At DYE Precision, one couple’s vision has grown from paintball products into a cutting-edge company that leads the industry in sports, defense, aerospace, automotive, aviation, medical, and electronic products. 

Celero is proud to provide this one-of-a-kind company with the payment and business optimization solutions they need to succeed. 

Get to Know DYE Precision 

Professional paintball player Dave “Youngblood” DeHaan and his business extraordinaire wife Rhonda DeHaan founded DYE Precision in 1994. In the early days, they worked out of their garage producing barrels for paintball markers. 

“It all started with a goal to put the best equipment in the hands of our customers, teams, and athletes,” said Co-Founder Dave DeHaan. 

“Rhonda and I saw a void in the market for paintball barrels that not only performed great but looked great, too. Through that passion, we started creating super high-quality barrels built to operate at the highest level possible while looking aesthetically pleasing at the same time. This vision has carried on into our entire product line.” 

Fast forward just a few short years, DYE Precision successfully established itself as a leading provider of paintball supplies, working with powerhouse teams like the California Ironmen and Team Avalanche. They also branched out into a wide variety of industries, bringing their expert manufacturing of hard-to-make, high-tolerance parts to different sectors. 

“We’re so much more than just a paintball products manufacturer,” stated Co-Founder and Vice President Rhonda DeHaan. 

“We work with some of the largest aerospace companies on the globe to create niche manufactured components and products. We provide engineering support, process management, and design consulting to multiple companies in the defense sector. The growth for our company has been incredible and we’re just getting started.”

Customized Fintech and More 

To help DYE Precision accomplish its revenue goals and achieve growth, quarter after quarter, Celero equipped them with plug-and-play fintech solutions customized to their specific needs. We fully integrated their chosen payment and business management solutions with their existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, allowing for a quick transition to Celero products and services. 

No two businesses are the same – which is why Celero approaches each organization with a fresh, open-minded perspective to determine what solutions will be most useful. DYE Precision’s first meeting with John Correa, Vice President of Western Sales, was the beginning of a close, supportive relationship for this family-owned company. John took the time to get to know their needs, establish mutual trust, and find out how Celero can help them achieve more. 

“We’re a family-owned and operated business, so having a personal relationship with our vendors is huge,” said General Manager Chris Williamson. 

“John helped us figure out which solutions worked best for us and how to get the most competitive rates. These savings go to both our company and our customers since we’re not passing that burdensome expense on to them. We’re really grateful to John for taking the time to get to know us as individuals and as a company.” 

Learn More About DYE Precision

If you’re interested in learning more about DYE Precision, make sure to check out their website or visit them at the NXL Windy City Major 2022 from Sept. 9-11. The DYE Precision team will be hosting a booth at the event and will offer their full product line, as well as limited product releases, while supplies last.

Gift cards and loyalty programs are a great way to engage and reward your customer base, while also promoting your business. With Celero, it’s easy to pair your gift cards with your marketing strategies and integrate it with your POS system.

Celero’s fully integrated POS systems include inventory tracking, appointment scheduling, and professional e-commerce. Gift cards and loyalty programs can be incorporated right into your POS system, creating an easy point of access for both your employees and customers.

Loyalty Card Benefits for Customers and Businesses

Implementing loyalty programs and gift cards have benefits for both your business and your customers. 

Customers who feel appreciated are more likely to talk to friends, family, and peers about your business, creating more interactions further down the line. Building your brand into the card design helps to further your business recognition.

On the business end, pairing gift and loyalty programs with your POS system is a breeze. Initiate gift and loyalty cards, reload cards with low balance, and offer electronic gift cards all from your POS system. Electronic integration of gift cards additionally helps in the e-commerce market, diversifying points of income for your business.

Customer Relations Through Loyalty Programs

When it comes to building business loyalty, rewards and benefits are a key part of maintaining and growing your customer base. Many millennial customers highly value a membership or loyalty program when considering future purchases. 

A well thought out loyalty program is a great way to communicate with your customers. With purchase tracking, you can learn what products your customers like best and adjust your inventory to match. New insights also can help when promoting sales or a new product launch. 

Providing your customers with an easy way to save promotes your overall sales. Even with the promise of saving a little, new and returning customers are more likely to purchase again.

Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs with Celero

Thank your customers for their support by adding gift cards and loyalty programs to your business. Contact us to learn more about our gift cards and loyalty programs, as well as our fully integrated POS systems.

Inflation rates rose by 9.1 percent in June 2022, resulting in many businesses struggling to maintain steady profits. With Celero Choice, you can recoup some of your transaction costs through cash discounting and/or surcharging programs.

With prices at an all-time high, some consumers are choosing to stay home and limit their spending. This isn’t good news for business owners or consumers.

High inflation means businesses and customers need to make the most out of every transaction. Cash discounting and surcharging can help with that. Let’s discuss how they work and the benefits you’ll see as a merchant. 

Benefits of Offering a Cash Discount 

Over the past few years, credit card issuers have steadily increased the card holder rewards, which has prompted people to reach for their cards instead of cash when shopping. This may be great for the consumer, but for businesses, it means higher credit card processing costs.

Celero Choice gives your customers the option to pay a bill balance “as is” using a credit card or receive a discount on a payment made in cash. For any non-cash payments, a small service fee is added to the purchase cost. 

With cash discounting, you let the customers help pay for the rising fees related to rewards cards. It’s perfect for merchants who frequently sell small ticket items, such as gas stations, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants. By encouraging customers to pay via cash, this program eliminates many processing fees altogether.

Surcharging Made Simple

Another effective way to pass the burden of credit card processing fees along to your customers is to add a surcharge to payments made by card. 

The majority of American consumers – 58 percent according to a 2020 study from Statista – prefer to pay by debit or credit cards. Even with a cash discount, there are some people who will choose to pay via card. 

While cash discounting applies a discount to bills paid in cash, a surcharge adds a small fee to the bills paid with credit or debit cards. This transfers the cost of processing a card payment from the merchant to the customer. 

Easily Achieve Savings 

Celero Choice benefits merchants while preserving choice for customers to select their ideal payment method. Surveys have shown that 80 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t think twice about paying a $1.00 fee on a $25.00 transaction for the convenience of using their credit card.

Celero makes it easy to set up cash discounting or surcharging at your business. We’ll handle the set-up, in-store signage, and employee training. All you have to do is sign up, go about your normally scheduled work, and start saving money. 

