Why Exencial Chose Savant: A Conversation with John Burns and Caleb Dillard

When Exencial Wealth Advisors joined Savant Wealth Management in March 2026, the partnership brought together two firms with a shared commitment to integrated financial planning and long-term client relationships. 

Founded in 2003, Exencial built its reputation on a multidisciplinary model that combined investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, estate planning, and business consulting. That approach aligned closely with Savant’s philosophy and created a natural foundation for partnership. 

To better understand what drove the decision, Savant spoke with Exencial founder and CEO John Burns, Jr., CFP®, and president and CFO Caleb Dillard. Together, they offered perspective on their careers, their approach to clients, and what made Savant the right long-term fit. 

A Shared Commitment to Relationships and Financial Planning 

The conversation began by exploring what drew each leader into the profession. 

For Dillard, the transition from banking to wealth management came down to people. 

“Banking is maybe two percent product and 98 percent people,” he said. “Wealth management deals with more financial complexity and ways to serve clients where they need it most, but at its core, it is still about relationships.” 

That focus on purpose continues to guide his work. Long days are worthwhile, he noted, when they contribute to something meaningful for clients and their families. 

Burns entered the profession earlier, joining the industry out of college and benefiting from a mentor who emphasized both technical expertise and client service. At a time when financial disciplines operated in silos, he was drawn to the idea of integrated financial planning. 

Personal experiences, including the loss of a child in recent years, have also shaped his perspective, reinforcing the role of planning as a way to help clients navigate life’s complexities. 

“I enjoyed the analytical challenge, but also the relationship side,” Burns said. “Helping clients navigate complex decisions requires both.” 

Defining Strong Client Relationships 

Both leaders emphasized that strong client relationships go beyond technical advice. 

For Burns, a good relationship is built on trust, clarity, and shared understanding. He believes clients need to feel confident not only in the recommendations but in the process behind them. 

Dillard added that advisors play an important role in helping clients develop a healthy relationship with money as part of a broader financial planning strategy. 

He described it as a narrow path, where families must balance discipline with perspective. 

“You want to respect money without letting it define you,” he said. “It is a tool that should enhance a larger purpose.” 

That perspective carries into his approach at home as well. Outside of work, Dillard spends time with his family, often attending Oklahoma City Thunder games or playing basketball together. He hopes to instill in his children both responsibility and contentment when it comes to money and values. 

What Exencial Looked for in a Strategic Partner 

As Exencial explored potential partners, Burns and his team established clear non-negotiables. 

Cultural alignment was at the top of the list, including a shared commitment to integrity, servant leadership, and long-term client relationships. Just as important was access to deeper resources that could support the client experience without changing the firm’s philosophy. 

Access to broader capabilities across investment management, tax planning, and estate planning was also a key consideration. 

“Maintaining employee ownership was critical,” Burns said. “We wanted to help ensure decisions continue to be made with clients and colleagues in mind.” 

The selection process took nearly two years and included several changes in direction along the way. Ultimately, Burns said, Savant stood apart. 

“There was a clear alignment in values and vision,” he said. “That made the decision clearer over time.” 

Expanding What Is Possible Through Partnership 

For Dillard, one of the most immediate benefits of the partnership is the ability to focus more fully on clients and team development. 

Prior to joining Savant, Exencial leaders were responsible for building and maintaining capabilities across areas such as compliance, technology, and mergers and acquisitions. While necessary, those responsibilities stretched time and resources. 

“Savant brings established expertise in those areas,” Dillard said. “It allows us to refocus on what we do best, which is investing in people and serving clients.” 

Together, the firms are positioned to help offer broader access to comprehensive wealth management services while maintaining a personalized, client-first approach. 

Leadership Built on Trust and Complementary Strengths 

When asked what they admire about each other’s leadership style, both leaders pointed to trust and consistency. 

Dillard described Burns as thoughtful and driven, with a deep commitment to both clients and the team. 

“John holds a high standard for what we strive to deliver,” Dillard said, describing the firm’s approach to helping provide a consistent client experience. “That helps raise the level for everyone.” 

Burns, in turn, emphasized Dillard’s ability to execute and follow through. 

“He makes commitments and keeps them,” Burns said. “That reliability allows the organization to move forward with confidence.” 

Together, they noted that their strengths complement each other. Burns focuses on vision and long-term direction, while Dillard drives execution and communication across the organization. 

Measuring Success in the Year Ahead 

Looking ahead, both leaders share a similar definition of success. 

For Burns, it comes down to delivering on the reasons behind the partnership. 

“Success, in my view, means being able to say we stayed true to our commitments to clients and our team,” he said. 

Dillard framed it in terms of progress and accountability. 

“In a year, we want to be able to point to meaningful progress for clients and colleagues,” he said. “That is what will show this partnership is working.” 

A Foundation Built on Alignment 

While every merger brings change, Burns and Dillard emphasized that this partnership is rooted in continuity. 

The two firms already shared a long history of collaboration, including participation in an industry study group that fostered open dialogue and idea sharing. Over time, that connection helped build trust and mutual understanding. 

That foundation, combined with aligned values and a shared vision, ultimately shaped the decision to move forward together. 

As Burns put it, “There is a real sense of alignment in how both firms think about clients, growth, and the future.”