The Paycast Network

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  ISO vs. ISV: Is Software Replacing Payment Agents? with Justin Volrath 16.09.2026 35min

  Is the traditional ISO model dying, or are software providers and payment processors merging into one?In this episode of The Paycast Network, we sit down with Justin Volrath, Founder and CEO of Paycompass, to break down the rapidly evolving relationship between Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).From the shift toward SaaS pricing and AI driven app development to fair revenue sharing models that protect sales agents, Justin shares his perspective on where the industry is headed and why human to human relationships matter now more than ever.Plus, stick around for some hilarious Iowa trivia, including a 600 pound butter cow and Justin’s secret history as a four time competitive bacon eating runner up!Key Topics Covered:How integrated payments blurred the boundary between ISOs and ISVsHow to vet quality software vendors in an AI saturated marketWhy agents who bring ISV opportunities deserve a seat at the revenue share tableWhy merchant service agents will not be replaced by automated solutionsHow rising AI fraud is driving merchants back to local, trusted repsTimestamps:0:00 Intro and Sponsor (DejaVu Payment Technology)0:25 Welcome Justin Volrath (Paycompass)1:05 Iowa Trivia: Hogs, Butter Cows, and Bacon2:40 The History of ISOs vs ISVs3:50 Why Software Providers Want Processing Revenue5:15 How to Vet Software Vendors7:40 Protecting Agents with Fair Rev Share Models10:30 Will Self Service and AI Eliminate Payment Agents?11:50 AI Fraud and the Return to In Person Reps14:10 Closing Thoughts
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  The Biology of Sales & Overcoming Rejection with Rich Ayala 09.09.2026 35min

  Why do nearly 90% of commission sales reps quit within their first 18 months? Rich Ayala joins Chase on The Paycast Network to reveal how understanding brain biology holds the key to conquering rejection and building a high performing sales career.Rich shares his wild journey from using telenovelas to close real estate leads at age 17, to surviving terrifying early door knocking experiences, to founding AIP Tech. More than just sharing sales hustle, Rich breaks down the neuroscience behind cold outreach: why fear triggers fight or flight responses in your limbic system, how rejection causes actual physical pain in the nervous system, and why unlearning bad habits is the secret to building permanent sales discipline.In This Episode You Will LearnThe secret to closing real estate leads using soap operasHow Rich pushed past door knocking panic during his first Gardena listingThe hilarious Oxnard story about selling fuzzy fun sets in strip mallsTransitioning from sketchy equipment leases to honest merchant processingWhy rejection triggers real physical pain inside your nervous systemHow the limbic system hijacks logic in the prefrontal cortex during pitchesWhy unlearning bad habits matters more than learning new sales tacticsRich's 2 week sales challenge for training unstoppable repsFeatured GuestRich Ayala is the founder of AIP Tech, creator of Courage Club, and a veteran sales strategist specializing in the biology of sales performance.
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  Gatekeeper Hacks, AI vs. High-Touch Sales & Knowing Your Worth | Women in Sales Round Table (Pt. 2) 01.09.2026 33min

  In Part 2 of our Women in Sales Round Table on The Paycast Network, host Chase Gunnell and Steven Morris sit down with merchant services leaders Lynn Soram, Tina Waldrop, and Raquel de la Fuente for an unfiltered conversation on B2B sales execution, mindset, and industry shifts.Key HighlightsThe "Sell Me the Duck" Challenge: An impromptu masterclass in consultative sales positioning and creative persuasion.Quota Attainment Realities: Breaking down data on why female sales professionals excel in complex B2B sales cycles through active listening and empathy.Winning Over Gatekeepers: Actionable tactics for turning gatekeepers into internal champions and strategic allies.Career Lessons & Mindset: Overcoming cold-calling anxiety, knowing when to walk away from bad-fit accounts, and prioritizing personal development.Motivation vs. Complacency: Maintaining drive after achieving residual success and building a long-term business legacy.The Future of Merchant Services: Why automated AI systems cannot replicate the high-touch, 1-on-1 personal relationships required in payment processing.Episode Breakdown00:00 - Sponsor Intro (DejaVu Payment Technology)00:45 - Panel Introductions & Wishlists01:30 - The "Sell Me the Duck" Pitch Challenge03:45 - Sales Trivia: Male vs. Female Quota Attainment04:55 - Turning Gatekeepers into Best Friends07:10 - Advice to Our Younger Selves & Handling Rejection09:30 - Avoiding Complacency & Staying Motivated12:05 - Payment Industry Future: AI vs. High-Touch Sales16:20 - Panel Wrap-UpMake sure to follow The Paycast Network on Spotify and leave a 5-star rating to support the show!