These programs don’t completely eliminate monthly credit card processing fees, but they will significantly lower your bill. Many merchants that implement these programs see fees drop by hundreds of dollars each month.

Fight Inflation With Celero 

Are you interested in learning more about cash discounting and surcharging? Contact us today for additional information and guidance on getting started. 

Payroll is one of the biggest administrative hassles for companies, but with Celero’s Payroll Platform merchants can free up both time and money. 

Our affordable full-service payroll program offers free setup and no annual filing fees. Employees also benefit from our easy direct deposit system and online tools to access previous records.

Comprehensive Payroll Services

For as low as $30 per month, we’ll handle all of your payroll needs. Simply enter the hours your employees work, approve the payroll, and relax while we handle the rest. Our team pays your employees and then handles the taxes. 

It’s affordable, dependable, and user-friendly. We also offer a free employee portal for accessing information about pay stubs, attendance, hours worked, 1099 data, worker’s compensation insurance, and much more.

Headache-Free Tax Filing 

Our automatic, secure tax filing feature means no end-of-year filing fees for W2s or W3s. Plus, we guarantee accuracy in your payroll processing and related tax filings, so if there's an error, we handle it on our end. 

So, when the tax season rolls around next year, you can feel confident that your payroll information will be submitted correctly. If there are any discrepancies, our team will handle reaching a resolution with the proper authorities. 

Unlimited Everything 

For one monthly rate, you can run unlimited payrolls without any per payroll fees, set automatic rules for time-off accrual, and update your employees’ information with the click of a button. 

Depending on the unique needs of you and your employees, you can also choose between offering direct deposit, paper checks, or cash. This flexibility will ensure satisfaction for both you and your team members. 

Expert Support 

We pride ourselves on offering the best-in-class customer support our clients deserve. Each of our team members are highly trained and well-versed in helping business owners, like yourself, achieve their goals and grow their companies. 

If you have any questions regarding payroll processing or need technical support for our online portal, please feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or live chat. One of our payroll specialists will walk you through each step of the process and make sure you are feeling comfortable and confident. 

Get Started

We make payroll a stress-free process and save you money doing so. It’s time to upgrade your payroll services so you can spend less time filing and more time growing. If you have any questions regarding our payroll program, feel free to contact us for more detail on our services.

Everyone wins with gift cards – recipients love to get them and businesses can use them to track rewards and loyalty programs.

Gift cards open many opportunities for businesses to grow their brand and to sustain customer loyalty. A reliable gift card solution for your business can streamline your sales process and provide many hidden benefits.

Building A Brand

An important part of any marketing strategy is to create a tangible reminder of your business for your customers. Gift cards are a great example of this and can be a motive for future purchases.

Think about the typical wallet – right behind the driver's license is a gift card to a favorite coffee shop. The card is a tangible reminder of your services. At Celero, we offer personalized gift card designs to properly convey your business message and brand.

Rewarding Loyal Customers

Customer loyalty programs run from a gift card reward your customers and encourage repeat purchases. 

Successful businesses use rewards, such as point, tiered, or paid programs, that encourage customer loyalty. Typically, rewards link to an app that shows the gift card balance and gives the user an option to load more money onto the card. Businesses can then track all of these systems from a customer’s gift card. 

Offering Card Convenience

Gift cards available online or in the store offer convenient options for customers.

The fast payment technology entices customers who want to cut down on transaction time for their purchases. Better yet, customers can connect any device to an e-gift card to make purchases and track rewards on the go.

Marketing Strategy with Gift Cards

Gift cards continue to grow as a popular choice for customers. The global gift card market is expected to hit $584 billion on or before 2026. Smart companies are including gift cards as part of their marketing strategy.

Incorporating gift cards into your social media is a perfect way to spark customer interest and get your business more exposure. Social Media accounted for 46% of gift card purchases in 2021. 

Find Out More About Gift Cards

Gift cards are a perfect way to keep customers loyal and generate revenue. At Celero, we have gift card solutions for your business that will help you meet your sales goals. Contact us for more details on how we can serve you.

With Celero Connect, you can run your business efficiently and securely from anywhere with an Internet connection.

A business requires more than just customer interactions and sales transactions. Celero Connect streamlines many administrative management tasks.

Easy to Use Payment Flexibility

No matter where your business takes you, Connect’s iProcess Mobile application can come along to take phone, online, or in-person payments. Connect has the technology you need for your on-the-go business in a single, user-friendly interface.

• Curbside payments
• In-store transactions
• Online transactions
• Over-the-phone billing
• Electronic check acceptance
• Contactless and EMV payments

Secure Data Storage and Transfer

Celero Connect maintains secure payment options with only an Internet connection. Our software’s Level 3 Data Processing capabilities keep sensitive customer data safe. 

Celero Connect offers real-time fraud detection. Plus, a customer vault feature securely stores customer details for future uses, such as invoicing, recurring payments or memberships.

To ease the administrative burden to your business, Connect offers a Quickbooks plugin to streamline the payroll process. It also can manage multiple Merchant IDs all under one gateway account for consolidated reporting.

Using Celero Connect for Donations

Each industry has their own financial challenges, and Connect can meet many of those needs. For example, Connect has several donation-related features perfect for non-profits.

Celero Connect's iProcess mobile application allows you to simply add a “Donate” option directly to your website. Donors can securely enter their credit or debit card information. This is a valuable feature for religious organizations as it allows people to donate without carrying money to services. 

Benefits for your Organization and for Donors

• Simple design that doesn’t distract from the cause
• One-step setting for the amount and frequency of donation
• Secure preservation of personal details for future donations 
• Real-time fraud detection and prevention
• Online giving – any time, anywhere
• User-friendly administrative dashboard 
• QuickBooks plug-in to track donations

Connect Gateway

No matter what type of organization, Connect can help streamline operations and save you time and money. Contact us today to learn more about Connect and how it can help your organization.

Celero is pleased to announce that Bob Theodoropoulos is the 2022 second quarter recipient of the Duffy Leadership Award.

Celero created the award to honor Michael P. Duffy, an innovative fintech leader and long-time mentor to many members of its leadership team. This peer-driven award celebrates the individuals who exemplify the core values of excellence, respect, and humility. 

