Who We Are
At Star Strategies, we believe in honoring promises by providing faith-driven financial guidance with a foundation of trust and integrity. Founded in 2005, our mission has always been to prioritize safety over risk, helping your money work smarter, earn more and last longer.
Jay Dodaro President
As president of Star Strategies, Jay combines his U.S. Navy and corporate sales background to provide the caliber of services necessary to meet and exceed his clients’ goals. He is known for his ability to make complex financial strategies simple and easy to understand.
Jay hosts the financial talk radio show “The Star Strategies Show” along with his wife, Kay. An Ohioan by birth, Jay returned to his native state in 2005 and started Star Strategies with Kay in 2007.
Jay began his career in the insurance industry in 1986, while serving in the U.S. Navy. After 10 years of serving his country and leading his men on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), he took his leadership and management talents to the corporate world, where he trained and managed sales forces for 14 years.
He is licensed in life, accident and health insurance in Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as Ohio.
“We knew when we started this company that we were something different,” Jay said. “I think our services are like a financial ministry, where someone can come in and receive a full understanding of the products and strategies needed to help achieve their financial goals before making any commitment.
“Remember, we’re here to help guide you. So, if you want strategies that help preserve the wealth you have accumulated, help keep it in your family and help distribute your income by potentially paying less in taxes, we are here for you.”
Greg Stell Advisor
Greg helps clients work toward their retirement dreams through a well-thought-out financial strategy for retirement.
Born and raised in Texas, Greg studied architecture at Texas Tech University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force Command at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. He proudly served in Operation Enduring Freedom at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in 2004.
After being honorably discharged in 2005, Greg returned to college, pursuing a degree in business management at Texas State University. He also received his insurance license.
Greg served in the Army Reserves as an intelligence officer and worked for the IRS in Austin, Texas. After completion of Intelligence Officers School, he moved to Wooster, Ohio, and serves as an advisor and consultant with Star Strategies to help bring clients clarity and guidance in the retirement planning and wealth building process.
Greg and his loving wife, Janessa, have three boys, Stryder, Saber and Sypher. The family is involved with their local parish, St. Mary. Greg enjoys spending time with family, playing hockey and participating in outdoor activities.
Gretchen Carr Advisor & Licensed Insurance Professional
Gretchen uses strategic retirement income planning to help retirees and pre-retirees across Ohio preserve their retirement savings. Her goal is to build trust by focusing on value and working toward a holistic and practical approach to financial planning.
She builds strategies to help clients create strong financial foundations by protecting what they have already earned and generating income for retirement. She also helps clients approaching Medicare age choose what’s best for them by simplifying the process and tailoring a plan to suit their unique needs.
Gretchen moved here after teaching abroad in Italy and Taiwan for six years. She has put down roots in Wooster, Ohio, with her husband, Ben, and their two daughters, Stella and Sydney. She enjoys hiking with her husband and kiddos and spending time outdoors.
Our Dedicated Team
Tom Hart
Facilities Manager
Ready to Visit?
Contact us today to start — or continue — building a strong financial foundation for the future with help from genuine people you know, trust and enjoy.