A Legacy of Trusted Guidance
For more than a century, TruOak Financial Partners has helped individuals, families, and business owners navigate life’s financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Our approach has always started with listening — understanding each client’s values, goals, and challenges before designing practical strategies that support long-term success.
This commitment to thoughtful, relationship-driven planning has earned TruOak a reputation not only for financial expertise, but for genuine care. Many of our advisors have spent decades serving clients within this firm, a testament to a culture built on trust, continuity, and shared purpose. Through generations of change, our mission has remained constant: to help people build security, confidence, and peace of mind for the future.
*TruOak Financial Partners is the current name for the National Life Group agency that was opened in Atlanta in 1896.
1896
The Atlanta Agency Of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT
TruOak Financial Partners traces its roots back to 1896, when the firm was founded in Atlanta as a traditional life insurance agency by John T. Moody and Walter C. Dobbins. Originally known as the Atlanta Agency of National Life of Vermont, the firm quickly established itself as a trusted provider of financial protection and guidance.
In 1903, leadership transitioned when George M. Hope purchased Moody’s interest in the business and assumed the role of general agent. Under his direction, the agency continued to grow steadily, expanding its reach and strengthening its presence across Georgia.
By 1925, the firm had achieved significant success, issuing more than 7,300 policies statewide. Following the passing of both Dobbins and Hope in the late 1920s, their sons carried the business forward until 1945. That year marked another pivotal moment when two National Life of Vermont general agencies merged — uniting leadership under Harold T. Dillon, Sr. and establishing what became known as The Dillon Agency.
Dillon's Chillun
1945-1964 - An Era of Growth and Influence
Under the leadership of Harold T. Dillon, Sr., the firm experienced a period of exceptional growth and influence. Over nearly two decades, the agency expanded from three full-time agents to more than 100 representatives across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, becoming a respected model within the life insurance industry.
Known for his expertise in leadership, recruitment, and training, Dillon helped drive record-setting performance. In 1963, the agency’s 110 representatives wrote $76.5 million in insurance policies, marking a defining achievement in the firm’s history.
Upon retiring in 1964, Dillon became the first insurance salesperson elected to National Life’s board of directors and a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table. His legacy lives on through the firm’s continued commitment to excellence, education, and service.
1976
The Mixon-Baker Agency
In 1978, leadership transitioned to Billy Mixon and John Baker, marking the beginning of a new chapter as The Mixon-Baker Agency. During this period, the firm played a meaningful role in supporting the growth of Atlanta’s business community, particularly in Buckhead — an area that was rapidly emerging as a major economic center.
As an early member of the Buckhead Coalition, the agency earned strong respect within the business community for its leadership and commitment to service. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Mixon-Baker Agency continued its legacy as a leading agency of The National Life of Vermont, building long-standing relationships and reinforcing its reputation for trust, professionalism, and community involvement.
2000
National Financial Services Group
In 2000, the firm was renamed National Financial Services Group, and James L. Cook, Jr., ChFC, CFS, assumed leadership. Under his direction, the organization evolved into a full-service financial firm, expanding beyond traditional offerings to support a wide range of in-house specialists.
This period marked significant growth and national recognition. In 2004, the firm became the #1 producing firm in the country for National Life, a position it maintained for several years — reinforcing its reputation for leadership, performance, and comprehensive financial guidance.
2019
Apogee Financial Partners
In 2019, the firm was renamed Apogee Financial Partners under the leadership of Richard Cederberg, CLU, ChFC®. During this time, the firm evolved into a diverse and collaborative community of financial professionals, united by a shared commitment to dignity, respect, and client-focused service.
Apogee became a trusted home for experienced advisors holding prestigious designations such as CPA, CFP®, ChFC®, and CLU. After years of guiding the firm’s growth and culture, Richard Cederberg retired in 2023, leaving a strong foundation built on professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect.
2023
A Period of Transition and Continuity
In 2023, Apogee Financial Partners entered a period of transition under the leadership of Interim General Agent Rose Ann McDonald. During this time, the firm remained deeply committed to its culture of dignity, respect, and collaboration — values that continue to guide its advisors and staff.
Rooted in Atlanta, Apogee continued expanding its presence throughout the Southeast and beyond, reinforcing its role as a trusted home for financial professionals. This period served as an important bridge between generations of leadership, ensuring continuity while positioning the firm for its next chapter of growth.
2025 - A New Chapter of Leadership
In 2026, the firm was renamed TruOak Financial Partners, marking a new chapter under the leadership of CEO Peter Truong. With more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Peter began his career as an advisor — a perspective that continues to shape his people-first approach.
His passion for developing talent and building strong teams led him into leadership roles at The Piedmont Group and MassMutual, where he was recognized as Sales Manager of the Year. Taking the helm at TruOak represents the realization of a long-held vision: to lead a firm where advisors are supported, empowered, and proud of where they work.
Peter is focused on growing TruOak into a thriving community of 100–150 advisors by treating service as a product, listening closely to individual needs, and rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions. While he embraces innovation and technology, Peter believes the future of financial planning will always be grounded in human connection — thoughtful leadership, personal guidance, and a genuine commitment to helping people succeed.