Our Team

Stephen is a Founding Partner and Financial Advisor affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners in the Lexington, SC area. Stephen has more than 26 years of experience in the investment industry. In 1996 Stephen joined First Union Brokerage services in Charlotte, NC. In 1999, he opened Lexington’s third Edward Jones office. In March of 2000 he joined BB&T Investment services and was a seven time Sterling Award Winner and one of the top Advisors for BB&T Investments. His recent change in affiliation to Stratos Wealth Partners, powered by LPL Financial marks a meaningful move to an independent model for Stephen and his current clientele.

As a founding partner with Stratos Wealth Partners, he has joined a team of outstanding financial professionals to open the first Stratos office in Lexington, South Carolina. He assists individuals with wealth accumulation, retirement income planning and distribution, saving for educating their loved ones, and generational wealth transfers. He is committed to providing his clients and this community with the best service and personal financial guidance.

Stephen holds his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Clemson University. He currently holds his FINRA Series, 7, 63 and 66 registrations through LPL Financial as well as his Life Insurance, Health Insurance licenses. He resides in Lexington with his wife Tricia and their four children.

Joe Dunat is a Wealth Advisor affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners in Lexington, SC. For over 20 years, Joe has brought his unique experiences in the Financial Services industry to his clients. His goals are to help individuals, families and businesses grow and realize financial success. To achieve this, Joe believes in comprehensive planning, a well thought out strategy and ongoing personalized advice throughout life’s changes. This includes advice in the areas of retirement, investments, tax reduction strategies, insurance, asset allocation, estate planning and employee benefits.

Joe graduated Magna Cum Laude from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fordham University with is Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), with a specialization in Finance. He currently holds his FINRA Series 7, 9 and 10 registrations through LPL Financial, and 66 through LPL and Stratos Wealth Partners, as well as his Life Insurance license.

Joe resides in Lexington with his wife Joellen and their three children, Lucas, Adriana and Gabriella. A former player himself, Joe coached soccer in Lexington and still is actively involved in youth soccer in the Midlands. Joe is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus with his local parish.

Phyllis is an LPL Financial registered sales associate with Stratos Wealth Partners. She brings 23 years of experience in the financial industry where she provides excellent service to clientele. Prior to joining Stratos Wealth Partners, she began her career in 1995 with BB&T Corporation as the assistant to the CEO. In 2000, Phyllis joined BB&T investments. She currently holds her FINRA series 6 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial, as well as her Insurance license. Phyllis lives in Lexington County with her husband, Mike.

Azzharo joined the Sturkie Wealth Management group at the beginning of 2022 as a Client Service Associate. She graduated from Columbia College, SC with a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Accounting and Leadership Communications. After graduating, she worked at a financial services firm as the Relationship Manager. Her background in banking services provided a natural transition into financial planning and wealth management.

She has her life insurance license in the state of SC and is working on additional training and education in the industry.

She lives in Columbia, SC. Originally from Venezuela, Azzharo is bilingual in Spanish and her hobbies are traveling, cooking, and tango.

Melinda joined the Sturkie Wealth Management group at the beginning of 2022 as a Client Service Associate. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in Retail Management. Her background in teaching and working in real estate provided natural transition into her role.

Melinda is a lifetime resident of Lexington County where she enjoys spending time with her two kids. Her hobbies are traveling, cooking, and the outdoors.