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  What Nobody Tells You About Being a Woman in Sales | Agent Roundtable Part 1 27.08.2026 34min

  In this special Agent Roundtable episode of The Paycast Network, host Chase sits down with guests Steven Morris, Raquel De La Fuente, Tina Waldrup, and Lynn Soram to discuss what it really takes to succeed in payment sales.The panel opens up about their wildest pre payments backgrounds, from cold calling copier sales and managing restaurants to knocking doors at age five. They break down the truth about using sales scripts, navigating industry double standards, overcoming severe burnout, and learning to delegate control to support teams so you can protect your peace while growing a massive residual portfolio.Key Highlights00:00 | Sponsor Intro & Women in Sales Trivia03:45 | Do Sales Scripts Actually Work?06:30 | Pre Payments Backgrounds: Copiers, Restaurants & Door Knocking11:15 | The Reality of Being a Woman in Payment Sales15:20 | Overcoming Double Standards & Standing Your Ground17:50 | Dealing with Burnout & Learning to Delegate ControlEnjoying the show? Tap the follow button on Spotify and leave us a five star rating to support the podcast!
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  Why Knocking Doors at Age 5 Was the Ultimate Sales Training | Raquel De La Fuente 25.08.2026 30min

  In this episode of The Paycast Network, Chase sits down with Raquel De La Fuente to explore her wild path into the payments industry. Raquel shares how going door to door at five years old built her early resilience to rejection and taught her how to handle high pressure public speaking before she even finished elementary school.After years in lending, mortgage, and running a high stress credit restoration business working up to 90 hours a week, Raquel hit severe burnout. She opens up about the physical toll of overworking, how she reclaimed her personal life, and why establishing a strict 5:00 PM hard stop completely transformed her business and client relationships.Plus, Raquel breaks down her relationship first approach to merchant services, how she helped a client boost their credit score by 155 points, her secret trick for using ChatGPT as an anger translator for tough emails, and her top two rules for long term sales success.Key Highlights03:15 | Door to door sales and overcoming objections at age 505:55 | Using ChatGPT as an anger translator for client emails08:40 | The reality of 90 hour workweeks and severe sales burnout09:50 | Setting boundaries with clients and the 5 PM cutoff rule11:25 | Building a referral only business through relationship selling16:00 | Raquel’s top 2 golden rules for sales successEnjoying the show? Tap the follow button on Spotify and leave us a five star rating to support the podcast!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 15: Zach Daily | How to Build & Sell a High-Value Residual Portfolio 21.08.2026 9min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Zach Daily from Cutter joins us to discuss the art and science of residual portfolio valuation and exit strategies for ISOs and sales agents.Zach breaks down what buyers look for when evaluating a book of business, including attrition rates, MID concentration, and industry diversity. He shares essential contract advice for new agents looking to maximize long-term equity, such as securing lifetime residual rights and non-exclusive agreements, and explains how Cutter works with agents to navigate unfavorable ISO terms to ensure a successful portfolio sale.In this episode, we cover:Key factors that determine the valuation of a residual portfolio.Major valuation risks: High attrition, top-heavy MIDs, and lack of diversity.Essential contract advice for new agents: Lifetime residuals and non-exclusivity.How Cutter helps negotiate amendments to unfavorable ISO contracts prior to a sale.Equipment program considerations and their impact on portfolio sellability.