Shilpa Patel

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Shilpa Patel is the Operations Manager at Manhattan West, where she develops and oversees the firm’s processes as it relates to compliance, systems, and partnership integrations. With extensive experience in alternative investments and managing portfolio database systems, Ms. Patel streamlines operations and builds best practices across the various firm verticals.

Prior to joining Manhattan West, Ms. Patel worked as Portfolio Operations Lead at First Foundation Advisors where she developed best practices, anticipated operational needs, and identified opportunities to enhance business and administrative processes. Prior to that, she worked as an Operations Specialist at Purus Wealth Management. Ms. Patel began her career at Wells Fargo Advisors as a Senior Account Manager where she created and maintained diverse financial portfolios for high-net-worth clientele.

Originally from New York, Ms. Patel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Business Administration from Fordham University. She is in the process of obtaining her PMP from the PMI Institute. In her free time, she enjoys exploring California, nature, the arts, and jogging oceanside on both the west and east coasts.

  • spatel@manhattanwest.com

    • Sara Miller

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    Sara Miller is a Client Associate at Manhattan West where she assists high-net-worth private clients and the Financial Advisors with navigating daily inquiries related to client onboarding, account setup, maintenance, and investment management. Mrs. Miller works closely with the Manhattan West management team and client base to provide dedicated investment, banking, and lending support.

    Prior to joining Manhattan West, Mrs. Miller held similar roles at other wealth management firms where she worked with lead advisors to develop and implement financial plans for high-net-worth clients, including analysis of the client’s asset allocation, asset location, risk tolerance, tax strategies, estate, and accounting needs. Mrs. Miller was the primary point of contact for client onboarding and account maintenance needs.  

    Mrs. Miller attended the University of Washington where she earned her Bachelors in Business with an emphasis in Finance. She finds the markets and investing to be fascinating on a micro and macro level. But beyond that, she especially connects with the idea of helping clients understand how proper financial planning can help them achieve their life goals and executing a plan to achieve those goals. She aspires to have a career as a financial advisor and intends to obtain the Certified Financial Planner designation.

  • 209-255-2587
  • smiller@manhattanwest.com

    • Mike Galanowsky

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    Michael Galanowsky is a Managing Director – Portfolio Management at Manhattan West where he leads the portfolio management department specializing in public equity and fixed income. Mr. Galanowsky works with the firm’s financial advisors to deliver customized portfolio management solutions to our clients.

    Prior to joining Manhattan West, Mr. Galanowsky was a Director – Senior Portfolio Manager at One Capital Management serving on the investment committee and as co-manager for two exchange traded funds. He began his career at Promethean Asset Management, a New York based hedge fund, eventually serving as Head Trader.

    Mr. Galanowsky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Villanova University – majoring in Finance with a minor in Management & Information Systems. Additionally, he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is an active member of the CFA Institute. Outside of work, Mr. Galanowsky enjoys golf, basketball and cycling. He is a founding member of Prostate1000 – a philanthropic organization that raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer research, by organizing sponsored cycling challenges.

    Grace Zimmer

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    Grace Zimmer is the Office Coordinator at Manhattan West where she manages the daily operations for the Company. Her main priority is to foster an environment that is efficient, professional, and welcoming for both the Manhattan West team and their clients.

    Prior to joining Manhattan West, Ms. Zimmer worked in various business-related roles with a wide variety of responsibilities. She held administrative positions in Healthcare and Non-Profit Organizations, and most recently, Ms. Zimmer worked for a national telecommunications company as a Financial Planning and Analysis intern.

    Academically inclined, Ms. Zimmer holds both Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Bachelors in Business Finance from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. At present, she is pursuing a Master’s in Finance from the University of Liverpool, in the United Kingdom. A resident of Los Angeles, in her spare time, she loves playing beach volleyball, reading books, trying new restaurants, and traveling the world.

    Francois Schramek, CFA

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    Francois Schramek is a Managing Director at Manhattan West where he is a talented and experienced Financial Advisor who specializes in advising UHNW individuals and families across the globe. Throughout his career, Mr. Schramek has accompanied successful entrepreneurs to their exits and has spent significant time investing in growth companies himself.

    Mr. Schramek has more than 15 years of experience working for some of the most well-known banks on Wall Street, including J.P. Morgan, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley as well as a +$20Bn Multi-Family Office. Prior to joining Manhattan West, Francois served as an Advisor to a number of ultra- high net worth individuals and families as well as large institutions around the world where he was responsible for his clients’ asset allocation, portfolio construction, and wealth plan implementation.

