PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Long, Sparma & Long was founded in 2005 with the goal of delivering the vast resources of one of the world's most prestigious wealth management firms with all of the intimacy and personal service of a smaller boutique. At the heart of the team’s philosophy is a passion to build enduring client relationships through a commitment to providing outstanding guidance and service. By taking a more holistic approach to the wealth management process, we aim to assist clients with every aspect of their financial lives, based on a foundation built on trust.

Together with our clients we create a flexible, holistic strategy to guide our clients in the following:
• Analyzing personal needs and goals
• Evaluating the current comprehensive financial structure
• Determining required liquidity needs and corresponding investment risk tolerance
• Developing an asset allocation based on personal objectives
• Creating a customized personal wealth strategy
• Reviewing investment performance and re-evaluating the strategy on an ongoing basis

We provide personalized solutions that address:
• Retirement planning and cash flow analysis
• Trust and estate planning-We work along side family tax professionals and attorneys
• Individual wealth preservation and insurance planning strategies
• Tax minimization strategies
• Corporate cash management solutions
• Custom design and refinement of company sponsored 401(k)/Retirement Plans
• Business transition planning

Our team works with individuals and businesses to define, and ultimately achieve, their financial goals. We recognize that our ultimate responsibility to our clients is to help them build a solid foundation on which to make their financial decisions with confidence. Our primary objective is to become a lifetime resource and essential partner to those who have entrusted us with their financial well-being. We do our best to keep clients focused on where they want to go, advise them on how to get there, and continually remind them of the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to realizing their dreams.

Michael S. Long, Sr., CIMA®, CFM
First Vice President-Investments
Wealth Management Advisor
Portfolio Manager, PIA Program

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Michael has been in the Sarasota/Venice community for over fifty-five years. Michael joined Merrill Lynch in 1978, formerly working for a prominent local bank. He has built a successful practice that caters to high net worth individuals and a variety of businesses across the country.

Michael attained the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation (CIMA®) from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. In 2010, he was recognized as one of , ranked number 27 in the state of Florida.

Michael has been a pillar of the Venice community for decades, and is an active member of various civic organizations. He resides in Nokomis with his wife, of more than thirty years. He is a parent of two adult children and the proud grandfather of three young boys.


Blase J. Sparma, CFM
Vice President
Senior Financial Advisor
Portfolio Manager, PIA Program

Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Blase attended The Ohio State University, where he lettered three years in baseball. He was later drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1991 Major League Draft.

Blase joined Merrill Lynch in 2000, with aspirations of becoming a trusted advisor, with the opportunity to truly make a difference in his client’s financial lives. He holds the Merrill Lynch internal designation of CFM (Certified Financial Manager).

Blase resides in Sarasota with his wife Julie, and three children; Joseph, Nicholas and Sydney. He is an avid golfer and an active member of his local country club.


M. Stephen Long, Jr., CFP®, CRPC®, CFM
Assistant Vice President
Wealth Management Advisor

Born and raised in the local community, Stephen brings a multi-generational component to the team. Graduating from Florida State University, where he earned a B.A. in Business, Stephen joined Merrill Lynch in 2004.

Stephen serves as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM and Wealth Management Advisor. Stephen has achieved the CFM designation as well as having been awarded the CFP® certification by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards; illustrating the team’s firm belief that continuing education is essential to serving the best interests of their clients.

Stephen is an active member in the community and lives in the local area with his wife and infant son.


Linnea Lusk
Client Associate

Vonda Nicol
Registered Client Associate

Lin and Vonda are highly qualified Client Associates who handle all administrative and day-to-day operations with personal care and first-class service. Often the first point of contact, they assist clients with a wide breadth of daily needs imperative in providing the elevated service standards that Long, Sparma & Long is known for. With a combined service of over 31 years, Lin and Vonda are an integral part of the team and an essential partner for our clients and their families. Both Vonda and Lin live in the local area with their families.