Since beginning at legacy brand TransNational Payments in 2008 and later joining the Celero team, Bob has fostered a results-driven culture while maintaining a supportive, nurturing atmosphere. His positive attitude, commitment to achieving results, and willingness to help others in their duties are just a few of the reasons why Bob is an immense asset to our organization. He always provides his team members with the support and guidance they need to succeed. 

“Bob Theodoropoulos, or as our Celero family endearingly calls him Bob Theo, has been an integral part of the operations team as the Risk Manager. He’s a stand-up individual who embodies our core values at Celero,” said Kyle Brown, VP of Operations. 

“He has consistently met or exceeded the goals of the Risk Department. For six straight quarters, Bob and his team, including Darrell Backhaus and Karolina Sierawska, have met loss goals for Celero.”

Perhaps Bob’s greatest strength is his ability to react effectively during time-sensitive situations. He’s not the type of person to sit back and watch as others resolve problems. Bob is someone who will do what it takes to achieve great results. He’s always willing to selflessly put in extra work, serving as an excellent example of what servant leadership truly means. 

“He goes the extra mile to ensure the well-being and success of our clients, as well as our team as a whole,” added Brown. 

The Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is based entirely on peer nominations. This coveted honor is awarded to individuals who go above and beyond for their teams. 

Here at Celero, we’re big believers in recognizing and rewarding people who put their hearts into their work, and Bob is the perfect example of this type of mindset. His consistent contributions to both our company and his team members show that his dedication is far from ordinary — it’s exemplary. 

Following in the tradition of past Duffy Award Winners, Bob will attend the third annual Duffy Leadership Summit in 2023. This multi-day event is a celebration of Celero’s top performers, as well as an opportunity for team building and professional development. It brings together the highest achievers across all departments, plus all of the 2022 Duffy Award winners, for an event featuring presentations from keynote speakers, live entertainment, delicious food, and more.

As with previous Duffy Award winners, Bob will also receive a commemorative plaque that will serve as a reminder that his hard work is recognized and won’t be forgotten. He’s joined the ranks of Celero visionaries who are working to revolutionize the fintech space, and create a better world for merchants, community bankers, and consumers. 

The owner of an automotive repair shop wears many hats – technician, manager, financial analyst, marketing representative, and more. These duties can quickly overwhelm you, but with the Workshop Software, you can keep everything under control. 

Workshop Software, a program designed to help your auto repair business grow, will help you regain valuable time and enhance your customer experience. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar location or offer mobile services, Celero has shop management software for you. Add-on features such as email and text-to-pay invoicing will foster growth and help build positive customer relationships. 

Let’s discuss some of the benefits of this program.

Versatile, Simple-to-Use Workshop Software

Workshop Software handles front-end management duties for you, allowing you to automate several daily processes. Your entire business is managed from your dashboard, accessible from any phone, tablet, or computer, no matter where you are. 

From your dashboard, you can track job progress, staff allocation, invoices, and much more. By lightening the load of daily tasks like paperwork and invoicing, Workshop Software gives you flexibility and leaves you the time you need to focus on growth.

The software also can help you remove your marketing representative hat by automatically contacting customers. Use Workshop Software to deliver customer service just like the ‘big shops’— without the big shop cost of employing a full-time marketing assistant. With simple, one-click customer management, implement text messages, emails, and service reminders to ensure a constant cash flow.

Invoicing with Workshop Software is simple for both you and your customers. The software integrates directly into your accounting systems, managing cash flow and keeping pinpoint accurate books that you can inspect later with its business intelligence reporting and analysis tool. 

Customer inspections become completely paperless with Workshop Software — making job management simple from quote to completion. Details and invoices go directly to your customers' smartphones. Benefits even go beyond customer relations to include employee management areas, such as technician productivity tracking and clock-in/clock-out functions.

Contact Us

For more information about how the Workshop Software can optimize your day-to-day operations, contact us today. Our representatives are here to help you and your customers, and are happy to provide you with additional details.

Nashville fintech enters partnership with NHL team to positively impact hometown

Once a year, the Duffy Leadership Retreat brings together the top performers, innovators, and dreamers from the Celero Commerce family. It’s a special time to honor those who put their heart and soul into assisting our valued clients. 

Celero awards the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award, which is named in honor of a longtime mentor to many of our executives, quarterly and annually to team members who live and breathe our mission of providing merchants and community banks with the world-class fintech solutions they need to compete and win in the marketplace. It’s as much of a fun event where people from across the country – along with a very cute furry friend named Ace – can network and make connections, as it is an opportunity for us to thank those who went above and beyond in their roles. 

This year’s retreat took place in sunny Nashville, TN from May 24th to May 26th, 2022. The Duffy winners for the past year included people from every corner of our company, ranging from bank relationship management and direct sales to marketing and customer service. All attendees enjoyed a lively mix of professional and social events throughout the three-day retreat, such as a golf tournament, bourbon tasting, breakout sessions regarding leadership and talent development, cocktail hour, and live musical performance.

The true highlight, however, was the multitude of incredible speakers featured in this event’s line-up. The group heard from Celero’s CEO & Founder Kevin Jones, a number of Celero’s top executives, and critically acclaimed songwriter and performer Holly Williams. Williams shared what it was like growing up in a famous family, and how she balances her music career, retail career, and motherhood. In addition to discussing the importance of professional development, the speakers from Celero’s team started conversations about always leading by example and inspiring excellence at every opportunity.

“As a fast-growing company in the quick-paced industry of fintech, it’s imperative that each member of our team brings their own special skills to the table, and that we unlock the full potential of each individual,” said Jones. “I see the Duffy Leadership Retreat as a way to not only honor our top performers, but to equip them with the tools they need to inspire their own teams back home and as a result, accomplish bigger, better things. No one can move a mountain on their own, but when we work together and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, the impossible becomes a reality.”

After three days of festivities, bonding, and inspiration, Kevin Jones capped off the event with his closing remarks and encouragement for the group’s continued hard work. “When you’re part of a growing company that’s actively acquiring new organizations, it can sometimes be tough to retain the same company culture that made you successful in the first place,” stated Jones. “However, the Celero team has found a way to make this continuous growth and change an asset to our organization. The strong sense of family has enabled us to grow without losing our core values of supporting small businesses and banks. I’m looking forward to our future together. We’re only just getting started.”

Cheers to this year’s honorees at the 2022 Celero Michael P. Duffy Leadership Retreat!

