Anthony Geraci, Stratus Financial LLC CEO and Co-Founder: “We actively encourage employee input, and our HR Manager regularly seeks feedback and ideas from the team. Our front-line employees, particularly Loan Officers and Underwriters, play a key role in shaping our proprietary software.”

Stratus Financial LLC was founded with a mission to address a critical gap in the aviation industry: the lack of accessible funding for aspiring airline pilots. The journey began with Anthony Geraci, the company’s CEO and Co-Founder, whose personal experience in flight training illuminated a widespread challenge. While learning to fly recreationally, Geraci encountered a plane dispatcher unable to advance his aviation career due to insufficient funding options. Realizing that traditional avenues, such as federal financial aid, were unavailable for aviation training, Geraci and his co-founder launched a solution.

Starting with financing at a single flight school, Stratus Financial quickly grew into a nationwide provider of student loans tailored to the unique needs of aspiring pilots across nearly 300 partner flight schools. The company’s innovative financial solutions help trainees progress from novice levels to earning their ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certification, enabling them to achieve their dreams of becoming commercial pilots. Stratus Financial’s specialized approach bridges the financial gap, empowering students to fund their training journey, gain essential flight hours, and secure a foothold in a competitive industry. Guided by a commitment to supporting the next generation of aviation professionals, the company is redefining access to pilot training, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of passion and potential.

In conversation with Anthony Geraci, CEO and Co-Founder of Stratus Financial LLC

Q. Stratus was founded by experienced aviators with a shared dream. How do you instill this passion for aviation in your employees and create a sense of purpose around your mission to support aspiring pilots? 

At Stratus, we foster a passion for aviation by hiring employees who already share a love for the field—seven of our team members hold pilot licenses. To further inspire them, we often share videos of myself and my co-founder, Brandon Martini, flying, and whenever possible, we take them on flight experiences. We also emphasize the impact of our work by showing them the dreams we help fund and the aspiring pilots we support. Our team understands that, without Stratus, many of these individuals wouldn’t have the financial access needed to pursue their aviation careers.

Q. Aviation can be a high-stress industry. How does Stratus Financial support a work-life balance, particularly for employees who may come from aviation backgrounds that often demand high availability? 

To support work-life balance, we focus on fostering a positive and motivating work environment. We ensure our employees feel connected to the meaningful impact they’re making in the lives of aspiring pilots. Our loan officers interact directly with students, while other teams, such as marketing, support this mission by promoting scholarships and sharing inspiring stories. This connection to our students’ journeys helps keep our team motivated and grounded, which in turn supports their well-being and allows them to maintain a healthy balance, even in a demanding industry. Additionally, we offer flexibility and a supportive work culture to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.

Q. As a company that promotes students’ career growth, what initiatives does Stratus have to develop and retain talent within your own team?

We are committed to developing and retaining talent by offering comprehensive training and supporting ongoing education. We encourage employees to pursue learning opportunities, with Stratus covering the costs. For example, our marketing team attends two educational conferences annually, and other teams are encouraged to seek certifications and additional training that align with their professional growth. This investment in our employees helps them thrive and advance within the company.

Q. How do the values of “For Pilots, By Pilots” translate into the internal culture at Stratus Financial? Do employees have the opportunity to contribute ideas or feedback that shape company programs or policies?

The “For Pilots, By Pilots” philosophy is deeply embedded in our internal culture at Stratus Financial. We actively encourage employee input, with our HR Manager regularly seeking feedback and ideas from the team. Our front-line employees, particularly Loan Officers and Underwriters, play a key role in shaping our proprietary software. They consistently suggest updates that improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall user experience, ensuring that the tools we use work as effectively as possible for everyone.

Q. Given aviation’s diverse nature, how does Stratus Financial address diversity and inclusion within the company? Are there specific initiatives to ensure a supportive and inclusive workplace? 

At Stratus Financial, we prioritize creating an inclusive environment by fostering a sense of belonging within the “Stratus Family.” We ensure that every employee feels supported, and in times of hardship, they can apply to HR for assistance. We offer interest-free loans or even gifts from the company to help them get back on their feet. These initiatives reflect our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and supporting each individual within our team.

Q. Stratus Financial prides itself on creating lending solutions that cater specifically to aspiring pilots. How does the company foster an environment that encourages innovative thinking to continuously improve these solutions?

We foster innovation by actively seeking feedback from both our employees and customers—flight schools and borrowers alike. This helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure our solutions meet their needs. We consistently receive praise for our flexible payment models, which allow borrowers to manage their financial obligations while progressing through school. This feedback-driven approach ensures we continue to enhance our offerings and stay responsive to the needs of aspiring pilots.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way? 

The future of Stratus Financial is focused on continued expansion and improving access to more affordable capital markets. This will enable us to offer lower lending rates to our borrowers, making aviation training more accessible. As we shape the market, we are creating financing opportunities where they previously didn’t exist, paving the way for more aspiring pilots to achieve their dreams.

Meet the leader behind the success of Stratus Financial LLC

Anthony Geraci is the CEO and Co-founder of Stratus Financial. A serial entrepreneur, Anthony previously founded and grew Geraci LLP, the largest law firm in the U.S. dedicated to private lending. His drive and vision to create a financial product specifically for aviation has made a lasting impact on the aviation student lending sector, positioning Stratus as the leading innovator. Under his leadership, Stratus continues to set the standard for aviation financing and is shaping the market for private student loans in the aviation industry.

“At Stratus Financial, we are committed to developing and retaining talent by offering comprehensive training and supporting ongoing education. We encourage employees to pursue learning opportunities, with Stratus covering the costs.”