who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He was highly respected for putting the client first and giving back to his community. The award that bears his name was created in 2007 and seeks to honor individuals within Bank of America Corporation Global Wealth & Investment Management who continue to emulate David’s ethos.
*The Top 100 Wealth Management Client Associates (WMCAs) Merrill internal Service Quality award is an annual program ranking FINRA-registered WMCA’s for overall client satisfaction, breadth of relationships, online delivery services and good standing with the firm.
Angela Dover is a Registered Private Wealth Client Associate and has been with Merrill for over 12 years. She has over 16 years experience in the financial service industry. She enjoys working directly with our clients, addressing the clients requests on a timely, accurate and professional manner. Angela holds her FINRA 6,7,63 and 66 registrations and is a lifelong North Texas resident. She periodically volunteers at the North Texas Food Bank and enjoys walking in 5K fund raising events. She is a huge animal lover and is often helping abandoned pets find safe havens.
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.
Bryan Austin
Private Wealth Strategist
Merrill
Emily Carmona
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Dustin Riley
Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #621657
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.
Steven M Nagel
Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.*
Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022,2023 Published annually in November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.
Financial Times "400 Top Financial Advisers" 2016, 2018 Published annually Mar - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State" 2016 - 2024 Published annually in February - March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.
Tom L. Pierce
Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.*
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2019 - 2023 Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022,2023 Published annually in November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current 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.
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. Calculating how to manage 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? It all starts with a plan intended to help you manage, grow, and preserve your wealth today, while also considering the impact it can have for years to come. With access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking solutions from 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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