    Mr. Schramek began his career in the Investment Banking space where he advised corporations around the globe on acquisitions and capital market transactions on both buy side and sell side M&A assignments.

    Mr. Schramek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Asset Management from the European Business School in Germany and a Master of Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Additionally, he passed the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7, 63, 65 exams, holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and is an active member of the CFA Institute and Los Angeles World Council. Originally from Europe, Francois speaks English, French, and German and enjoys piloting planes and traveling to exotic destinations around the world.

    Natalie Gustafson

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    Natalie Gustafson is the Executive Assistant at Manhattan West where she oversees the daily functions of the operation. Her main focus is on creating an efficient and welcoming environment for clients and the Manhattan West team. She takes pride in finding ways to streamline operations and create productive systems.

    Prior to joining Manhattan West, Ms. Gustafson held several operational roles in ever increasing levels of responsibility. She held Managerial positions in Real Estate, Education and Entertainment. Most recently, Ms. Gustafson worked at a fast-paced television production company in Hollywood where she was tasked with ensuring compliance with best-in-class operations.

    A graduate of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Ms. Gustafson holds a Bachelors Degree in History. In her free time, she enjoys travel and spending time with her triplet siblings.

    Chris Wahl

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    Chris Wahl is a Client Associate at Manhattan West where he is responsible for facilitating the client service and operational functions for high-net-worth private clients and institutions. Mr. Wahl works closely with the Manhattan West management team and client base to provide dedicated investment, banking, and lending support.

    Mr. Wahl has extensive experience and has held various roles in client service, regulatory compliance, and financial consulting with an emphasis on financial planning and alternative investments. Prior to joining Manhattan West, he worked for several large independent investment firms and at UBS Private Wealth Management.

    Originally from Seattle, Mr. Wahl earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Communication from California Lutheran University. He recently obtained a Certificate in Financial Planning from UCLA and plans to sit for the CFP exam in November. He has also passed the Series 7, 63, 65, and SIE securities exams. Outside of work, he is currently studying Spanish to surprise his in-laws with his improving conversational skills every time he visits one of his favorite places to travel – Mexico.

    Jennifer Escoto

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    Jennifer Escoto is a Client Associate at Manhattan West, where she is responsible for facilitating the client service and operational functions for high-net-worth private clients and institutions. Ms. Escoto works closely with the Manhattan West management team and client base to provide dedicated investment, banking, and lending support. Ms. Escoto’s relationship management skills and strict attention to detail are vital to completing client requests promptly and keeping clients satisfied. Prior to joining Manhattan West, Ms. Escoto worked at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Pepperdine University.

    Rob Wussler

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    Rob Wussler is an Executive Director at Manhattan West where he provides tailored wealth management services to a select group of high-net-worth private clients.  He brings a disciplined data-driven approach to identifying and helping clients make sound personal and business-related decisions to achieve long-term wealth creation and capital preservation.

    Mr. Wussler’s financial acumen is complimented by a diverse professional background in media, technology and analytics where he held senior level positions with several global media enterprises. He is a Senior Advisor with two vertically integrated technology companies where his experience and guidance drove numerous financial innovations and created new revenue initiatives.  Mr. Wussler has been an investor with Manhattan West since its formation and has successfully completed the development of eight residential real estate projects.

    Mr. Wussler earned a Bachelors Degree from Hobart College.  He is an active Mentor at American Corporate Partners, a 501 nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting United States Veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian world.  Mr. Wussler and his Wife reside in Greenwich, CT where they are raising their two daughters.

    Justin McCurdy

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    Justin McCurdy is an Executive Director – Financial Advisor at Manhattan West, where he provides tailored wealth management services to clients in the sports and entertainment industry.  Mr. McCurdy takes pride in educating his clients so they can make informed financial decisions. He encourages those he works with to be inquisitive and curious in order to create a more transparent relationship.

    By leveraging the firm’s resources, Mr. McCurdy delivers focus-driven ideas for a number of respected athletes and entertainers. His client base benefits from his experience in the sports industry having spent a number of years involved in all aspects of player management.  Mr. McCurdy brings a tailored, disciplined, and data-driven approach to wealth management.

    Prior to joining Manhattan West, Mr. McCurdy began his career in financial services at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management before joining Advice Period.  In addition to his financial service practice, Mr. McCurdy founded Pro Skills, a preeminent club basketball program based in Southern California.

    A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mr. McCurdy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Accounting/Finance. Active in his community, Mr. McCurdy continues to mentor young athletes through his basketball organization. He currently lives in Playa Del Rey, enjoys playing basketball and has a strong appreciation for international travel.