With increasing amounts of merchants using online payment technology, the proper management of debit and credit card information becomes a major consideration for the consumer. Ensuring the security of your customer’s most sensitive data is of utmost importance when it comes to building long-lasting, trusting relationships with each of them. 

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of standards that ensure every company that processes transactions maintains a high level of security when it comes to credit, debit, and cash card information. If only one transaction per year is processed, you still must be PCI compliant to ensure that your customer’s information stays safe and sound. Today, let’s talk PCI compliance and why it doesn’t need to be complicated. 

Why is PCI Compliance Important?

Data that becomes compromised negatively affects the relationship with your customers, as well as your relationship with other merchants and financial institutions. Supporting businesses that are PCI compliant means that the customer's data is more secure, and this builds mutual trust which is vital to the success of any company. On the business side, the trust that customers have is incredibly important, but there are numerous other benefits to having a strong security system in place.

• Customer confidence leads to repeat business
• Improves business reputations with acquirers and payment brands
• Aids in preventing widespread security breaches
• PCI compliance makes compliance with other data management standards easier
• Prevents lawsuits, insurance claims, canceled accounts, government fines, and more
• Creates a strong starting point for corporate security
• Improves your overall IT infrastructure
• Contributes to the global effort towards safeguarding data

Best Practices to Improve Your PCI Compliance

PCI DSS compliance has a list of requirements such as maintaining firewalls, using password protection, enforcing the restriction of data access, protecting cardholder data, and more. To aid in the process of becoming fully PCI compliant, the PCI Standards Security Council (PCI SSC) has a vast library of tools and resources to help reach those goals. Despite the requirements, PCI compliance is only the start of data protection, and there are ways to improve your security beyond the PCI standards.

• Monitoring of self-checkout terminals by staff 
• Continually updating of point-of-service software to prevent against data breaches
• Preforming “mini audits” to ensure that data security is up-to-date instead of waiting for an annual review
• Maintaining documentation relevant to PCI compliance, such as antivirus policies and other information
• Minimizing the overall amount of data that you’re collecting from customers if it can be avoided– if no sensitive data is stored, breaches of information are much more difficult
• Encouraging better data safety habits with your employees

Protect Important Data With PCI Compliance

Your data is important to us, and in turn, your customer’s data is important to you. At Celero, we have payment specialists who can help your business become as secure as it can be. Contact us today to learn more about PCI compliance, and what we can do to help.

Let us introduce you to two Celero programs that will streamline your daily operations, improve your bottom line, and provide the verifiable Level 3 Data your company needs to succeed. 

Level 3 Data Processing Overview 

If your company processes commercial card payments for other businesses, then there are major benefits to having Level 3 Data Processing. Level 3 Data means a layer of data is added to each transaction, such as product information, line items, codes, item descriptions, unit prices, and others, and works to improve transaction quality. 

Once a payment is submitted, Level 3 sends the necessary data to Visa or MasterCard for verification. Then, the purchase details and other reported information are shared with the card association or bank, as to better monitor and record purchases. According to QuickBooks, payments may be withheld or come under scrutiny easier and faster, to determine mistakes or fraud, because detailed data verifies purchases. 

Celero Connect

With Celero Connect, running your organization is simple and stress-free. All you need is an internet connection to securely process all forms of payments, including in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, and online, with just the click of a button. Celero Connect empowers you to unify your income streams by processing all forms of payment on one platform. You can also accept electronic check payments with ease and send out customizable invoices. 

Celero Connect’s user-friendly interface includes a wide variety of helpful features, such as recurring billing capabilities, fraud detection, and enhanced data to aid in your company’s decision making process. With a built-in QuickBooks feature, integration with your accounting system is simple and stress-free. It will save you tons of time on your next billing cycle and enable you to spend more time with your valued customers. 

SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple is another cutting-edge platform that enables you to accept all payments, whether that’s chip, strip, mobile, or EMV. It also prints receipts and invoices with ease, allowing you to speed up the billing process and spend more time with your clients. You can accept payments from your payment terminal, any IOS or Android device, or a web browser. The super simple interface is easy to operate, and we know that you and your team will love navigating it. 

As an added bonus, future transactions are faster, since client payment information is stored so that customized invoices can automatically generate during the next billing cycle. Imagine how much time you’ll save! Plus, automated payment reminders via email and/or text are easy to track in real-time. You can also generate detailed reports and helpful insights that will enable you to better understand the needs of your customers. 

Fintech Designed for Your Business 

Celero Connect and SwipeSimple are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses, and to help you reach your organization’s goals, no matter how ambitious they might be. They’re also seamlessly integrated with Level 3 Data Processing capabilities to keep your customer’s sensitive data safe. When you have the right fintech solution in place, the possibilities for success are endless. 

Contact Us 

Learn more about our business solutions by contacting us today. One of our skilled representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information. We’re here to help maintain and serve your valued clients.

For most individuals, data security is a major concern in their daily lives. With increasing amounts of vendors using online payment technology, the proper management of debit and credit card information becomes a major consideration for the consumer. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of standards that ensure every company that processes transactions maintains a high level of security when it comes to credit, debit, and cash card information. 

Why is PCI Compliance Important?

Data that becomes compromised negatively affects the relationship with customers, merchants, and other financial institutions. Supporting businesses that are PCI compliant inherently means that the customer's data is more secure, and this builds mutual trust. On the business side, the trust that customers have is incredibly important, but there are numerous other benefits to having a strong security system in place.

• Customer confidence leads to repeat business
• Improves business reputations with acquirers and payment brands
• Aids in preventing widespread security breaches
• PCI compliance makes compliance with other data management standards easier
• Prevents lawsuits, insurance claims, canceled accounts, government fines, and more
• Creates a strong starting point for corporate security
• Improves your overall IT infrastructure
• Contributes to the global effort towards safeguarding data

Best Practices to Improve Your PCI Compliance

PCI DSS compliance has a list of requirements such as maintaining firewalls, using password protection, enforcing the restriction of data access, protecting cardholder data, and more. To aid in the process of becoming fully PCI compliant, the PCI Standards Security Council (PCI SSC) has a vast library of tools and resources at your fingertips to help reach those goals. Despite the requirements, PCI compliance is only the start of data protection, and there are ways to improve your security beyond the PCI standards.

