About Your Team

Eric founded Stratton & Company in 2001 and has spent the 25 years since sitting with retirees at kitchen tables, which is where he’d tell you retirement gets decided. This year he put what he’s learned into a book, Plan for the Worst. Live for the Best., written with the planning team here. It covers what we do with clients and why, and he’s prouder of it than he lets on. Ask Eric what the job is and he’ll tell you nobody ever really hired him to grow a number. They hired him to help make it possible to live on what they’d already built.

Sam Magdalein is a Partner at Stratton & Company and an Investment Advisor Representative, and he’s been at this alongside Eric since 2001. His work sits where the investments meet the income plan: setting up portfolios and income to help retirees carry less risk and fewer worries.

Sam is a Jacksonville native, spends his free time with his wonderful wife and two amazing kids, and volunteers as the Associate Pastor of his local church. If you’re thinking about working with us, your first conversation will be with Sam. He’ll listen, explain how we work, and tell you straight whether we’re a fit. If we’re not, he’ll tell you that too.

Schedule a meeting with Sam here.

Cindy has been with Stratton & Company since 2003 and works alongside Eric to create custom retirement strategies for our clients. She is involved in every case at Stratton & Company. From the first time you sit down with us, to the final implementation of your strategy, she is here to  assist you.

Cindy has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and financial service industry. As Executive Vice President of S&Co., she enjoys working exclusively with retirees to help them realize their goals.

Mrs. Collins has given lectures and created retirement resources on a wide range of topics, including women and retirement, the importance of securing guaranteed income and annuities.

Her work has been featured in key publications including Forbes and Wall Street Journalʼs MarketWatch.

Jake joined the team in 2015, and applies our approach and vision to help clients secure their retirement. He will work with you to help create, implement, and reviews your retirement strategy.

He brings passion — and compassion — to each retiree he works with. Thoroughly listening to review and update all client concerns and goals, Jake applies those insights to your retirement strategy.

As Mangaing Director, Jake applies his degree in Marketing and Psychology to streamline processes so we can operate more efficiently and better serve our clients.

Originally from Indianapolis, Jake enjoys hiking and spending time with his wife and sons.

Amy joined S&Co. in 2013, with a strong background in hospitality and white glove customer service. She leads our customer service team, and clients love her for her quick, careful responsiveness, and attention to detail.

Amy moved north to Jacksonville in the summer of 2013 with her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years, Derek. They have four children and a grandson.

Marena Manning is our esteemed Client Experience Director, celebrated for her dedication and exceptional service to our clients for over a decade. With an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and a deep understanding of our clients' needs, Marena has been instrumental in fostering strong, lasting relationships. Her expertise in client communication and problem-solving ensures that every client receives personalized and responsive support. Marena's role is pivotal in maintaining the high standards of care and excellence that our firm is known for, making her an invaluable asset to our team and the clients we serve.

Paul Groeschel-Johnson, a valued paraplanner with the Stratton & Company team, contributes his experience in retirement strategies and client services, skills sharpened during his tenure at Principal Financial. At Stratton & Company, Paul plays a key role in supporting our financial services professionals, offering insights that enhance our client-focused approach to retirement planning. His dedication to financial excellence and client success firmly establishes him as an integral part of our team.

Greg is an experienced financial services representative and customer service professional with a strong commitment to client care. Born and raised in Jacksonville, he’s known for his clear communication, genuine compassion, and dedication to meeting the needs of both clients and colleagues. Greg’s reliability and drive make him an essential part of the Stratton & Company team.

Mila is the first friendly face you’ll see when you walk through our doors and the warm voice you’ll hear when you call. As our Office Manager, she keeps the day-to-day running smoothly—coordinating schedules, managing details, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. She brings energy, organization, and a passion for creating a welcoming environment for both clients and our team. She’s also the one behind our famous daily fresh-baked cookies. Outside the office, Mila enjoys long walks and discovering new places.

With a degree in education and a strong background in teaching, Will brings a natural gift for communication and a heart for helping people. As our Project Manager, he streamlines office operations for greater efficiency and helps us constantly raise the bar on the service we deliver. Whether it’s coordinating behind the scenes or meeting with clients, Will is always looking for ways to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.

As a Planning Associate, Madison Lima brings energy, organization, and a strong academic foundation to every client relationship. As a graduate from the University of North Florida with a degree in Financial Planning, Madison is eager to put her knowledge into practice by supporting clients as they craft a clear and confident path toward retirement.

With a thoughtful approach and a genuine interest in people’s stories, she ensures that each plan is rooted in both numbers and what matters most to clients personally. Madison’s fresh perspective, paired with her dedication to learning and growth, makes her a valuable part of the planning team as she helps clients turn long-term goals into actionable strategies.

As a Planning Associate, Wade Blair combines analytical skill with a steady, approachable demeanor to guide clients through the retirement planning process. A graduate of Indiana University, Wade brings a strong academic background and a genuine passion for helping individuals and families make sound financial decisions.

Wade’s thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and commitment to clear communication ensure that clients feel both informed and supported every step of the way. With a focus on building trust and understanding each client’s unique goals, he plays a key role in transforming complex financial considerations into meaningful, actionable plans for the future.

The whole team supports your plan, from investments to income to taxes to service. And the most important seat at the table is yours. We build the plan with you, not for you, until you’re happy with it. After 25 years, that’s still the only way we know how to do this.