Episodes
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What happens when you build a $50,000 monthly residual portfolio from scratch, and lose it all? Live from SEAA, Cameron Bonner from Tap Swipe shares his raw journey of starting in the payments space at 18, navigating non-transparent corporate pitfalls, and completely rebuilding a highly profitable merchant processing business.
If you are an independent agent or ISO looking to protect your book of business, Cameron's advice cuts straight through the noise: put your head down and "just sell" until your stress level drops and you have the room to build a real vision.
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Think back-office operations teams can’t sell? Think again. In this episode of The Paycast Network live from SEAA, Nicole "Nikki" Pidra and Marcia DeLeon from Cardtide break down the hidden mechanics of merchant consulting and put on an absolute masterclass during our "Sell Me This Duck" challenge.
Whether you’re a payments veteran or a newcomer to the space, this conversation reveals what it takes to transition from a behind-the-scenes role into a front-facing, deal-closing powerhouse.
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Missing episodes?
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In this highly entertaining segment from The Paycast Network at SEAA 2026, host Chase Gunnell fields an impromptu "sell me this duck" challenge from Tyler Cunniff, a sales representative at justt. Rather than relying on a high-pressure product pitch, Tyler deftly steers the conversation toward emotional value and workspace aesthetics, discovering that Chase already proudly displays a large network duck, affectionately dubbed "Duck Norris"on his home mantle. By creatively arguing that an additional orange duck would maximize professional productivity as a dedicated "office duck," Tyler leans into lifestyle-focused sales tactics that completely win Chase over, successfully closing the transaction for $25 while co-guest Kristi Seline looks on with a smile.
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In this high-energy episode of The Paycast Network at SEAA 2026, host Chase Gunnell and Carlos Nieto sit down with Robert Livingstone, the mastermind behind NoRate.com, to discuss industry longevity, specialized payment niches, and the evolving role of AI. Reflecting on his journey from feeling like "Bambi" at his very first conference to now confidently navigating his third show, Robert emphasizes the vital importance of face-to-face networking to build trust in a largely remote industry. Celebrating 17 years in business, he breaks down how NoRate.com delivers best-in-class software and hardware solutions while dominating a highly specialized niche in the legal space, streamline processing for law firms utilizing platforms like Clio. Robert also shares his outlook on integrating AI into the sales pipeline to maximize agent efficiency before putting on an absolute masterclass in negotiation during our signature "sell me this duck" challenge, successfully closing Chase with a hilarious, high-pressure, limited-time discount tactic.
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In this highly engaging episode of The Paycast Network at SEAA 2026, host Chase Gunnell catches up with Rod Katzfey of Pay Compass to discuss why an "agent-first" business model and raw honesty are the ultimate keys to long-term success in the payments industry. Rod shares deep insights into the power of authentic networking, highlighting why the most impactful business conversations often happen when guards are down in the casual environment of a lobby bar. He also tackles the reality of multi-processor relationships, explaining why Pay Compass actively funds agent attendance at regional shows to lean into competition rather than hiding from it. The episode wraps up with plenty of laughs as Rod aces a local Miami Vice pop culture trivia question and delivers a hilariously persuasive, impromptu sales pitch for the network's signature yellow duck, proving that genuine relationship-building always comes first.
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In this insightful episode of The Paycast Network at SEAA 2026, host Chase Gunnell connects with 25-year merchant services industry veteran Clint to map out the incredible evolution of the payments space and explain why long-term persistence is the ultimate key to success. After clearing a round of local Miami history trivia, Clint reflects on how radically payment technology has advanced from the painstaking, static-prone dial-up terminals of 2001 to the lightning-fast software of today, stressing that attending live events like SEAA is absolutely mandatory for staying ahead of shifting PCI compliance regulations. He breaks down his excitement for the upcoming wave of automation, highlighted by the conference's major breakout session on AI and transaction processing, before dropping his number one piece of advice for new sales reps: stick through the tough days to secure life-changing residual income, because turning traditional merchant arrangements into genuine, lifelong friendships makes this the absolute best business in the world. Clint even caps off the session with a hilarious, high-visibility sales pitch for the network’s iconic orange duck, proving that a true industry veteran never loses his closing edge.
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In this high-value episode of The Paycast Network at SEAA, host Chase Gunnell sits down with industry veterans Carlos Nieto and Scott Morley of Linked2Pay to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to build, protect, and scale a highly profitable merchant portfolio. The conversation shifts seamlessly from lighthearted banter about poolside Miami robots to critical industry truths, including the necessity of a solid portfolio exit strategy, why payments professionals shouldn't hide behind anonymous online forums, and why sharing your business "secret sauce" is never a true threat. The guys also issue a stern warning against the dangerous compliance trend of MCC manipulation—reminding viewers that "not all money is good money" and no deal is worth going to jail for—while explaining why ISOs must protect their teams and portfolios by knowing exactly when to fire toxic, abusive merchant clients.
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Welcome back to the second official interview in our Paycast Network at SEAA 2026 series! In this episode, host Chase Gunnell sits down with Mitch Buscemi from GR4VY to demystify payment orchestration infrastructure and explain how an agnostic cloud vault protects portfolios, optimizes checkout routing, and leverages a unified dashboard to streamline sub-merchant data for ISOs. After flawlessly nailing our local Miami trivia question, Mitch shares the brilliant "Shift+4" origin story behind the GR4VY name, passes along an unexpected city planning book recommendation, and closes out the interview by facing off in our signature "Sell Me This Duck" challenge—delivering a hilariously creative pitch on why a giant rubber duck is your ultimate bathtub "loophole insurance policy."
