Five Bloomfield Hills Advisors Make Forbes' Top Lists

Five advisors from Merrill Bloomfield Hills offices were recognized on Forbes Top Wealth Advisors lists for 2023. Matthew Biddinger, Matthew Bucher, Dana Locniskar, Thomas Pursel and Missy Spickler were named to Forbes’ “Best-in-State Top Wealth Advisors.” Locniskar was also named to Forbes’ national list, “America’s Top Wealth Advisors.”

Locniskar joined Merrill in 1970 and has extensive experience with high-net-worth individuals, family offices and institutions. He focuses on wealth management, stock strategies, philanthropic planning and estate planning services. Among other philanthropic and civic activities, Locniskar sits on the boards of Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; City Year Detroit; and Teach for America Detroit and is a Trustee Emeritus of Detroit Public Television and the Futures Foundation.

Biddinger joined Merrill in 2006. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation and is responsible for analyzing client portfolios, helping clients create financial strategies and making recommendations designed to enhance client return while striving to minimize risk. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in economics and mathematics.

Bucher joined Merrill in 1983. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he focuses on addressing ultra-affluent clients' investment objectives and wealth management needs. He has particular depth in the investment markets, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. He also directs the development and management of the team’s proprietary model and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. Bucher earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University.

Pursel joined Merrill in 1983 and works closely with affluent individuals, families, and institutions to create customized wealth management strategies and advice. He is a qualified Portfolio Manager and contributes to the management of his team’s proprietary investment programs. Bucher graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was captain of its gold team. He serves on the Michigan board of the American Cancer Society.

Spickler joined Merrill in 1980 and today helps motivate, advise and guide women in transition, executives, closely held businesses, retirees and entrepreneurs as they pursue their financial goals and aspirations. Spickler holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation and is a qualified Portfolio Manager. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Spickler is the executive director of the Detroit Area Chapter of the Women’s Exchange, which mentors women advisors.