The Polychronis Financial Services Difference

In 2023, John Polychronis celebrated 45 years in the insurance and financial services industry. A dedicated supporter of his community, he contributes to local nonprofits including the Monarch School of New England, Dover Children’s Home, R.O.A.D. Foundation, Somersworth Athletic Association, and various Spaulding High School programs. He also proudly supported the Garrison Wing project at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and chaired its 2012 golf committee.

John offers retirement planning and life insurance solutions through more than 40 carriers, always guided by a client-first philosophy. Raised on a farm in Somersworth, New Hampshire, he credits his strong work ethic and community values to his upbringing and family. After earning a degree in Business from the University of New Hampshire, he began his career in 1980 with Franklin Life. “Finance was my first love,” he says. “The excitement of learning something new and working with great people—I knew I had found my niche.”

In 1987, John joined MetLife, becoming one of the company’s top producers in life insurance and mutual funds. After 20 years of working within a corporate structure that prioritized products over people, he made the decision to become an independent advisor and founded Polychronis Financial Services in 2000. “I wasn’t willing to compromise my belief in doing what’s right for clients,” he says. Listening closely to everyone’s specific needs remains central to his approach. “I don’t push products or one-size-fits-all plans. Every family faces different challenges, and good planning starts with asking the right questions.”

John’s personal experience caring for family members and raising seven children has shaped his ability to connect with clients of all ages and backgrounds. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling, supporting local restaurants and golf courses, and taking care of his home in Rochester.

Stefanie Ragonese joined the insurance industry as a retirement specialist in 2020 after graduating from Granite State College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is also an AmeriCorps alumna and a proud graduate of Leadership Seacoast Class of 2025.

Stefanie is licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Arizona, specializing in helping clients combat market volatility and protect their assets through strategic planning as they near or enter retirement. Having served clients of all ages, she prides herself on meeting every individual where they are at, always considering their unique needs which vary from one generation to the next.

One of Stefanie’s top priorities in continuing the legacy of this family-run, boutique office, is maintaining personalized, quality service that people may not receive in corporate financial firms. She takes great pride in fostering meaningful connections with each person who walks through the door and adheres strongly to the philosophy “the client always comes first,” the foundation on which her father built this business.

Stefanie is a passionate and active resident of Dover, NH where she lives with her husband, son, and two dogs. When she’s not in the office, she’s playing outside, going for walks, redecorating her house, or reading a good book.

Joseph Polychronis grew up in Rochester, NH and spent his twenties as a blue-collar worker in building and renovations before deciding to join the family business. He takes great pride in elevating the business his father created and building the local community. After living in North Carolina for 7 Years, he now resides back in his hometown of Rochester in his self-renovated home. His strong work ethic and dedication to his craft easily translated to the financial services industry.

With his Series 65 and life insurance license, Joe uses both securities and insurance products to create comprehensive financial plans for clients of all ages. He uses simplified and effective strategies to combat market volatility and give clients peace of mind. He is securities licensed in all 50 states.

Joe specializes in working with small local businesses and managing their employer sponsored retirement plans. He also helps young individuals and families with foundational financial planning. In addition to all this, he organizes quarterly “Financial Planning Under 40” small group gatherings designed to bring together a younger demographic and engage in meaningful conversations surrounding financial stability and success.

When he’s not in the office, you can find him on the golf course, hiking in the white mountains, or trying out a new restaurant. He also serves as a committee member for Catapult Seacoast.