A New York City based financial services company is expanding into the Buffalo area and plans to create more than 1,000 new jobs.
Strategic Financial Solutions is opening its newest location in the Amherst International Park just off Youngs Road near Werhle Drive.
Company CEO Ryan Sasson says, Strategic Financial Solutions was formed to help people.
"We're a bankruptcy alternative. And we help people that have too much credit card debt to find their way out of debt in somewhere between three and four years. And for a fraction of what they owe by negotiating with their creditors. As opposed to either paying the full amount for 30 to 40 years or declaring bankruptcy," Sasson said.
Founded in 2007, it's been recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation.
"We've helped over 100,000 thousand Americans. And settled over $750 million of credit card debt mostly for them," Sasson said.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky says jobs range from over $30,000 up into the six figures.
"Not only do we have a wonderful labor force - competitive. But we have 100,000 college students attending school here every year. So whether you need IT, management, human resources, engineering, whatever you're looking for, Western New York is a fabulous place to locate your business," Zemsky said.
Over the next five years, Sasson says, the company plans to create 1,500 jobs. If the goal is reached, Empire State Development will provide upto $10 million in tax credits.
"We're a for-profit and a profitable company. This decision was not about the money,” Sasson said.
After several visits here, he says, he just fell for Buffalo.
“We love your pride in your city, in your towns, in your jobs. It’s something that is energetic. Is something that Strategic believes it can really feed off of. And that’s why we chose Buffalo,” Sasson said.
Strategic Financial Solutions plans to invest $20 million in its new operation in Amherst. Sasson says they expect to open a temporary office by early August.