• Monitoring of self-checkout terminals by staff 
• Continually updating of point-of-service software to prevent against data breaches
• Preforming “mini audits” to ensure that data security is up-to-date instead of waiting for an annual review
• Maintaining documentation relevant to PCI compliance, such as antivirus policies and other information
• Minimizing the overall amount of data that you’re collecting from customers if it can be avoided– if no sensitive data is stored, breaches of information are much more difficult
• Encouraging better data safety habits with your employees

Protect Important Data With PCI Compliance

Your data is important to us, and in turn, your customer’s data is important to you. At Celero, we have payment specialists who can help your financial institution become as secure as it can be. Contact us today to learn more about PCI compliance, and what we can do to help.

Working to expand your merchant base can be tough, especially if the offers are coming from traditionally high-risk clientele, such as smoke and CBD shops, liquor stores, and cigar stores. At Celero, we believe that taking chances on these types of businesses can yield fantastic results, and our custom-built program helps you do more. Introducing our Strategic Acquisitions Channel (SAC) program.

What is the Strategic Acquisitions Channel?

As businesses like CBD stores become more and more popular, we decided to create a solution to help financial institutions navigate the waters of partnering with these types of businesses, and offering financial protection. SAC is designed to help you say “yes” to more business opportunities and develop a competitive advantage in your market. With our help, you’ll be able to not only increase revenue, but to also set up payment solutions that are unique to the businesses you choose to partner with.

What to Expect With SAC

With our SAC program, we’re interested in creating the best possible market solution for your financial institution that’s sustainable and stable in the long run. To cover all liability, there’s some extra paperwork that needs to be worked through in order to maintain financial protection in these high-risk industries, but a bit more time upfront is all worth it with the profit and investment margins later on. To explain more about the process, detailed below is a quick breakdown of a CBD investment opportunity.

• In COMPASS, outlines for different types of high-risk businesses are available and let you know of the required documentation, as well as a series of questions to look into about the business. Some questions for pre-screening a business may be about how to process for retail stores, and what language can be used when talking about the product
• Available on our website is a form to fill out and submit for consideration to work with the SAC program. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response from our team, and if considered, a formal application packet will be sent to you
• Once the application packet is filled out and all the necessary documentation is submitted, a formal “approval” or “decline” decision will be issued to you. If you receive approval, this exciting business endeavor can begin 

Say YES to More Businesses With Celero

Market opportunities in high-risk industries offer a significant amount of value potential for your financial institution, but they aren’t without risk. Working with Celero helps to ease the risks, and allows you to begin a financially stable partnership with some of the fastest-growing business types in the country. Contact us to learn more about taking on high-risk accounts and mitigating the risks.

In order to attract and retain more merchant accounts for your financial institution, you need to have cutting-edge fintech that can be customized to the needs of different industries. Here at Celero, that’s what we specialize in! We’d like to introduce two programs that will help your law firm clients improve their daily operations and bottom lines: Celero Connect and SwipeSimple. 

Celero Connect

When your clients incorporate Celero Connect into their firms, running their businesses becomes simple, streamlined, and stress-free. As long as they have an internet connection, this payment gateway enables them to accept all forms of payments, including in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, and online, with just the tap of a button. They can also accept electronic check payments with ease. The user-friendly interface is packed with helpful features, like recurring billing capabilities, easy electronic invoicing, enhanced data to guide their decision-making, and advanced fraud protection. 

Celero Connect offers a data vault that will enable them to store their customers’ most sensitive information. Plus, the built-in QuickBooks feature makes integration with their accounting program a breeze. This incredible fintech solution empowers them to unify their income streams by processing all forms of payment on a single platform. It also helps your financial institution grow because when your merchant clients succeed, so does your organization. 

SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple is another amazing platform that enables law firms to accept every type of payment, ranging from chip and strip to mobile and EMV. They can do all of this from their payment terminal, any IOS or Android device, or the web browser of their choosing. With the click of a button, they can also print receipts and invoices, effectively speeding up their billing process and allowing them to spend more time with their valued customers. It makes it easy to run their business and keep the funds flowing. 

As an added bonus, future transactions are faster, as client payment information is stored so that customized invoices can automatically generate during the next billing cycle. Imagine how much time they’ll save! Automated payment reminders via email and/or text are easy to track in real-time. They can also generate detailed reports that will help them gain a better understanding of their customers’ needs and preferences. 

Customizable Fintech to Help Your Clients Grow 

When your commercial clients grow their revenues, this directly translates into growth for your financial institution in the form of increased interest and/or fees. To ensure that you’re providing them with the world-class support they need to win in the marketplace, it’s essential to find a customizable payment technology that will help them better serve their own customers. Celero Connect and SwipeSimple are designed to meet the unique needs of a law firm and as a result, help your financial institution reach its goals. 

Contact Us 

Are you ready to get started? Learn more about our solutions optimized for a wide variety of industries by contacting us today. One of our skilled representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information regarding Celero Connect and SwipeSimple. We’re looking forward to helping your bank grow!

Ernst & Young (EY) announced that Kevin Jones, Founder and CEO of Celero Commerce, was named Entrepreneur of the Year® 2022 Southeast Award Winner. The first of its kind, Entrepreneur of the Year is one of the preeminent business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who think big to succeed. This prestigious award celebrates the ambitious pioneers like Celero’s very own Kevin Jones, who are tackling today’s biggest challenges— fostering innovation, growth, and prosperity that transforms our communities and businesses. 

The award program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth, and it serves to connect them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world.

EY is one of the largest professional services networks in the world, and we’re proud that they have recognized Kevin’s dedication. His hard work has set a lasting tone of excellence, sustainable growth, and innovation for Celero since it was founded in 2018. Kevin won based on criteria set forth by independent judges – entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – among other core contributions and attributes. His impact on Celero, and on Celero’s wide range of clients, exemplifies these traits.

Upon being recognized as the winner, Kevin said, “I am humbled by this recognition from the team at Ernst & Young. To me, this is a team award that honors the passion and drive of nearly 300 Celero employees and dozens of strategic partners. Furthermore, it proves our concept that small and mid-sized businesses around the country can grow sustainably with the right combination of bundled high-tech, high-touch commerce solutions.”

Since Celero’s humble beginnings in Nashville in 2018, we have increased our capabilities organically, branching out to provide payment solutions and business optimization offerings tailored to the needs of dozens of industries. We now have employees working everywhere from California to Florida, but our goals have not changed in the wake of this growth. We’re still constantly striving to accomplish bigger, better things for small and mid-sized businesses of all markets. From the beginning, we made it our mission to help small businesses and community banks succeed in finding sustainable growth via cutting-edge, customizable fintech. 

Kevin’s award is indicative of Celero's success at these various ventures, and it shows that the innovation and organic growth he has fostered has paid off— our refusal to take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to fintech has given our clients a distinct advantage. We’re proud to offer them world-class solutions, tailored specifically to fit each individual client, because we understand that no two businesses are the same. 

The greatest way forward is through continued innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, exemplified by our Founder and CEO Kevin Jones. Celero is here to help small to medium sized businesses, from banks to nonprofits and everything in between, harness this innovation and prosper in their markets.

Any work conducted at a customer’s place of business or home requires field services technicians. The repair of hardware or equipment in the field, not only requires professional attention but hands-on techniques not learned overnight. Finding the right payment, business optimization, and merchant operations solution is therefore an essential step toward growing your business and giving clients a professional, seamless experience. 

Why not deploy RazorSync, our award-winning software and mobile app for field service management, that keeps getting better and better? For over 15 years, we’ve been growing and supporting field services for startups, small and mid-sized businesses, and national enterprises. Let’s discuss a few of the incredible benefits of this program!

Wide Variety of Powerful Features 

RazorSync includes a customizable panel that can be adjusted to suit each customer’s unique needs, a click-and-drag feature on the timeline, a toggle switch for either the classic interface or the new v7 interface, horizontal navigation, and a quick add panel. Our mission is, and always has been, to make life easier for business owners like yourself, and RazorSync is doing just that for customers in over 65 different industries.

Accepting payments and invoicing is a snap! It makes the process simple, streamlined, and stress-free for both you and your customers. Starting at only $45 per month, you’ll receive mobile payment options, multiple card support, an API, online billing and invoicing capabilities, and customizable invoices. With the simple click of a button, you’ll be able to accept a customer’s payment, send them an invoice via email, and store their information for future transactions. Depending on your company’s needs, you can pick from our selection of plans built for solo pros, small teams, and enterprises. 

RazorSync also offers estimates and quotes, dispatch management, electronic signature acceptance, employee and resource scheduling, a time clock, and top-notch customer support. Whether you have questions about how to navigate the interface or you’re experiencing a technical disruption, our team of experts is available for around-the-clock support via email, phone, and live chat. We also offer training to help you get the most out of our software and mobile app. 

Our payment technology is designed to meet the unique needs of field operators in reaching their business goals, no matter how ambitious. We’ll take the stress of billing away from your business so that you can focus on what’s really important: servicing your clients and helping them to achieve the best outcomes possible. 

Contact Us 

Learn more about our business solutions optimized for field operations by contacting us today. One of our friendly representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information. We’re here to help you and your valued customers.

Your law firm is truly one-of-a-kind, so why should you settle for a one-size-fits-all payment and business management solution? Here at Celero, we offer fintech solutions that are designed to meet your unique needs, help your organization grow, and better serve your clientele. Let us introduce you to two programs that will improve your daily operations and improve your bottom line: Celero Connect and SwipeSimple. 

Celero Connect

When you incorporate Celero Connect into your firm, running your business becomes simple, streamlined, and stress-free. As long as you have an internet connection, this cutting-edge payment gateway enables you to accept all forms of payments, including in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, and online, with just the tap of a button. You can also accept electronic check payments with ease. The user-friendly interface is packed with helpful features, like recurring billing capabilities, easy electronic invoicing, enhanced data to guide your decision-making, and advanced fraud protection. 

It also offers a data vault that will enable you to store your clients’ most sensitive information. Plus, the built-in QuickBooks feature makes integrating our system with your accounting program a breeze. Celero Connect empowers you to unify your income streams by processing all forms of payment on a single platform. 

SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple is another amazing platform that enables you to accept every type of payment, ranging from chip and strip to mobile and EMV. You can do all of this from your payment terminal, any IOS or Android device, or the web browser of your choosing. With the click of a button, you can also print receipts and invoices, effectively speeding up your billing process and allowing you to spend more time with your valued clients. It makes it easy to run your business and keep the funds flowing. 

As an added bonus, future transactions are faster, as client payment information is stored so that customized invoices can automatically generate during the next billing cycle. Imagine how much time you’ll save! Automated payment reminders via email and/or text are easy to track in real-time. You can also generate detailed reports that will help you gain a better understanding of your clients and their needs.

The Power of Fintech 

As a legal professional, each move you make has the potential to impact your clients, whether that be positively or negatively. To ensure that you’re providing them with the world-class support they deserve, it’s essential to find a payment technology that will help you better serve your clientele. Celero Connect and SwipeSimple are designed to meet the unique needs of a law firm and to help you reach your business goals. Our organization takes the stress of billing away from your business so that you can focus on what’s really important: defending your clients and helping them to achieve the best outcomes possible. 

Contact Us 

Are you ready to get started? Learn more about our business solutions optimized for law firms by contacting us today. One of our skilled representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information regarding Celero Connect and SwipeSimple. We’re looking forward to helping your firm grow!

Few people still carry cash around in 2022, which presents a challenge for places of worship that rely on cash-based donations. Fortunately, we’ve got the perfect solution for combating this issue! Let us introduce you to Celero Connect, the online platform that allows your supporters to donate virtually. 

An Online Giving Platform That Works With You

Here at Celero, we’re dedicated to helping religious organizations by inspiring the generosity of patrons through cutting-edge payments technology. The Celero Connect payment gateway, which includes a wide variety of helpful features and a modern, user-friendly interface, can help your organization increase your donations significantly by meeting your givers where they are—which, in 2022, is online. Over the course of the past year, mobile giving has increased 205 percent, so it’s essential to give your supporters an easy-to-use online donation solution. They want to contribute to your cause and we want to make that as easy as possible. 

Explore the Benefits for You and Your Community

Celero Connect offers donation solutions from anywhere in the world via our Collect Checkout feature. It enables you to insert a “Donate” button directly onto your website, or send a link or QR code prompting your supporters to submit gifts, donations, and tithes. With the simple click of a button, they can securely enter their credit or debit card information and contribute to your organization. As an added bonus, you can generate in-depth analytics to gain insight into the people who are donating to your cause, resulting in a better understanding of your givers and their unique views. Our program makes it fast and stress-free for members of your community to donate whenever they feel inspired to, and greatly reduces the need for handling physical monetary donations.

Perks For Your Community

• Simple design without distracting elements that take away from the cause
• Set the amount and the frequency of donations in one easy step
• Platform securely saves their personal details for future donations 
• Real-time fraud detection and prevention to protect your supporters from hackers 
• Online giving any time, anywhere

Perks For Your Organization 

• Understand your audience through in-depth, optimized data
• Full control of your data through the user-friendly administrative dashboard 
• Celero Connect's iProcess mobile application makes it a breeze to accept donations while on-the-go
• QuickBooks plug-in that will make it easy to track your donations

What Will You Accomplish with More?

When you partner with Celero, your church will have more money to reinvest into your community, amplifying your ability to make a positive impact. Contact us to learn more about how this program can help your organization.

The Celero Commerce executive team created the Duffy Leadership Award in honor of the late great Michael P. Duffy, innovative fintech leader and early career mentor to many at Celero. This peer-driven award celebrates those who exemplify core Duffy values, such as performance, respect, and humility. We’re excited to announce the 2022 first quarter recipient of this award: Director of Infrastructure Imran Khan.

Imran Khan has been a thoughtful and diligent leader in the technology space for many years. Since starting at legacy brand TransNational Payments in 2010, and later joining Celero in 2020, Imran has been a shining example of leadership by example. There is no task that Imran asks of his team that he can't or won't do himself. Imran's work is often in the background—many of the jobs that he and the Infrastructure team do are, by design, hidden from view. Under Imran’s leadership, they do their job to make everyone else's job easier and remove friction wherever possible.

In Q1 2022, Imran and the Infrastructure team resolved 1149 help desk tickets, added additional layers of security to our TransNational applications, and integrated our new Everest team members into our Celero technology platforms.

“Imran leads by example, and his diligence, attention to detail, and kindness are evident on a daily basis,” said Charlie Berard, Chief Technology Officer. “It's a privilege to get to work with someone of Imran's caliber, and to see the impact that he has on his team, our Technology department, and Celero as a whole.”

Perhaps Imran's greatest contribution to Celero is the Infrastructure team that he has brought together. Despite being distributed across 4 different states, their camaraderie, proactivity, and willingness to help are all a testament to Imran's leadership.

“Imran is an exemplary leader whose team proves that Celero can become more than the sum of its parts through collaboration, communication, and supporting each other,” said CEO Kevin Jones. “Despite spanning four different states, Imran’s team has a clear sense of comradery and support for one another, thanks in large part to his leadership.”

The Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is based entirely on peer nominations. It is awarded to those who go above and beyond for their teammates, performing at an elite level while exhibiting core company values like selflessness and teamwork.

Imran will follow in the tradition of past Duffy winners by attending the third annual Duffy Leadership Summit in 2023. This multi-day event is a celebration of top performers at Celero and an opportunity to discuss important issues. It brings together the top 10 percent of performers across all departments, plus all 2022 Duffy Award recipients. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a special guest speaker show up, or perhaps some signature Nashville entertainment.

Imran Khan will receive a commemorative Duffy Award plaque, following in the tradition of 2020 winners Nicole Becher, Abigail Lucier, Karo Torosyan, Spencer Ellis, Kristia Poppe, and Lea Telonis, and 2021 winners Kim Henley, Marcia Ortez, Jake Speltz, Ashley Faszczuk, and Robert Davis. The next Duffy Award winner will be announced this summer.

Celebrating ambitious pioneers tackling our biggest challenges

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

Finding the right payment and business optimization solution for your law firm is an essential step in growing your organization and providing your clients with a seamless experience. Let us introduce you to two programs that will streamline your daily operations and improve your bottom line: Celero Connect and SwipeSimple. 

Celero Connect

With Celero Connect, running your law firm is simple and stress-free. All you need is an internet connection to process all forms of payments, including in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, and online, with just the click of a button. You can also accept electronic check payments with ease. Celero Connect’s user-friendly interface is simple and comes jam-packed with helpful features, such as recurring billing capabilities, electronic invoicing, and enhanced data to guide effective decision-making. 

Celero Connect also offers a data vault that will enable you to store your client’s sensitive information. With a built-in QuickBooks feature, integration with your accounting system is a breeze. Celero Connect empowers you to unify your income streams by processing all forms of payment on one platform.

SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple is another cutting-edge platform that enables you to accept all payments, ranging from chip and strip to mobile and EMV. It also prints receipts and invoices, allowing you to speed up the billing process and spend more time with your clients. You can accept payments from your payment terminal, any IOS or Android device, or a web browser. 

As an added bonus, future transactions are faster, as client payment information is stored so that customized invoices can automatically generate during the next billing cycle. Automated payment reminders via email and/or text are easy to track in real-time. You can also generate in-depth reports that will help you better understand your clients and their needs. 

A Duty to Your Clients

As a legal professional, each move you make has the potential to impact your clients. To ensure that you’re providing them with optimal support, it’s essential to find the right payments technology to help you improve your ability to serve clientele. Celero Connect and SwipeSimple are designed to meet the unique needs of a law firm and to help you reach your business goals. Celero takes the stress of billing away from your business so that you can focus on what’s really important: defending your clients and helping them to achieve the best outcomes possible. 

Contact Us 

Learn more about our business solutions optimized for law firms by contacting us today. One of our friendly representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information. We’re here to help you better understand and serve your valued clients.

Your construction company needs a payment and business optimization technology that will help to improve your bottom line, streamline your operations, and grow your customer base. As the premier payments provider for small and mid-sized businesses, we offer great solutions that make billing and accepting payments a breeze. We’ll help to grow your business sustainably and accomplish more than you thought possible. 

Celero Connect 

Running an on-the-go business like a construction company requires a reliable payments platform that’s ready to go wherever you do. Celero Connect, our all-in-one payments gateway designed for businesses like yours, makes it easy to accept all forms of payment, whether in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, online, or electronic check. It unifies all streams of income, shows your upcoming expenses and payment history in one place, and builds winning strategies for growing your business. 

