2009 Pacesetters: Emerging
Louis P. Stanasolovich doesn’t view interns simply as cheap labor.
Instead, the founder, president and CEO of Legend Financial Advisors Inc., an investment advisory firm, views interns as a vital part of an organization where they can apply real-world experience to what they have learned in the classroom. In turn, internships can prove to be valuable and worthwhile investments for any employer.
With this in mind, Stanasolovich has helped develop relationships with several reputable Pittsburgh-area universities, including Duquesne University, Robert Morris University, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, among others. He has been invited by most of these universities and their professors to speak at various events and classes.
Legend currently has 21 core staff employees, but 10 interns are also on staff with as many as 20 in the past. Typically, interns are hired for 24- to 36-month terms and work between 1,100 to 1,300 hours per year (except for high-school students). The company has concentrated on hiring students during their freshman and sophomore years to obtain at least two full years of employment from them so they can be of significant benefit to the firm during their last year of employment.
Furthermore, the company provides year-round internships with extensive training programs (approximately 150 hours per year) for each intern, in order for them to develop a strong skill set, as well as for the company to benefit from their work. This allows Legend’s full-time core staff to enhance its client services. Stanasolovich believes this has a positive impact on Legend’s business structure because interns are extremely effective with supporting core staff with servicing clients, as well as assisting with attracting prospective clients.
The intern program is just one of the reasons Stanasolovich is a pioneer in the financial adviser industry. Not only is he a decorated adviser in terms of the awards that he’s won, but he is also a visionary who uses innovative ideas and strategies as an adviser, employer and overall leader. He has a reputation for consistently being named one of the best financial advisers in the country, and this recognition has greatly contributed to Legend’s growth and success.
How to reach: Legend Financial Advisors Inc., (888) 236-5960 or www.legend-financial.com
