About Keynote Financial

Since 2004, Keynote Financial has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners plan with clarity and confidence. As fiduciary advisors based in Vernon, Connecticut, we put your goals first — always with transparency, empathy, and care.

Family Values, Fiduciary Care

Our Advisors, Our Families

Kent Zahner of Keynote Financial and his family.

Investment Advisor Representative

Kent Zahner, CPA

Kent D. Zahner has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1998 and is the founder of Keynote Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm he established in 2004. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Connecticut Society of CPAs.


With more than two decades of experience, Kent provides clients with objective, fiduciary-based guidance rooted in tax efficiency, charitable giving strategies, and a disciplined, value-based approach to stock selection. At Keynote, he specializes in discretionary asset management, tailoring portfolios to align with clients’ goals while maintaining a strong focus on long-term financial health and integrity.


Outside of his professional work, Kent enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors. He and his wife, Karen, live in Ellington, Connecticut, and have four children: Katrina, Jeremy (and his wife Kate), Natalie, and Cassidy. He especially values time spent with his family and is active in his church community.

James Desrocher of Keynote Financial with his family

Investment Advisor Representative

James Desrocher, FSA

James M. Desrocher is an Investment Advisor Representative at Keynote Financial Services, LLC. He joined the firm in 2015, bringing more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry. A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries since 2002, Jim began his career in 1993 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University.


Jim specializes in retirement planning with a strong focus on income strategies designed to manage risk and support long-term financial sustainability. Drawing on his background as an actuary, he applies rigorous analysis to portfolio design while favoring a disciplined, value-based approach to investing. He believes that investor success hinges not on short-term performance but on patience, selectivity, and a clear understanding of long-term portfolio profitability.


Jim and his wife, Cindy, live in Ellington and are proud parents of three sons: Matthew, Nicholas, and Kevin, along with their longtime girlfriends—Emily, Penelope, and Rebecca—who are very much part of the family. Outside the office, Jim enjoys cooking, volunteering, and previously spent many years coaching youth sports. Since 2017, he has helped organize an annual 3v3 soccer tournament benefiting the Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation, a cause close to his heart.

Client-First Financial Planning with Transparency & Care

Our Fiduciary Philosophy

At Keynote Financial, our fiduciary philosophy is simple: put clients first in every decision. We believe financial planning should bring clarity, not complexity, which is why our approach is built on transparency, empathy, and long-term stability. From retirement planning and investment management to business and estate strategies, we design personalized solutions that reflect your goals — always guided by our commitment to act in your best interest.

Our Values

These principles shape how we serve our clients today and for the long term.

Empathy

We listen first. Every client’s story is unique, and we take the time to understand your goals, concerns, and vision for the future.

Transparency

We believe trust is built on clarity. That’s why we explain strategies in plain language and ensure you always know how and why decisions are made.

Education

We empower clients through knowledge, making sure you understand your options and feel confident in every decision.

Why Clients Choose Keynote Financial

Clients choose Keynote Financial because we put people before products. With over 20 years of experience, $190M+ in assets under management, and more than 200 households, our advisors are trusted for transparent, fiduciary guidance rooted in empathy and care.


  • Fiduciary Commitment – Always acting in your best interest.
  • Independent & Transparent – No product pushing, no hidden agendas.
  • 20+ Years of Experience – Guiding families and business owners since 2004.
  • 200+ Households – Serving clients with care.
  • Dividend-Focused Strategies – Designed for clarity and long-term stability.
  • Personal Relationships – We listen first and build plans around your goals.

FAQs - About Keynote Financial

Find answers to common questions about our company.

  • When was Keynote Financial founded?

    Keynote Financial was founded in 2004 and has been dedicated to serving individuals, families, and business owners for more than 20 years.

  • What makes Keynote Financial different from other financial advisors?

    We are fiduciary advisors, which means we are legally and ethically committed to putting your best interests first. Our approach is built on empathy, transparency, and long-term relationships — not product sales.

  • Where is Keynote Financial located?

    Our office is in Vernon, Connecticut, but we proudly serve clients across the United States.

  • Who are the advisors at Keynote Financial?

    Our team includes founder Kent Zahner and Independent Advisor Representative, Jim Desrocher. Together, they bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to client-first financial planning.

  • What types of clients do you typically serve?

    We work with individuals, families, and business owners at all stages of life. Whether you’re just starting to plan, approaching retirement, or managing a business, we meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity.