Fortifying Financial Foundations: A Conversation with Jay Dodaro

Doing the right thing for others doesn’t need to be complicated. It starts with showing up, offering help, and caring enough to make decisions that put people first. When service becomes the foundation, everything else seems to fall into place a little more naturally.

In this final episode of Season 3 of the Ashland Connected podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce talks with Jay Dodaro, President of Star Strategies, about what it looks like to build a business and a financial practice around that simple principle.

Jay explains the “fiscal house” framework, how couples can navigate different comfort levels with risk, and why educating clients matters more than selling to them. He also speaks to the way Star Strategies is establishing a stronger presence in Ashland.

This episode reinforces a simple theme of conducting business on purpose for good: when you put people first, you help them move forward with connection, confidence and clarity.

Takeaways

– Putting people first creates stronger relationships and better outcomes

– Clear, simple financial guidance helps clients feel confident in their decisions

– The “fiscal house” model offers an easy way to understand long-term planning

– Couples often have different risk tolerances, and good planning respects both

– Company culture grounded in service and empathy makes a meaningful difference

– Star Strategies is expanding into Ashland with a focus on long-term community connection

– Giving back is a core part of the team’s identity and values

– There’s no minimum requirement—everyone deserves accessible guidance

– Education builds trust far more effectively than sales pressure

– Meeting people where they are makes financial planning more personal and approachable

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network