APC Financial Planning Joins Savant Wealth Management
A Conversation with Joe Ottaviano
This winter, Savant Wealth Management welcomed APC Financial Planning, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based, fee-only advisory firm with a more than 50-year history of providing comprehensive, planning-first advice. The partnership marks Savant’s first office in Tennessee and reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful financial planning and long-term client relationships.
Joe Ottaviano, managing partner and financial advisor, talked about the firm’s roots and why the team chose to partner with Savant.
Your previous firm’s roots trace back to P. Kemp Fain, Jr., a pioneer of the financial planning profession. What would you like clients to know about his influence today?
P. Kemp Fain, Jr., was a true pioneer in the financial planning profession. He was the first enrollee in the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification program and part of the inaugural graduating class in 1973. At a national meeting of financial advisors held in 1988, he delivered a speech known as “One Profession, One Designation,” in which he suggested converting the CFP® certification program from an educational credential to a professional one.
At APC, financial planning always came first. That approach guided our firm for more than five decades. It continues today through our partnership with Savant, now supported by additional resources that allow us to serve clients more comprehensively while staying true to our roots.
What is something your team does for clients that you believe sets it apart?
APC has historically invested very little in marketing and relied primarily on client referrals to grow. We focus on serving existing clients with care and attention, approaching every relationship as if it were family.
Why did APC Financial Planning decide to partner with Savant Wealth Management?
As APC continued to grow, we reached a point where it made sense to evaluate our long-term strategy. We could continue operating independently, or we could partner with a firm that shared our culture and values while offering broader capabilities.
Savant stood out because of its planning-first approach, fee-only structure, and commitment to supporting advisors and clients alike. The partnership allows us to maintain our local presence and client experience while gaining access to additional services and infrastructure.
How does the Savant partnership enhance the planning experience for clients?
It is still early, but clients now have access to a broader range of resources, including expanded tax and estate planning support. Early feedback suggests that tax preparation services will be especially valuable, with legal resources close behind.
Importantly, clients continue working with the same advisory team they know, now supported by Savant’s national platform and internal specialists.
What is changing for clients, and what remains the same?
Most aspects of the client experience will remain the same. We will continue meeting with clients in the same Knoxville location, with the same team and the same service approach.
Some behind-the-scenes elements will evolve. For example, we are moving to Savant’s internal systems, and later this year, clients will see a new portal as we adopt Savant’s portfolio management tools. These changes support efficiency while preserving the established client relationship.
You have emphasized Savant’s planningfirst culture. Why was that so important?
Our 50-plus-year history is built on financial planning as the foundation of serving clients well. Savant shares that philosophy, which made the decision to partner feel natural.
Cultural alignment mattered most in this process. Savant’s commitment to planning, independence, and long-term relationships aligns closely with the values that have guided APC for decades.
This is intended for informational purposes only. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this document serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Savant. Please consult your investment professional regarding your unique situation.