Demystifying the Clock: Zac Gottlieb on Transparency and Higher Standards in Merchant Services

Demystifying the Clock: Zac Gottlieb on Transparency and Higher Standards in Merchant Services

In this episode of the Paycast Network, host Chase sits down with industry innovator Zac Gottlieb, founder of Tampa Bay Pay, to pull back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of payment processing. Zach shares his journey from operating as a solo producer in Richmond, Virginia, to organically building a dynamic sales team in St. Petersburg, Florida, detailing the operational shifts required to scale a business based on reputation rather than cold recruitment. From breaking down the complex mechanics of interchange rates and exposing the hidden costs of flat-rate pricing models, to dropping a hot take on why merchant processors should be held to the same rigorous professional standards as CPAs, lawyers, and bankers, this conversation offers an illuminating, no-nonsense look at how radical transparency and authentic relationships are rewriting the script for local business growth.

Beyond the Boys' Club: The Unfiltered Truth About Women in Sales and Payments

In this empowering episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase sits down with industry leaders Raquel De La Fuente, Lynn Soram, and Tina Waldrup for a candid, unfiltered conversation about the realities, challenges, and triumphs of being a woman in the male-dominated industry. After kicking things off with a lively sales trivia game, the panel dives deep into the unique advantages women bring to the table, redefining traditional sales by prioritizing merchant education and forging deep, family-like client relationships built on trust. The guests share deeply personal stories about surviving toxic corporate environments during critical life moments, explaining how those turning points ultimately pushed them to embrace the freedom, flexibility, and uncapped earning potential of becoming their own bosses. Packed with actionable advice on navigating contracts, finding the right mentors, and maintaining long-term success habits like daily goal-setting and structured planning, this episode serves as an invaluable roadmap and a rallying cry for women looking to claim their space and make some noise in merchant services.

40 Years of Payments and the Power of Community: Leading the Midwest Acquirers Association with Rod Katzfey

In this episode of The Paycast Network, we sit down with payments industry titan Rod Katzfey—Chief Strategy Officer of Pay Compass and President of the Midwest Acquirers Association (MWAA)—for an inside look at a legendary 40-year career in merchant services. Rod tracks his evolution from a 100% commission sales rep to an industry leader who has spearheaded over 24 M&A deals, sharing his foundational philosophy of selling education over rates to win lifelong clients. Tune in for invaluable entrepreneurial insights as Rod tests his roots in Missouri trivia, discusses his passionate 20+ year volunteer legacy growing the MWAA, and shares classic, boots-on-the-ground strategies for fighting fraud—including an ingenious old-school trick involving crayons and pizza delivery drivers.

From the Stairwell to Audemars Piguet: Andrew Gill’s Merchant Services Playbook

In this episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase sits down with Andrew Gill of Gill Payment Solutions to chart his remarkable evolution from a zero-training telemarketer conducting interviews in office stairwells to a powerhouse in the merchant services industry. Andrew pulls back the curtain on his strategic transition from a structured W2 sales manager to a high-earning 1099 independent agent, sharing the exact relationship-building frameworks—like his strict "sunset rule" for daily client communication—that have kept his merchants fiercely loyal through major career pivots. Packed with invaluable sales tactics and incredible anecdotes, including how he landed luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet and navigated the Empire State Building’s portfolio during the pandemic, this episode is a masterclass in self-discipline, active coaching, and the art of the long-game hustle.

Diving Deep into SEAA 2026: Magic, Mentorship, and the Future of Payments

In this dynamic episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase and a full house of industry experts, including John McCormick of the Southeast Acquirers Association (SEAA), dive into the much-anticipated 25th Anniversary SEAA Conference at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The discussion transitions from a lighthearted 1950s sales trivia session to deep insights for new agents, emphasizing the power of mentorship and professional networking in a traditionally siloed industry. Listeners get an exclusive look at the event’s highlights, from the debut of "Payments Connection"—a high-energy "speed dating" style product showcase—to the inspiring keynote from former NFL player and magician Jon Dorenbos. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer looking to "break the ice," this episode serves as the ultimate guide to navigating one of the payment industry’s premier events and making lasting connections.