Steven Schmitt

Christopher Smiles is a Senior Financial Advisor and founder of The Smiles Group, a family office-style investment team within Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining the firm in 1984, he has over 40 years of experience assisting clients with complex financial decisions. He leads a team focused on providing high-touch, relationship-driven service, working closely with each client’s legal and tax advisors to develop and implement fully integrated investment strategies. His expertise includes creating customized solutions for entrepreneurs, executives, and high-net-worth families nationwide, with areas of focus such as corporate executive services, executive compensation, family wealth management, retirement planning, philanthropic planning, and tax minimization. Mr. Smiles holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC) designations. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bates College. He resides in Weston, Vermont with his wife and their three dogs. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys biking, fishing, hiking, skiing, and yoga. Christopher is also involved in community events including Nantucket Race Week’s Rainbow Parade.

Robert Mangiacotti is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He serves affluent families, retirees, professionals, and business owners, providing strategic guidance in financial planning, investment management, and private banking services. His approach emphasizes managing risk and creating personalized financial plans aligned with clients' life priorities and goals. Mangiacotti has earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Brown University. His professional credentials include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He works with clients across various focus areas including college education planning, executive compensation, and retirement planning. In addition to his financial advisory work, Mangiacotti is active in ski racing as an official and Technical Delegate of the United States Ski Association. He is also involved with the Vermont Alpine Racing Association. He speaks both Italian and English and has a background as a varsity football player during his time at Brown University.