Osaic Welcomes $177 Million Team from TrustFirst to Establish New Knoxville-Based Firm

August 26, 2025 at 09:08 AM EDT

New team led by John Kennedy joins Osaic for growth opportunities, expanded investment platform and operational support

Osaic, Inc. (“Osaic”), one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies, today announced the successful affiliation of John Kennedy and his team from TrustFirst. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the group brings approximately $177 million in assets under administration (AUA) and includes seasoned professionals Ted Shaver, Leslie Grossman, James “Tony” Powers and Daniel MacDonald.

As senior partner of TrustFirst, Kennedy is transitioning his team to Osaic while his partner Don Taylor remains in place to wind down operations of the firm’s broker-dealer and registered investment advisory (RIA) business. The move enables Kennedy and his team to establish TrustFirst under a new model powered by Osaic’s scale, support and technology.

“After years of managing the day-to-day complexity of running our own firm, we were ready for a partner that could help us streamline operations and focus on what matters most—our clients,” said Kennedy. “Osaic gives us the scale, support and flexibility to grow without sacrificing the personalized service that defines our approach.”

The transition marks a significant evolution for the group, which had long carried the burden of managing back-office operations, compliance and infrastructure. By affiliating with Osaic, the team gains access to industry-leading technology, an expanded investment platform and a highly efficient ecosystem designed to support long-term growth. This decision reflects a broader trend across the industry as 80% of independent advisors say they’re looking to outsource more functions—particularly operations and technology—to focus more on client service and growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John and his team to the Osaic family,” said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president, business development at Osaic. “Their decision to bring TrustFirst into a new era with us is a testament to the strength of our platform and our ability to meet the evolving needs of independent advisors. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.”

This addition further reinforces Osaic’s position as the destination of choice for top advisors looking to scale in an independent, flexible environment backed by world-class infrastructure and support.

Learn more at Osaic.com.

About Osaic

Osaic, Inc. (“Osaic”), a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies, supporting approximately 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic’s mission is to empower entrepreneurial advisors to build thriving businesses and fulfill their clients’ dreams. Visit www.osaic.com to learn more.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Osaic Institutions, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Osaic Services, Inc. and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Osaic Advisory Services, LLC. and CW Advisors, LLC., registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by Osaic Wealth, Inc. are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser.