Practice Update
2025 was a fantastic year for the stock market, and also for our firm. 2026 is following along a similar theme. As such, we have enhanced our service team of professionals to handle the important duty of client service.
Aubrey Orr, Service Team Manager
Our goal is to provide proactive indispensable service. In that vein, Aubrey Orr has been elevated to Service Team Manager, overseeing our service staff.
Sean Smalley, Financial Services Assistant
Sean Smalley (my older brother’s oldest son) joined us last year. He is the friendly voice you hear when you call into the office. He is also helping to prepare the advisors for our client meetings.
Kalista Bancroft, Marketing Specialist
Kalista Bancroft became part of our team at the end of last year after graduating from Alma College. She is responsible for scheduling our meetings and marketing our services.
Madelyn Arsenault, Client Services Specialist
Madelyn Arsenault came on board earlier this year. Her primary roles are to process money movements and account paperwork.
In his eighth year with us, Ryan Balks continues to head up our financial planning division. Much of what we do is to manage client assets to accomplish their unique financial goals. Ryan blends the two with great skill. He is also instrumental with investment portfolio management of the firm.
Kendra Osowski is our retirement plan advisor. With over 20 years of experience in the space, she has the knowledge to help our clients find the right retirement plan design for their employees. Her proactive approach assists plan sponsors fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.
And it is hard to believe that I started Smalley Investments in 1999. As you may know, the firm that I partnered with 28 years ago, Commonwealth Financial Network, was sold last year to LPL, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer. My team and I have been doing our due diligence over the past year to see if it would be best for our clients and staff to make the transition to LPL, or to find another firm. We have talked with many other firms, visited several, and have narrowed it down to three options, including LPL.
The things we are looking for is a smooth transition for our clients, great customer service for our team, and a comfortable fit for everyone. We are in the final weeks of our year-long process. I anticipate that very soon we will let you know our decision. Regardless of the broker/dealer we choose, I want to make it very clear that our focus is on your experience. We will still be your team. All of your investments will remain exactly as they are now. Fees will remain the same. The only thing that will change is that we will all have to sign some new account paperwork. Our website will also be getting a refresh. Mostly due to the fact that we have some wonderful new employees that we want to highlight.
If you have any questions about anything, please let me know. I am very grateful for both your business and your friendship.
All the best,
Joe