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 14: Lori Pagnozzi | Eliminating Crypto Risk & Expanding Digital Wallets 21.08.2026 20min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Lori Pagnozzi from Bead joins us to discuss how Bead is modernizing payment processing by unlocking 7 alternative payment tenders through a single integration.Lori breaks down how Bead eliminates crypto volatility and chargeback risk for merchants, settling transactions directly into US dollars next-day. She details the revenue opportunities for ISOs and sales agents, explains why 89% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer digital wallets over physical cards, and shares the fascinating backstory of how she and her team originally co-founded Dejavoo. Plus, stick around for a fun round of Chicago history trivia.In this episode, we cover:How Bead simplifies 7 alternative payment methods through one integration (Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Klarna, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Crypto).Eliminating crypto volatility and chargeback risk with next-day USD settlement.Revenue models, schedule pricing, and markup opportunities for ISOs and sales agents.Seamless integration into Dejavoo terminals and terminal gateways.The shift toward digital wallets among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.Bonus history: Lori Pagnozzi on co-founding Dejavoo and how the company got its name.Chicago history trivia on reversing the flow of the Chicago River.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 13: Hitesh | Gokul POS for Liquor Stores & Retail 20.08.2026 8min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Hitesh from Gokul POS joins us to share how 14 years of hands-on liquor store experience led to building a specialized, highly customizable point-of-sale platform.Hitesh breaks down what sets Gokul POS apart for ISOs and sales agents, including 24-hour custom software deployments, dual-pricing QR codes, weight scale integrations for grocery, and real-time security camera video triggers for deleted voids. Plus, watch Hitesh overcome his on-camera anxiety to take on our Sell the Duck challenge!In this episode, we cover:Gokul POS history and 14 years of liquor store industry expertise.Rapid 24-hour software customization for ISOs and merchants.Compliance tech: Dual-pricing QR codes & real-time camera void triggers.Expanding Gokul POS to smoke shops, grocery, and general retail.Partnering with Gokul POS as an agent across 17 states.Hitesh takes on the Sell the Duck challenge.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 12: Scott and Nick Morley | Navigating High Risk Underwriting & CNP 20.08.2026 10min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Scott Morley and his son Nick Morley join us to discuss their experiences navigating card-not-present (CNP) and medium to high-risk payment processing together.Scott and Nick share how they balance their roles across high-level sales and operational underwriting, what it takes to mentor the next generation in complex payment verticals, and why face-to-face networking at conferences like MWAA remains indispensable for building long-term industry partnerships. Plus, stick around for a quick round of Chicago history trivia.In this episode, we cover:The father-son business dynamic and four years of working together in payments."Baptism by fire" mentorship in card-not-present and high-risk underwriting.Dividing roles between high-level sales and operational risk management.Strategic value of exhibiting versus walking the floor at trade shows.Why face-to-face networking continues to drive new partnerships.Chicago history trivia on the Western Hemisphere's first planetarium.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 11: Joe Cherry & Steven Morris on Healthcare Perks for ISOs 19.08.2026 12min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Joe Cherry (Founder of Xectrus) and Steven Morris (MWAA Board Member) join us to discuss how offering healthcare perks to merchants completely disrupts traditional payment processing sales strategies.Joe shares his personal journey from growing up in Boston to building Xectrus, explaining how Xectrus 360 Healthcare provides 24/7 telehealth, prescription savings, and life insurance at zero cost to employees and under a dollar a day for business owners. He breaks down how this model slashed merchant attrition to 1.7% over 15 years, details Xectrus's exclusive partnership with MWAA to bring healthcare access to 1099 agents, and takes on our Sell the Duck challenge.In this episode, we cover:Joe Cherry's background and evolving Transact into Xectrus.Replacing rate-slashing margin wars with high-value employee benefits.Xectrus 360 Healthcare: 24/7 telehealth, $10,000 life insurance, and prescription savings.How Xectrus achieved a 1.7% merchant attrition rate over 15 years.Wholesale healthcare benefits for ISOs and 1099 sales agents.The exclusive partnership between MWAA and Xectrus.Joe Cherry takes on the Sell the Duck challenge.