At First American Asset Advisory, LLC (FAAA), our approach is to provide personal, no-nonsense advice that ensures the continued growth of your investments. Our team has over 100 years of combined investment experience with creating customized wealth management services. We are affiliated with Morgan Wilshire Securities Inc., a broker/dealer established in 1998.
Research Michael on BrokerCheck
President and CCO
Michael grew up and attended high school close to Wall Street. Drawn to the allure of the financial markets from an early age, he was anxious to begin his Wall Street career soon after completing his studies at West Virginia University.
In 1992, he became an adviser trainee at a newly formed firm based in Syosset, NY. This introduction to the industry turned out to be very helpful; while the firm’s filing was pending approval, its founding partners spent significant time teaching Michael on a one-on-one basis the fundamentals of basic money management.
Michael progressed very quickly and completed his certification and state licensing the following year. He soon moved on to a more established firm, Lew Lieberbaum & Co., offering a greater array of products. While here, he cultivated his clientele for many years. With his proven track record and strong grasp of the financial markets, Michael was soon offered a top position in the retail division of a startup firm, E. C. Capital, Ltd. With Michael as its Manager and Director of Retail, the firm became profitable immediately and remained that way throughout Michael’s tenure. Michael attributes E. C. Capital’s success to his loyal staff and clientele, many of whom are still working with Michael to this day.
Having helped two firms achieve significant success and profitability, Michael decided it was time to branch out on his own. He began by setting up a franchise office for a long established firm. This allowed him to progress gradually without sacrificing his close working relationships with trusted clients. He inked a deal with the firm Walsh Manning & Co. that allowed him to operate an office and to apply for his own firm once the transition was complete. The agreement was a typical one, as it meant that the firm would eventually be losing a profitable office, but it was negotiated openly and transparently by both parties.
Once the franchise infrastructure was in place and most of the hard work completed, Michael and his team quickly went to work establishing Morgan Wilshire Securities, Inc. The process was fairly seamless, and the firm even retained its clearinghouse so as to prevent inconveniences to its clients. Without much fanfare, Morgan Wilshire Securities, Inc. opened for business in August of 1998 and has been serving its trusted clientele ever since.
Although much has been accomplished, Michael is committed to continually improving the business, its services and expertise. Morgan Wilshire Securities, Inc. foregoes the traditional advice and in-house products that so many Wall Street firms are intent on pushing. Michael and his long-time partner, Mr. Paul Metz, hold to the belief that only those products that they themselves would invest in should be offered to their clients.
Michael possesses numerous financial and state licenses and he takes regular industry-sponsored continuing education exams to keep them current. His participation in inter-industry groups helps him stay up to date with the world of finance and the financial community at large. In addition, Michael files and actively comments on SEC and FINRA rule proposals.
Outside of work, Michael is an active philanthropist, with a commitment to several noteworthy causes. His hobbies include tennis, vintage car racing, skeet shooting and attempting to improve his golf game. Michael reads voraciously, collects antique motorcycles and automobiles, and possesses modest art and wine collections.
Michael is based in Morgan Wilshire’s Garden City location and is available anytime to help and advise his clients.
Research Michael on BrokerCheck
Research Paul on BrokerCheck
Paul Metz is an experienced financial services professional with a career spanning multiple decades in the securities industry.
He began his career at Lew Lieberbaum & Co., initially as a summer intern and later as a full-time investment professional after earning a Business degree from Adelphi University. He subsequently gained experience at several New York–based investment firms, where he developed advisory expertise, built a client base, and worked alongside established investment advisers.
Paul later joined Walsh Manning Securities, Inc., where he worked at the firm’s Wall Street headquarters and supported trading and advisory operations. In 1998, he joined Morgan Wilshire Securities, Inc. and has since held a variety of roles supporting the firm’s growth, operational development, and strategic initiatives, including participation in the establishment of the firm’s international desk.
Today, Paul Metz is a partner, shareholder, and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Wilshire Securities, Inc. In this role, he provides executive oversight of trading operations and management functions. He also serves as President of First American Asset Advisory, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
Paul holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 55, 63, and 65 licenses.
Additional background and registration information regarding Paul Metz is available through FINRA BrokerCheck.
Investment Advisor
Jeff Lew earned a Business degree with concentrations in Finance and Economics from Hofstra University. After graduating, he began his career at Merrill Lynch, working on the trading floor of the NYMEX/CME Group as part of the Institutional Client Group. There, he gained invaluable experience under the mentorship of some of the industry’s most skilled traders and brokers.
Following two years at Merrill Lynch, Jeff advanced his career by joining Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley. During his time there, he cultivated a client base composed primarily of large institutions and hedge funds. He was later recruited by ABN Amro Bank, where he managed the bank’s Energy Derivatives and Structured Options portfolio for institutional clients.
While at ABN Amro, Jeff became the firm’s top institutional producer in a remarkably short period. There, he reunited with a former colleague from Merrill Lynch, and together they co-founded Energex Worldwide, LLC. Energex quickly rose to become one of the leading institutional brokerage and trading firms in the marketplace.
Jeff eventually transitioned from institutional trading to focus on individual and retail clients. He is currently a Financial Advisor at First American Asset Advisory, LLC, where he manages portfolios for some of Long Island’s most prominent families, as well as their associated trusts. He also specializes in retirement planning, assisting small to mid-sized businesses and non-profit organizations in establishing and managing their 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
Jeff holds Series 3 and Series 65 licenses. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, hockey, and tennis, and values spending quality time with his wife and two children.
Research Jeff on BrokerCheck