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The interview drops from SEAA 2026 in Miami Beach have officially begun, and host **Chase Gunnell** is kicking things off with a jam-packed episode featuring our first guest, **Carlos Nieto**, and a surprise appearance from SEAA President **John McCormick**! Chase sits down with Carlos to discuss the power of building stronger industry connections, portfolio protection for new agents, and a sneak peek at Carlos's upcoming bilingual education series on the network. Later, John McCormick joins the booth as our third speaker to celebrate SEAA's monumental 25th Anniversary and their record-breaking attendance of over 1,600 industry professionals. John shares a fascinating look at the 25-year evolution of payment technology—recalling the days when booths required dedicated telephone lines—and explains why advancing tech won't destroy the ISO model, but will actually make the human element more critical than ever for local retailers who need trusted partners. From deep industry insights to hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos involving a missing conference booth and a mysterious delivery of pre-sonic gummies, Chase, Carlos, and John deliver a must-watch kickoff interview you don't want to miss!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode, host Chase Gunnell sits down with industry expert Jesse Memmel to dissect the critical strategies behind "merchant stickiness". Moving far beyond basic rate and terminal discussions, the conversation shifts to how agents and ISOs can truly lock in their merchant relationships by providing indispensable third-party value. They explore practical solutions like the Enroll and Pay loyalty program and the AI-driven Snap Menu, highlighting how these integrations transform service providers from simple vendors into essential business consultants. If you’re looking to protect your portfolio and elevate your approach from transactional selling to a partnership-focused strategy, this discussion provides the expert insight you need to thrive in the modern payments landscape.
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In this episode of the Paycast Network, we’re joined by industry heavyweights Andrew Gill, Zach Gottlieb, and Clay Shivers to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a standout brand in the 2026 payment landscape. We dive deep into the diverse philosophies behind their success—from Andrew’s luxury "Black Card" aesthetic and personal touch at Gill Payment Solutions, to Zach’s hyper-local, blue-collar transparency at Tampa Bay Pay, and Clay’s focus on building ironclad loyalty through expert customization at ClayPay. Between debates on the psychology of the color red and the quirky branding lessons of Albert Einstein, the guys discuss why branding is a "stamina game" that requires long-term authenticity to cut through the noise of AI-generated content. Whether you're looking to scale for a franchise or just trying to survive a weird ChatGPT review, this conversation proves that in an automated world, the person behind the terminal is still your most valuable asset.
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Joining the Paycast Network for an insightful 1-on-1 is Scott Morley, a self-described industry "dinosaur" and the current Director of Strategic Partnerships at Linked2Pay. Scott traces his extensive career from the early days of door-to-door sales to his current role navigating the specialized world of "complex" merchants, such as travel businesses and collection agencies. Throughout the episode, he breaks down why he prioritizes sustainable, long-term partnerships over the common "churn and burn" mentality, offering candid advice for those looking to thrive in the merchant services space. From Detroit trivia to the evolution of payment technology, Scott provides a unique perspective on avoiding the allure of high-volume "shiny objects" and the importance of finding a vertical you truly enjoy.
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In this episode of The Paycast Network, industry veteran Jesse Memmel—former founder of Paradise POS and current Chief Product Officer for Enroll and Pay—shares his evolution from a 2003-era call center "phone guy" to a leading fintech visionary. The conversation kicks off with a look at the psychological tactics that drive high-level sales, including the anchoring effect and the Ben Franklin effect, before transitioning into Jesse’s personal story of the "every door, every floor" hustle that built his multimillion-dollar book of business. Looking toward the horizon, Jesse predicts a shift in the merchant services industry toward hyper-specific, AI-driven software that adapts to the consumer's needs rather than forcing them into a standard box. Throughout the interview, his driving philosophy for entrepreneurs remains clear and uncompromising: long-term, generational wealth only comes when you put your head down, work every day, and operate as if there is no "Plan B".
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In this episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase Gunnell sits down with experts Zack Gottlieb, Andrew Gill, Clay Shivers, and Scott Morley to demystify the high-stakes world of high-risk merchant processing. The panel explores why the 1% chargeback threshold is often subjective and how underwriters evaluate complex factors like bank account liquidity relative to ticket size to determine a merchant's stability. Listeners will gain insight into specific high-risk verticals, including the evolving funding models in the airline industry designed to mitigate bankruptcy waves, the challenges SaaS companies face when scaling beyond Stripe’s risk tolerance, and the strict regulatory landscape surrounding B2C peptide sales that can trigger costly BRAM violations. The discussion also reveals why seemingly standard businesses like furniture stores and collection agencies often fall into high-risk categories due to long delivery timeframes and historical industry reputation. Finally, the group offers invaluable advice for agents on the importance of submitting clean application packages and monitoring Visa Account Monitoring Program (VAMP) ratios to ensure long-term success in the high-risk arena.
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In this high-energy episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase Gunnell sits down with guests Jason Isidore, Carlos Nieto, and Noah Balderas to deconstruct the grit and psychology of merchant services sales. The session starts with a ruthless round of "Sell Me This Duck," where Carlos secures a win with his dramatic "buy it or die" pitch. The team then pivots to hard-earned sales wisdom, debunking the myth that the customer is always right and emphasizing the importance of identifying the true decision-maker through active listening. The discussion further explores the "stickiness" of the Square ecosystem and reveals unconventional tactics for following up with leads without becoming a nuisance—including Carlos’s bold "backdoor" entry to bypass solicitation bans and Jason's signature "foot-in-the-door" cards.
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