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 10: Kevin O'Connell | Dejavoo Omnichannel & POS Expansion 18.08.2026 11min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Kevin O'Connell from Dejavoo returns to the set to discuss the rapid expansion of Dejavoo's hardware and software ecosystem.Kevin highlights Dejavoo's latest integration with Beed, bringing crypto, Bitcoin, Klarna, PayPal, and Venmo straight to P Series terminals. He explains how Dejavoo balances robust features with simple merchant experiences, dives into the massive growth of Dejavoo Pay Pro with direct DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub integrations, and discusses the untapped opportunities in unattended payment terminals. Plus, stick around to hear Kevin put on a masterclass in the Sell the Duck challenge with a clever charity twist.In this episode, we cover:Why hands-on trade show demos drive adoption for new terminal lines.Expanding payment options with Beed crypto, PayPal, Venmo, and Klarna integrations.Software updates across Enroll & Pay, Blocko, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.How Dejavoo simplifies omnichannel payments through Cloud POS and iPOS Pay.Dejavoo Pay Pro growth, KDS features, and Android table mapping.Tapping into the multi-billion dollar unattended payment terminal market.Kevin O'Connell's charity edition Sell the Duck challenge pitch.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 9: Melissia Fernander | Empowering Women in Fintech 17.08.2026 12min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Melissia Fernander, Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Development at PayTech Women, joins us to discuss the organization's 21 year legacy of empowering women across payments and fintech.Melissia shares how PayTech Women drives education, advocacy, and mentorship for over 6,000 members across the United States and Canada. She breaks down the impact of their 20 local chapters, details for the upcoming Annual Leadership Summit in Atlanta, and why male allyship is becoming a vital part of supporting women in executive leadership. Plus, stick around for a lively Chicago history trivia round covering local architecture, the 1893 World's Fair, and city founder Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.In this episode, we cover:The 21 year origin story and evolving mission of PayTech Women.How PayTech Women supports 6,000 members through mentorship, education, and networking.Local chapter growth across 17 US cities and 3 Canadian regions.Details for the upcoming Annual Leadership Summit in Atlanta.The critical role of male allies and Gen X advocates in fintech.Chicago history trivia covering the 1893 Ferris Wheel and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  Slashed Churn to 1%: Card-Linked Loyalty with Brian Booth (Enroll & Pay) 13.08.2026 35min

  In this episode of The Paycast Network, we sit down with Brian Booth, Founder & CEO of Enroll & Pay, to explore the power of card-linked loyalty in the payments and fintech space.Discover how turning standard credit card transactions into frictionless loyalty experiences helps local merchants drive repeat business, gather invaluable customer data, and help ISOs drop merchant churn from 25% down to just 1%. Brian shares the journey of Enroll & Pay from early hardware prototypes to embedded POS software, and explains how AI and transaction data are reshaping customer retention.Key Takeaways:Card-Linked Loyalty Explained: How Enroll & Pay turns Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards into instant loyalty cards right at the payment terminal.Evolution of POS Software: Moving from bulky standalone tablets to seamless DejaVoo P-Line hardware integration.Why "Retention is the New Revenue": Why ISOs need value-added services beyond price competition to secure long-term merchant relationships.Cutting Churn to 1%: How embedded loyalty software creates long-term value for merchants and increases portfolio stability.AI & Small Business Data: How everyday SMBs can leverage customer transaction insights to build high-converting automated campaigns.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to The Paycast Network00:48 – Loyalty Trivia: Green Stamps to Modern Clubcards02:00 – What is Enroll & Pay?03:22 – Hardware Evolution: Tablets to Embedded POS Integration06:00 – Differentiating Your Offering in a Commodity Market07:45 – "Retention is the New Revenue" & Slashing Churn10:15 – Real-World Success Stories Across Unconventional Industries12:00 – Unlocking the Power of AI and Customer Data for SMBs14:50 – How ISOs Can Partner with Enroll & PayConnect & Resources:Enroll & Pay: https://enrollandpay.comConnect with Brian Booth on LinkedIn: Brian BoothISO Contact: Email Dana Dahms at [email protected] the podcast? Follow The Paycast Network on Spotify and leave a 5-star rating to help others find the show!