Wealth Management in Upper Arlington and Columbus, Ohio

Merkel Wealth Management is a fee-based fiduciary advisory serving business owners and family decision-makers with financial planning, investment management, and exit planning since 1992.

Committed · Compassionate · Connected

Your life'swork, working forgenerations.

Whether you're selling the business you spent a lifetime building or making decisions your family will feel for generations, the stakes are the same. From Upper Arlington, Ohio, we walk alongside business owners and family decision-makers alike, turning complexity into lasting security and purpose.

1901 Northwest Blvd, Upper Arlington OH  ·  (614) 481-4455

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FIDUCIARYBOUTIQUECOLUMBUS, OHIOMORE THAN A CLIENTCOMMITTEDCOMPASSIONATECONNECTEDPURSUING GROWTHBUILDING VISION
Building Vision

Advice from someone who has been in your shoes.

We could tell you about our years of experience, our awards, and the rigors of our financial planning process. Our team has all of that. But it isn't the awards and education that create an exceptional experience.

What sets us apart is the way we are here for you from the beginning. Understanding your story with compassion and sacrifice. Creating a lasting imprint on what you were able to build.

The quiet Merkel meeting room in morning light: walnut table, sheer curtains, and the day’s first coffee

Partners in the room, not on the phone tree.

Merkel by the Numbers
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The year Michelle entered this business

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People on one dedicated team

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Forum 400, top advisors nationwide

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Relationship that changes everything

What We Do

Six disciplines. One relationship.

01

Tax & Business Strategy

For owners and executives: entity, equity and cash-flow strategy coordinated directly with your CPA and attorney.

  • Entity & structure planning
  • Cash-flow & compensation
  • Coordinated with your CPA
02

Business Succession or Exit Strategy

Selling is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. We plan the exit years before it happens, and the life that comes after it.

  • Pre-sale planning
  • Deal & proceeds strategy
  • Life after the sale
03

Estate & Legacy Planning

What you built should go where you intend. We coordinate the details so your vision outlives you.

  • Trust coordination
  • Charitable giving
  • Generational transfer
04

Investment Management

Evidence-based portfolios, built around your taxes, your timeline, your tolerance, not a model number.

  • Portfolio construction
  • Tax-aware rebalancing
  • Concentrated positions
05

Employee Sponsored Plans

Retirement plans your team actually uses. We design, run and service the plan, and educate your people so participation sticks.

  • 401(k) design & setup
  • Ongoing plan service
  • Employee education
06

Group Life & Disability

Protection for the people who keep your business running, if life takes an unexpected turn.

  • Group life coverage
  • Disability income protection
  • Key-person coverage
The Merkel Difference

A typical firm manages your money. We take care of your life legacy.

The Typical Firm

  • Quarterly statements, not conversations
  • Product quotas & commissions
  • 1,000+ clients per advisor
  • Call-center service
  • One-size-fits-all portfolios

A Unique Solution Built for You

  • You want a relationship, not a transaction
  • A partner who picks up the phone
  • Fiduciary advice: your interests come first
  • Boutique by design: fewer clients, deeper relationships
  • Your whole picture: business, taxes, legacy
  • Co-planned, co-created: with you, not for you
Who We Serve

Built for people with complexity.

Business owners and family decision-makers are our home turf; executives and retirees get the same table.

Business Owners

Owners with a burning desire to change something about the world around them.

Family Decision-Makers

Choices that echo for generations — made together, with a plan.

Executives & Professionals

Climbing the professional ladder, complexity made simple.

Retirees & Pre-Retirees

The advice you need, right when you need it.

Women Entrepreneurs

Dominating their start-ups, with advice that keeps pace with ambition.

Yours?

To us, you are more than an account balance. You are worth the effort.

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The Team

Small team. Deep bench.

Seven people. No call centers, no hand-offs. When you call Merkel, you get someone who knows your name and your plan.

Michelle Merkel, President & Founder at Merkel Wealth Management

Michelle Merkel

President & Founder

Kyle Reichenbach, Director, Planning at Merkel Wealth Management

Kyle Reichenbach

Director, Planning

Jack Dobies, Director, Growth & Integration at Merkel Wealth Management

Jack Dobies

Director, Growth & Integration

Anne Shukwit, Director, Operations at Merkel Wealth Management

Anne Shukwit

Director, Operations

Are We the Right Fit?

You want a relationship, not a transaction.

If you're looking for experienced guidance through complexity, a partner who co-plans and co-creates your future, we should talk.

No obligation. No pitch. A conversation about fit, that's all.