Philip Gephart

Nickolas King is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in personalized wealth management strategies tailored to the evolving needs of his clients. He focuses on areas such as divorce transition planning, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income. Nickolas aims to create flexible financial plans that help clients navigate changing market conditions and life circumstances. With over 10 years of experience, Nickolas builds his practice on a deep understanding of each client’s full financial picture. He integrates tax-aware and estate-conscious strategies into his approach, drawing on investment insights from Merrill and banking and lending solutions through Bank of America. His mission centers on helping clients pursue financial freedom by uncovering what matters most to them and designing strategies that withstand the test of time. Nickolas earned his high school diploma from Flowery Branch High School and studied Financial Planning at the University of Georgia. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Outside of work, Nickolas enjoys chess, football, music, and pickleball.

Preston Kohn is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to understand their personal priorities and goals, developing tailored strategies for wealth and life planning. His approach includes assisting with legacy planning, liquidity management, retirement income, philanthropic planning, and investment strategy. Preston also offers support with small business strategies, tax minimization, and portfolio management services. Preston holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Carolina and carries multiple professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He serves as a resource for clients on a range of financial matters, from general investing and retirement planning to unexpected expenses, coordinating with Bank of America specialists when needed. Outside of his advisory role, Preston enjoys biking, fishing, running, skiing, soccer, and traveling. He also appreciates spending time watching soccer and fly fishing. His personal philosophy centers on uncovering what matters most to clients and their families to create strategies that pursue their financial goals.

Dwight Szarkowski is a Private Wealth Advisor with Merrill Private Wealth Management and has been with Merrill since 1984. As one of the founding members of his team, he serves as the primary equity strategist and is responsible for evaluating derivative strategies, structuring fixed-income portfolios, and formulating asset allocation strategies for high-net-worth clients. His client focus areas include corporate executive services, family wealth management strategies, and managing new wealth. Dwight graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University with bachelor's degrees in both Economics and French. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and is fluent in English and French. Throughout his career, Dwight’s expertise has centered on advising ultra-affluent individuals, families, and institutions on wealth perpetuation, intergenerational wealth transfers, and philanthropic planning. Outside of his professional work, Dwight is involved in mentoring teens and supports organizations such as Family Place, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and the North Dallas High School Mentor Program. His personal interests include biking, boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, ice hockey, photography, scuba diving, tennis, and traveling.

Edwin Kohn is the Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been serving clients since 1996. He specializes in working with individuals to help them meet their financial goals by creating customized wealth management strategies. His approach emphasizes thoroughly understanding clients’ financial priorities through attentive listening to their current situations, future objectives, and potential concerns. Edwin follows a disciplined, time-tested investment process while adapting to changing economic conditions, assisting clients with portfolio management, retirement planning, liquidity management, tax minimization, and college education planning. Edwin holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC™) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston. Prior to his financial services career, Edwin served nine years as a Navy Pilot flying FA-18s and F-16Ns and is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School "Top Gun." He has held leadership roles in his community, including past presidencies of the Kershaw County American Red Cross, Kershaw County United Way, and the KershawHealth Board of Visitors, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County and involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of Kershaw County. Edwin is married with three sons. His personal interests include running, biking, and swimming. He also participates in community and church activities.