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 8: Steven Morris and Jason Isidore on Board Ops & Networking 12.08.2026 9min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Paycast favorites Steven Morris (MWAA Board Member) and Jason Isidore stop by the booth for an insider look at MWAA 2026.Steven shares what goes into planning and executing a major payments trade show, reflecting on the success of the MLS Forum, panel dynamics, and how MWAA's intimate layout creates the ideal environment for high quality networking. Later in the episode, the team discusses the viral growth of the Sell the Duck challenge, leading into an unscripted, high stakes pitch where Steven attempts to sell Jason the exclusive Black Edition Duck for $1,999.99.In this episode, we cover:Behind the scenes of planning MWAA 2026 and conference logistics.MLS Forum panel dynamics and key session takeaways.Why MWAA's floor layout fosters better networking for first time attendees.The viral evolution of the Sell the Duck challenge across the industry.The unscripted Black Edition Duck sales pitch between Steven Morris and Jason Isidore.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 7: Stephen McIver and Johnathon Kiriakos on Merchant Perks & Point Rewards 11.08.2026 9min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, Stephen McIver and Johnathon Kiriakos from Loyalty Merchant Rewards (LMR) join us to discuss how ISOs and sales agents can break free from the traditional credit card processing rate race to the bottom.Stephen and John explain how offering volume based merchant rewards flips the script on standard cash discounting and margin cutting. By earning points directly through their processing volume, merchants can redeem rewards for Disneyland trips, Pebble Beach golf getaways, iPhones, and gift cards, turning merchant processing into a perk instead of a cost. Plus, stick around to hear John take on our famous Sell the Duck sales challenge.In this episode, we cover:Why credit card processing fee cutting has become a race to the bottom.How Loyalty Merchant Rewards lets ISOs offer real value through point programs.How merchants earn points toward Disneyland trips, golf getaways, and tech.Winning cash discount accounts by pitching rewards instead of lower rates.The Sell the Duck sales pitch challenge with Johnathon Kyriakos.Curious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!Sponsored by Cutter
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 6: 27 Years in Payments, Y2K Fraud Stories & Going Independent 05.08.2026 12min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, 27 year payments industry veteran Jennifer Ashby joins us to share lessons learned from nearly three decades in merchant processing.Jennifer takes us back to 1999 during the Y2K panic, preparing merchants with manual imprinters and Verifone Omni 3200 terminals. She breaks down wild real world fraud schemes, including a $10,000 cowboy boot scam and a $30,000 scuba gear chargeback. Jennifer also discusses how chip card technology and prompt security features protect merchants today, why she took the leap to go independent after 25 years in corporate, and finishes with a Chicago origin trivia challenge.In this episode, we cover:Preparing merchants for Y2K in 1999 with manual imprinters and early terminals.Uncovering wild fraud schemes and chargeback horror stories.How EMV chips and last four digit security prompts prevent modern card fraud.Leaving a 25 year corporate role to build an independent merchant portfolio.Discovering the Native American origin of the word Chicago.Curious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!Sponsored by Cutter
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 5: Greta POS on FSMA 204 Traceability, Digital Shelf Tags & Grocery Tech 04.08.2026 7min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, we sit down with Ben and Jordan from Greta Point of Sale to discuss how specialized vertical software is replacing standard payment processing in niche markets.Ben and Jordan break down how Greta POS serves grocery stores, meat markets, delis, and bakeries by going far beyond basic payment acceptance. They explain the upcoming FSMA 204 food traceability regulations, USDA certified scale integration, and how automated digital shelf tags save store owners massive labor costs. Plus, stick around to hear Ben attempt our famous Sell the Duck sales challenge.In this episode, we cover:Why the payments industry is shifting toward deep vertical specialization.FSMA 204 regulations and food traceability requirements for food merchants.How integrated scales and digital shelf tags automate pricing across physical stores.Eliminating labor inefficiencies in retail grocery environments.The Sell the Duck sales pitch challenge.Curious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!Sponsored by Cutter
