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.
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.
Senior Supervisory Principal
Clayton D. Irwin, ChFC®
Clay joined Signature Financial Group in 2026, where he helps the firm manage risk and address regulatory supervision and compliance needs across both its broker-dealer and registered investment advisory businesses.
He began his financial services career in 2005 with Nationwide Financial, consulting with advisors on annuity products and income planning strategies. In 2013, he transitioned into direct supervision and principal oversight of Nationwide’s financial representatives. He later joined J.P. Morgan Securities as annuity principal for the New York City metro region before moving to the corporate compliance team at The Huntington Investment Company in 2017. There, he served in several roles spanning a broad range of compliance and regulatory topics.
In 2021, driven by a desire to work more closely with advisors and financial planning professionals, Clay joined LPL Financial as a regional supervisory principal, directly supporting independent advisors. He is excited to continue that work with Signature Financial Group.
Clay earned a bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning from The Ohio State University and later completed a master’s degree in Financial Services from The American College of Financial Services. He holds multiple industry designations, including the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation, along with numerous investment licenses and an active insurance license.
Clay and his partner, Seneca, live in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus with their two cats. Outside of work, they enjoy exploring local restaurants and breweries, attending soccer matches, and traveling to new countries. Clay is also an avid ice hockey player and cyclist who actively supports charitable causes, including Pelotonia.
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.
Associate
Scotty Armstrong
Scotty Armstrong is a licensed Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Agent committed to helping individuals and families secure their financial future with tailored insurance solutions. He is currently a Business Management student at Ashland University and as a member of the university’s golf team, he brings discipline, leadership, and teamwork to everything he does. One of his key areas of focus is integrating long-term care (LTC) riders into life insurance policies. These solutions not only protect loved ones with death benefit coverage but also offer valuable resources to cover long-term care expenses, all within a single plan. Let’s plan for the unexpected, preserve your assets, and build peace of mind—together.
Client Service Specialist
Julie Fellure
Having over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Julie has found great joy in helping clients navigate their financial journeys. In April 2026, she joined Signature Financial Group as a Client Service Specialist, where she supports three financial professionals and is dedicated to providing exceptional service to every client. Julie believes that attention to detail and a personal touch are essential in ensuring each client’s needs are met with care and professionalism.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her Mini Australian Shepherd, Bella, and cherishes her role as a grandmother to her adorable grandson. Her daughter, Maddy, is 25 years old and proudly serves active duty in the United States Air Force as a recruiter holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her son, Preston, is 21, actively involved in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and preparing to get married in September.
Julie loves spending time at the lake or the ocean, relaxing with a glass of Merlot, and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation in nature.
