Our Story and Our People.
At Signature Financial Group, we’re more than just financial advisors — we work to become trusted partners on your life’s path. Our firm has traces back to 1870 and we honor that long history of tradition of empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Originally named Signator by John Hancock, Signature Financial Group has a heritage of success by serving the people of our country for generations.
Let’s Begin Your Financial Journey
Your financial journey begins here. Explore our services, meet our team, and discover the difference that personalized financial guidance can make. We’re excited to get to know you and embark on this journey together.
MANAGING PARTNER
Scott W. Armstrong, AIF®
Scott is a 35-year veteran focused on bringing value to the table for his clients and his advisor partners. Scott developed a reputation as a resource in the closely held business marketplace. Identifying problems and providing innovative strategies has been one of the hallmarks of his success. Working with companies and high net worth individuals Scott’s focus is creating value in areas of business continuation, compensation consulting and wealth transfer strategies. His considerable knowledge and contacts are invaluable to the organization from joint work opportunities to attracting others interested in this tremendously rewarding career. Scott is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in Economics. Scott and his wife Julie have one son, Scott.
Office manager
Kari L. McKanna, ACS, AIAA
Kari began her career with John Hancock in May 1981 in Houston, TX. She transferred to the Columbus agency in October of 1985. Over the course of her tenure with this agency, now known as Signature Financial Group, LLC…she has witnessed an incredible amount of changes…but her “always try to be kind and flexible” attitude has been her constant and she has managed to “roll with the changes”.
Kari and her husband, Britt have two grown children, Kelly (Elliott) and Craig, and three grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys camping, hiking, cruise vacations, crocheting, and spending time with the family.
DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE & SUPERVISION
Yolande D. Circosta
Yolande joined Signature Financial Group in January 2013 as Director of Compliance & Supervision. Her responsibilities include the supervision of our Registered Representatives as well as Principal review of all new business and transactions. After many years as an Executive Assistant, Yolande began her career in the financial services industry in 2002 as Branch Operations Assistant at Quick & Reilly. She became a Registered Principal during her tenure with New England Financial as Operations Manager. After a two year association with Guardian Life/Park Avenue Securities as Agency Compliance Officer, she was introduced to Scott Armstrong and the rest, as they say, is history. Yolande has three grown children and resides in Clearwater, FL.
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Linda L. Thomas
Linda has been with the firm since March of 1993. She assists both Scott and other registered representatives in the firm with handling day-to-day activities. Linda additionally provides product support to the reps, along with customer service support to existing and prospective clients. She also manages the brokerage side through the firm. Linda graduated from Bradford Schools with an Associates Degree in Office Administration and has an Associates Degree in Secondary Education through the University of Phoenix.
Linda and her husband Mark have two boys, Dylan and Coy. The family resides in Delaware, Ohio. When she is not supporting her husband in his coaching responsibilities, watching and cheering on Dylan in golf and wrestling, and Coy in basketball and baseball, she tries to relax and enjoy the quiet time, when possible. Linda is a member of the WOTM Chapter 434 and PTO of Schultz Elementary School. She loves to travel, spend time with friends, and go boating with her family.
NEW BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Kelly A. Larabee
Kelly worked part-time through college at Signature Financial Group, and joined the firm full-time in 2008. She is responsible for new life business processing, provides representatives and customers service support, and helps with IT issues for the firm. Kelly graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2007, and is a TBDBITL Alumna. She lives in Westerville, Ohio with her husband Elliott, daughter & twin sons, and their three dogs. When there is spare time, Kelly also loves to craft, bake, read, and enjoy the outdoors.
BROKERAGE MANAGER
Anthony R. “Tony” Shockley, CLU, CLTC
Tony started his practice with Signature Financial Group in 1985 upon earning his masters degree from The Ohio State University. He also earned his bachelors degree from Ohio State in 1983. Tony joined Signature Financial Group as a registered representative in 1985 upon graduation and within four years became a sales manager with the organization. He is now serving as a brokerage manager.
He has been a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors since 1985, serving on the board of the Columbus chapter for 14 years. He also served as President of NAIFA Columbus in 2000-2001. He served as a board member of the General Agents and Managers Association from 1996-1998 and was an ex-officio board member of the Columbus chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
He earned his CLU designation from the American College in 2003. The CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter, requires many courses in insurance, financial planning, estate taxes, and investments. He has also earned a CLTC designation from the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification.
Tony and his wife, Alison, live in Powell and have two children, Tia and Sam. They are both active in their community, through local government and charitable organizations.
Associate
Ben Person, MBA, CFP®
Ben joined Signature Financial Group in 2020. He started his career in Financial Services in 2007 at Merrill Lynch. Ben focuses his time on helping families and small businesses thrive today while planning for their future. Ben graduated from The Ohio State University in 2008, earning a degree in financial planning and he earned his MBA from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University in 2018.
Ben was a 2-year starter and a 4-year letter winner on the football team under Coach Tressel at Ohio State. He played in 4 BCS Bowl Games including 2 BCS National Championship Games. Ben applies many of the lessons learned from Coach Jim Tressel when helping his clients manage their finances. Lessons like the importance of placing a high value on people and relationships and having a disciplined approach to preparation and planning.
Ben and his wife Krysta make their home in Upper Arlington. Krysta was also a college athlete, playing on the Ohio State Women’s Ice Hockey team. They have 2 beautiful kids, Ayden and Raegan. Ben and Krysta are both active in coaching youth sports. Ben serves the Upper Arlington Youth Football Program as a board member. They’re active in supporting the 2nd & 7 Foundation, LifeWise Academy, Stand 4 Truth, and She Has a Name. They are members of the Varsity O Alumni Association and the Buckeye Club. They attend Veritas Community Church in Hilliard.
