Our team of experienced Financial Planners, Lawyers, and invaluable Account Support Staff are committed to serving you and doing everything we can to get you feeling confident about your retirement. Meet the McIlrath | Eck team:
Thor H. McIlrath is a Partner and co-founder of McIlrath | Eck, LLC, a partnership formed in 2006 with Sam K. Eck, JD. Thor has over 20 years of experience as a Financial Advisor. He began his career in 1992 before joining McIlrath | Eck as a Registered Representative practicing financial planning. While at Cambridge Investment Research, Thor received recognition as a Leading Financial Planner among his peers. In 2006 Thor formed his own company, McIlrath | Eck, LLC, an Independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. Thor is also the proud author of “Flight to Financial Freedom”, a book that helps readers understand and navigate their financial futures.
Sam began his Law career in 1971, with an emphasis in all areas of legacy planning for the past 18 years. His knowledge and broad-based experience provide a realistic and practical understanding of legal, financial, and estate tax-related matters. After retiring from full-time employment, Sam continues to counsel current clients on a part-time basis. Sam and his wife Mary Jo live in Issaquah, WA. Sam enjoys travel, spending time with his family, and the latest technology.
Troy began his career in 2008 after working his way through college at Western Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance while raising his two daughters. Troy also is a graduate of Metropolitan State College of Denver’s Financial Planner program (2012). Troy earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2013.
Jake grew up in the Seattle area and then attended Saint Mary’s College of California where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Business. Immediately after college, Jake went to Akron, Ohio with his dog, Kujo, where he graduated from the University of Akron School of Law and received his Law Degree. He has since returned to the great Northwest. Jake earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2018.
Jeremie grew up in Burkina Faso, West Africa. In Burkina Faso, he earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Ouagadougou. Jeremie’s love of learning brought him to the US to further his education. He attended North Seattle college and continued on to Western Governor’s University (WGU) where he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Jeremie joined the McIlrath|Eck team in 2018. He added the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC) professional designation to his list of achievements through The American College of Financial Services. Most recently, he completed his Doctorate Degree through Faith International University. Jeremie is also the proud author of “Beyond Expectations”, a book that helps readers create and maintain a successful and loving marriage.
Melanie grew up in Maryville, WA, and earned her BA in Community Psychology from the University of Washington, with a focus on understanding human behavior and community dynamics. She joined the McIlrath & Eck team in February 2023 as part of our Client Services department.
Outside of work, Melanie loves cooking and hosting dinners for friends and family, always experimenting with new recipes and techniques. She also enjoys reading, traveling to coastal destinations, listening to comedy podcasts, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Shannan comes to us with over 11 years of experience in the Title and Escrow industry, where she specialized as a junior closer. She joined the McIlrath & Eck team in January 2025 and is an integral part of our Client Services department.
Raised in both Texas and Washington, Shannan has called Washington home since 2004 and is a proud graduate of Sequim High School. Outside of work, she enjoys life’s adventures with her husband and young son. With a love for music and travel, year-round concerts and family road trips keep them busy making lasting memories.
Tanya is a first-generation American of Mexican heritage, born and raised in the border town of Yuma, Arizona. In 2015, she and her husband, Mike, moved to Washington with their son, Ryan, and have loved calling it home ever since. With over 16 years in customer service, Tanya has a true passion for helping others and creating positive experiences. She joined our team in September 2022 and is part of our Client Services department, where she enjoys getting to know clients and supporting their needs.
In her free time, Tanya loves trying out new Mexican recipes, spending time with family and friends, and learning how to kayak.
With more than 20 years of experience in administrative support, project management, and marketing coordination, Ida brings a warm, welcoming presence to our front desk. She joined the McIlrath & Eck team in June 2025 quickly becoming a key part in keeping our office running smoothly and helping both clients & colleagues feel supported.
Outside the office, Ida is a certified piano teacher and lifelong music lover. She also enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. On sunny summer days, you’ll often find her relaxing by the pool, soaking up the sunshine & recharging for the week ahead.
Mindy grew up in Eastern Washington before moving to Seattle for college, and today she happily calls Stanwood home with her husband and son. With over 15 years of experience in administrative roles, she joined the McIlrath & Eck team in January 2023 and has become an essential part of keeping the office running smoothly. Mindy enjoys welcoming clients at the front desk, coordinating advisor schedules, and ensuring that coworkers, clients, and advisors all feel supported and cared for.
Outside of work, Mindy loves spending time with her family, tending to her garden, experimenting in the kitchen, and curling up with a good book.
Natalie grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula near Kingston, WA, before heading to Western Washington University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a certificate in Cybersecurity in 2023. She joined the McIlrath & Eck team later that year as a paraplanner and plays an important role in supporting the advisor team by preparing performance reports, updating and creating financial plans, and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys snowboarding in the winter, dancing, cheering on Husky football, and practicing American Sign Language—where she is semi-fluent.
Caden grew up in Snohomish, Washington, and recently celebrated graduating from Central Washington University in May 2025 with a degree in Personal Finance. He joined McIlrath & Eck in April 2023 as a paraplanner and enjoys helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes—preparing performance reports, updating financial plans, and supporting the advisor team so clients feel confident and informed.
Outside of work, Caden is passionate about staying active through weightlifting and Muay Thai, and he also loves making music and spending time with his poodle, Dio.
Connor grew up in Marysville, Washington, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance Management from Grand Canyon University. He joined the McIlrath & Eck team in December 2024 as an executive assistant, where he supports the advisor team and paraplanners by preparing client information and helping ensure meetings run smoothly.
Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active through long-distance running, playing sports, and cheering on his favorite teams.