*Source: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, 2019. For more information about the selection criteria, go to http://details-he.re/UbRCGT. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. These rankings and rating are not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor.
As a founder of Southern Oak Wealth, Patrick is still very hands-on when it comes to portfolio design and asset management. He believes in an open and transparent method of managing his clients’ portfolios. He focuses on tailored, tax-efficient investment strategies that minimize risk to help the clients of Southern Oak Wealth achieve their goals.
In addition to his professional experience, Patrick also has an extensive educational background. From the University of Tennessee, he holds a Master of Science in Engineering, with a concentration in Business Operations and Product Development, as well as a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance. He has also completed the High Net Worth Investing program at The Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Family-Run Business program at the University of California at Berkeley. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC) designation, the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) certification, and the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) accreditation.
Patrick was named to the Forbes* Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Patrick was also recognized by AdvisorHub on their Advisors to Watch lists in both 2022 and 2023. He and his family reside in Brentwood.
Jon has a unique depth of expertise in optimal debt risk and specialized retirement planning for business owners and executives. His extensive experience in personal and business finance allows him to design highly tailored solutions for those of his clients who are executives or stakeholders in companies.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Jon lives in Brentwood with his wife Stephanie and their two sons, Breck and Jackson. They enjoy spending their free time at Center Hill Lake or on ski slopes across the US.
Ann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University, the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation, and is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). She and her husband, Donnie, and daughter, Elizabeth, reside in Franklin. They are members at St. George’s Episcopal Church and avid supporters of Vanderbilt athletics.
Wyatt’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship and an MBA with a concentration in Finance. In 2015, he took on a role raising capital for start-ups and providing financial guidance to entrepreneurs through the business development process. Over the years, he has developed an ability to help clients understand their full financial picture, ensuring that every component is in check and each individual strategy complements the rest. At Southern Oak Wealth, he designs bespoke strategies for private clients and helps business owners implement the employee benefits and financial products that will benefit the organization and further their financial interests. Wyatt holds the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation.
Wyatt resides in Brentwood with his wife Lauren, son Eli, and dog Ellie.
During his tenure in capital markets, Philip conducted both qualitative and quantitative research, assessed microeconomic and macroeconomic trends, and analyzed industry and company-specific data. As a Senior Wealth Advisor at Southern Oak Wealth, he is dedicated to delivering an elevated level of service and providing tailored wealth planning with a focus on enhancing and preserving client wealth.
In addition to his unique professional background, Philip holds a Bachelor’s (BBA) and Master’s degree (MBA) in Business Administration, concentrating in Economics and Finance, from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a holder of the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations.
Philip, originally from Knoxville, has been residing in Middle Tennessee since 2006. He and his wife, Kaitlyn, met in college where they both participated in NCAA Division I track and field. Together, they have a daughter named Ava. Their shared interests include food, travel, and cycling.
Jennifer’s experience in the financial services industry makes her a valuable asset to the team and clients alike. She holds her Certified Estate and Trust Specialist designation from the Institute of Business and Finance, and she is responsible for providing client service on a daily basis.
Jennifer and her husband, Andy, live in Franklin with their two children, Charleigh and Bennett.
Judy has been married to her husband, David, for over 40 years. They have two children, Corey and Courtney. Judy loves spending time at the beach with her family and playing with her grandson, John. A sports enthusiast, Judy enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, Nashville Predators and the Tennessee Titans. On a pretty day you can find Judy and her family riding their Harley’s on Middle Tennessee backroads.
In addition to his professional experience, Samuel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama in 2019 prior to earning his Master of Business Administration degree from the Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama in 2021.
Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves watching sports, playing golf, and cooking.
Sanctuary Partner Firm of the Year
Southern Oak was named Sanctuary Partner Firm of the Year for 2022.
Forbes Best-In-State
Patrick Poling was named a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The ranking is designed to help families identify local professionals who deliver an exceptional level of comprehensive service and expertise.
Specialized Accreditations
Members of the Southern Oak Wealth team hold the designations CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), and Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM (AAMS®).
Portfolio Management Capabilities
Our core team holds licenses and accreditations that are highly regulated, which means that some of the highest industry standards for experience and education are continuously upheld.
