Experienced, friendly & trusted
Our team
Founder + Principal
Joe Smalley
Joe Smalley’s mission is to make sure that our entire team is focused on helping clients align their values with their money. He always seems to be thinking about the big picture and what is next.
Joe’s background is in private wealth management, retirement plan management, and portfolio design, but he didn’t start out in finance. After graduating from Albion College, Joe moved to Hollywood to be an actor and writer. After only landing a handful of roles, he returned to Michigan and worked on political campaigns. But in the early 1990s he was offered a job at a large brokerage firm. Five years later, Joe created his own fee-based wealth management firm. In 2008 he founded Sustainable Folios, one of the first firms in the country to offer risk-based models using Socially Responsible Investments. Later, he formed an employee benefits firm specializing in retirement plan management. Joe holds the Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 through Commonwealth Financial Network®, as well as the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, and the Professional Plan Consultant® designation.
Joe is passionate about giving back to the community. He has been on the finance committee of the Lansing Community College Foundation, the board of the Lansing Symphony, the board of the Capital Area Humane Society, the Financial Counsel of a statewide political organization, an officer of the East Lansing Rotary Club, the treasurer of his church, and the chair of the State Officer’s Compensation Commission, which recommends the salaries of the governor and the other officers for the State of Michigan.
Managing Director, Retirement Plan Division
Kendra Osowski
Kendra Osowski—known to colleagues and friends as “KO”—leads relationship management, service, and new client development for Smalley Investments’ retirement plan business. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, she specializes in designing and supporting retirement plan solutions across a wide range of plan types, including 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), cash balance, non-qualified, and defined benefit plans.
Prior to joining the practice, Kendra served as a Regional Vice President with John Hancock Retirement Plan Services, partnering with plan sponsors and participants nationwide to support retirement readiness and long-term plan success. She earned her degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Kendra lives in Ada with her family and enjoys yoga, golf, travel, and staying active in the West Michigan community.
Managing Director, Financial Planning Division
Ryan Balks
Ryan Balks serves as a Financial Advisor at Smalley Investments, specializing in financial planning and personal wealth management. With more than 10 years of experience in client service, insurance, and investment management, he works closely with clients to understand their goals and develop thoughtful, customized strategies aligned with their long-term financial objectives.
Ryan is actively involved throughout the planning and implementation process, meeting with clients at key points during the year while supporting portfolio research, investment selection, and ongoing plan execution. Known for his strong work ethic and solutions-oriented approach, he focuses on helping clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Service Team Manager
Aubrey Orr
Aubrey Orr serves as Office Manager at Smalley Investments, bringing more than 12 years of experience in banking and office management. She oversees daily operations and supports client service across our practice, helping maintain efficient workflows and a consistent, high-quality client experience.
Known for her attention to detail and relationship-focused approach, Aubrey combines financial insight with strong organizational skills to support both clients and advisors. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three children, exploring Michigan, reading, refurbishing furniture, weightlifting, and occasionally taking her sports car out for a drive.
Financial Services Assistant
Sean Smalley
Sean Smalley supports advisors and clients at Smalley Investments through research, analysis, and operational coordination. He brings a strong analytical mindset and team-first approach shaped by professional experience in both politics and sales, where he developed skills in communication, strategy, and relationship management.
Sean earned his degree in Political Science from Adrian College, where he also played collegiate hockey, building the discipline and work ethic he brings to his role today. He enjoys applying big-picture thinking to problem-solving and supporting clients’ long-term goals. Outside of work, Sean enjoys golf, hunting, and staying active year-round through softball and hockey.
Kalista Bancroft
Kalista Bancroft supports Smalley Investments’ marketing initiatives through strategic communication, brand development, and audience engagement. She works to enhance brand visibility and strengthen client connections by combining creative thinking with strategic insight and a collaborative approach.
Kalista graduated from Alma College in December 2025 with degrees in Business Leadership & Management and Business Sports Management. Passionate about continuous learning and growth, she focuses on developing marketing strategies that support both immediate initiatives and long-term business development. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Marketing Specialist
Madelyn Arsenault
Madelyn Arsenault supports clients and advisors at Smalley Investments by helping ensure efficient operations and a high level of day-to-day service. Her role focuses on administrative coordination, client support, and maintaining organized processes that contribute to a seamless client experience.
Prior to joining the practice, Madelyn gained financial and administrative experience at the City of Lansing Treasury & Income Tax Office, where she developed a strong attention to detail and service-oriented approach. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance and enjoys reading, traveling, spending time outdoors, and cheering on Michigan State basketball.
Client Services Specialist