About Us

The white oak is one of the longest-living trees in North America. It grows slowly, puts down deep roots, and over centuries becomes something that outlasts almost everything around it. We built this firm with that in mind, prioritizing permanence over pace and client relationships over transaction volume.

Where We Stand

The financial industry gives advisors no shortage of ways to put their own interests ahead of their clients'. When our interests and a client's come into conflict, the client's come first. That means giving advice based on what the situation calls for, not what's easiest to recommend. It means being direct when directness is what's needed, and consistent, whether the markets are up or down, or the conversation is comfortable or not.

What We Are Building

We are a young firm with serious ambitions. There is no legacy book of business to maintain and no inherited way of doing things to preserve. The relationships we take on are ones we build from the ground up, and each one receives our full attention. We have invested in the tools and technology that let us operate efficiently and stay accessible, because a firm that runs well is a firm that serves its clients well.

^{Meet the Team}The Standard Starts Here

The culture of a firm is set by the people who lead it. Our leadership operates from a straightforward conviction: that the standards we set internally are the same ones our clients experience, and that there is no acceptable gap between the two. We hold ourselves to consistency, transparency, and a long view on every relationship we manage.

Meet <strong>Jesse Best<br/><sup>Founder and Senior Financial Advisor</sup><br/></strong>

Meet Jesse Best
^{Founder and Senior Financial Advisor}

I grew up in Columbiana, a small farm town just south of Youngstown, where most people knew each other, and reputation was everything. That upbringing gave me an early appreciation for something that has guided my entire career: the value of earning someone's confidence through consistent, accountable work rather than simply asking for it.

My path into financial services started with an internship in college. What began as an exploratory step turned into a clear direction, and I was fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry early on. I started my career at Prudential, then built my experience across Huntington Bank Investment Company, PNC Bank Investments, and a boutique tax and investment advisory firm before founding White Oak Wealth Co.

Today, I work primarily with business owners, executives, high-income earners, and individuals who have accumulated significant wealth. My approach is holistic and goals-based, built around helping clients connect the pieces of their financial life and making sure every strategy maps to something they're genuinely trying to accomplish. The feedback that has stayed with me most came from a client who told me simply that they felt secure knowing I was paying attention. That response is the standard I measure every client relationship against.

Outside the office, I live and work in Oakmont, home of the US Open, with my daughter, Collins Joy, and my German shepherd, Kita. I am involved in the community through the Oakmont Boulevard Project and volunteer work that keeps me connected to the place I have made home. Serving clients at a high level and providing for my family are what keep me focused on doing this well.

CEPA

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James Best

Client Services Associate

Kirkland Miller

Client Services Associate

Collins Best

CEO, Chief Energy Officer

Collins is responsible for bringing a high level of energy to every meeting. She runs a tight ship and holds our team accountable to a minimum snack and nap quota.

Kita Best

CMP, Chief Morale Officer

Kita is responsible for greeting our guests with excessive enthusiasm and keeping tabs on the well-being of our staff.

Let's Start With a Conversation

The right financial partnership starts with a conversation. Reach out to schedule a complimentary meeting, and we will spend that time getting to know your situation, your goals, and whether we are the right fit to help you get there.

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