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 4: Neighborhood Payments on POS Tech, AI and Generational Mentorship 04.08.2026 5min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, we sit down with local industry professionals Lucio Viezca and Joe Ayala from Neighborhood Payments.Lucio reflects on nearly two decades in merchant services, covering the evolution from traditional terminal processing to complex, integrated POS systems. Joe shares what it is like navigating his first three years in payments, leveraging new AI software, and growing a team of sub agents. Together, they discuss the power of cross generational mentorship, securing capital to compete with big tech, and the importance of continuous learning in an ever changing industry.In this episode, we cover:How MWAA has grown and expanded over the last decade in Chicago.Major industry shifts including cash discounting, EMV chips, and integrated point of sale software.How new agents can leverage AI and veteran mentorship to scale their business.Strategies for recruiting sub agents and securing capital to stand out against big tech competition.Testing Chicago history knowledge with a famous Great Chicago Fire myth.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 3: Clay Shivers on Vertical SaaS, Going Viral & MWAA Networking 03.08.2026 5min

  In this episode of our Paycast Network series live from Chicago, returning guest Clay Shivers stops by the booth to share his experience at MWAA 2026.Clay breaks down why regional conferences like MWAA offer a more intimate, community focused vibe compared to massive industry shows like ETA. He dives into how he is building specialized platform software for pool service contractors, the value of evolving from payments into vertical fintech, and what it felt like having his previous Paycast trivia clip go viral with over 100,000 views across social media.In this episode, we cover:First time impressions of MWAA 2026 versus larger national trade shows.Developing specialized software solutions for pool contractors and field service industries.The reaction to Clay's viral trivia moment on social media.Why your network is your net worth in the payments industry.A quick test of Chicago mob history and prohibition trivia.Sponsored by CutterCurious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!
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  MWAA 2026 Ep 2: MWAA President Rod Katzfey on Record Growth, Community & Chicago Trivia 30.07.2026 30min

  In this episode of the Paycast Network series live from Chicago, we are joined by MWAA President Rod Katzfey for an inside look at MWAA 2026.Rod reflects on the record breaking turnout of over 1,600 attendees, the vital role of intentional networking, and why stepping outside your usual circle creates real business value. He also gives us a sneak peek into preparations for next year's 25th anniversary event, including plans to expand keynotes and continue growing partnerships with organizations like Paytech Women and Midwest Fintech.In this episode, we cover:Highlights from day two of MWAA 2026 and managing record breaking attendance.The importance of expanding your network beyond familiar contacts at conferences.Previewing the upcoming 25th anniversary MWAA conference.How to get involved as a volunteer on the MWAA advisory board.A friendly Chicago skyscraper trivia challenge between Rod and the hosts.Curious about the true value of your payment processing residual portfolio? Whether you are looking to retire, reinvest in your business, or secure liquidity, Cutter purchases residual portfolios from agents and ISOs with no obligations, no new business requirements, and no lock in contracts.Find out what a full or partial residual sale could do for your business today: https://cutterfinancial.com/paycastnetwork/If you are enjoying our MWAA coverage, follow the show on Spotify, leave us a five star rating, and share this episode with fellow payments professionals!Sponsored by Cutter