Built-in QuickBooks integration and a streamlined customer information vault make it simple to transfer and store important data. You can also track your open projects, generate helpful reports, and keep tabs on your finances with ease. To ensure you have all the guidance needed to keep your business moving forward, we offer expert customer and technical support. With Celero Connect, the power is in your hands to run your business, accept payments, and watch your brand loyalty flourish.

SwipeSimple

Searching for a simple but powerful payment and business management system? Meet SwipeSimple. This program enables you to accept all forms of payments, including chip, stripe, mobile, and EMV. The best part is that you won’t even need to purchase a new payment device. You can accept payments from your favorite web browser, or any iOS or Android device. It also prints receipts and invoices effortlessly. Future project transactions are also faster because a client’s project information is collected and stored. 

To make your billing even more streamlined, SwipeSimple offers automated payment reminder options via email and/or text message. On the easy-to-use dashboard, you can generate in-depth reports, analyze the performance of your business, and export transaction reports that are compatible with Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks. You’ll love the user-friendly interface and wide variety of tools available to help you accomplish your business goals. 

Contact Us 

In your line of work, time is money. Stay on top of your accounting, payments, and business management, so you can focus on doing what you love: working with your customers to build something great. 

If you’re ready to learn more about Celero solutions tailored to construction companies, contact us today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information. We’re here to help you grow with high-tech, high-touch solutions.

Since the middle of 2021, there’s been a continuing shortage of semiconductor chips, which are a key component of mobile phones, computers, televisions, and last but not least, point-of-sale (POS) terminals. This shortage has caused a disruption in the payments processing industry and many merchants are having a tough time getting their hands on traditional POS devices. 

Like other fintech companies, we’ve experienced a shortage of terminals that require semiconductor chips for operation, including the Dejavoo Z9 WiFi terminal which is available in wireless; the Clover Station Duo LTE which is available with WiFi; and the ever-popular Clover Mini. We’re also dealing with the restricted availability of the PAX A line. 

A New World of Payments 

While this worldwide shortage may be inconvenient, it’s opening up the door for the widespread adoption of tap-to-mobile technology. Tap-to-mobile transactions are made possible by a short-range wireless communication network that transmits data from your debit or credit card to a merchant’s mobile phone. These payments are similar to tap-to-pay transactions, but instead of requiring a POS terminal, it just requires the merchant to download an app on their smartphone. 

The technology behind both tap-to-mobile and tap-to-pay payments has been around for decades, but it’s just now picking up steam due to the semiconductor chip shortage, as well as the hygiene concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s discuss why this move toward widespread adoption is beneficial for both merchants and consumers. 

• Major Savings: Approximately 85 percent of Americans own a smartphone so, for most business owners, the cost to start accepting tap-to-mobile payments is $0. The cost of purchasing a payment terminal is often a barrier of entry for entrepreneurs just starting out, so this eliminates that barrier. 
• Preference for Contactless: A study from Visa found that 63 percent of consumers say they would switch to a new business that installed contactless payment options. Especially among the younger generations, there’s a clear preference for this type of payment. 
• Safer Method: Contactless payments utilize one-time codes to send encrypted financial information to merchants. In many cases, completing a tap-to-mobile or tap-to-pay transaction is more secure than a regular chip or stripe payment.
• Easy Setup: As opposed to using a traditional payment terminal, opting to utilize tap-to-mobile technology requires very little setup. All you need to do is download the appropriate app, input your details, and start accepting payments. 

Learn More

Are you interested in offering tap-to-mobile and tap-to-pay options to your customers? Contact us to learn more about these two payment methods that are changing the payments landscape for the better. 

If you’re curious whether or not offering a cash discount is the right move for your business, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss what types of businesses benefit most from Celero Choice, our cash discount program designed for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as the perks for both businesses and customers. 

How Celero Choice Works 

With this incredible program, your customer will be given the option to either pay their balance using a credit or debit card, or pay in cash and receive a discount. Any non-cash purchases will have a small service charge added to the total cost. While cash discount programs are available across the world, our system features the proprietary step of informing consumers of their total cost including the cash discount, as well as their total cost with the non-cash surcharge added. This step helps consumers to see the incredible benefits of switching to cash as a payment method. Once you decide to implement this program, our team will handle the initial set-up, marketing signage, and employee training. 

Types of Businesses That Benefit the Most 

While any type of business, regardless of size, industry, or type, can benefit from Celero Choice, the ones that experience the most significant benefits are ones that have frequent small-ticket sales. This includes a variety of consumer-facing businesses, such as coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, gas stations, locksmiths, movie theaters, and bakeries. Since they’re frequently making sales of just a few dollars at a time, these types of businesses often experience high payment processing costs compared to their total revenue. Offering a cash discount can help to reduce their business expenses and improve their bottom line. 

Perks for Businesses 

By implementing Celero Choice, businesses can transfer a significant portion of their processing costs along to their customers. In fact, it can help your organization save up to 90 percent on your monthly processing costs. With the ever-increasing cost of processing digital payments, implementing a cash discount program can be an absolute life saver for business owners. In addition, Celero Choice doesn’t require you to register with major credit card brands and can be used with credit, debit, PIN, and swiped transactions. It can be pre-programmed with cash discount amounts, report daily deposits, and generate monthly statements showing the processing volumes by payment methods. 

Benefits for Consumers 

Celero Choice isn’t just good for business owners: customers love it, too! Consumers love finding new ways to save money and giving them a simple, easy opportunity to reduce the cost of their transaction is a great way to forge customer loyalty. Customers want incentives and businesses want to reduce their payment processing expenses, so it’s a win-win. A majority of customers are interested in saving money by switching their payment method to cash, especially when it comes to larger purchases, and they’ll appreciate this streamlined option of receiving a discount. Due to how easy it is to take advantage of this program, many businesses report seeing a boost in repeat purchases from customers and increased customer loyalty.

Contact Us 

Curious whether or not you should implement Celero Choice at your business? Reach out today and let’s talk! We’ll discuss your needs and if a cash discount program is right for you. 

Imagine a payroll platform with free setup, easy direct deposit, an assortment of online tools, and zero annual filing fees. It’s all possible with our full-service payroll program. 

Comprehensive Payroll Services

For as low as $30 per month, we’ll handle all of your payroll needs. Simply enter the hours your employees work, approve the payroll, and relax while we handle the rest. Your employees will be paid for any hours they’ve worked and then our team will handle your taxes. It’s affordable, dependable, and user-friendly. We also offer a free employee portal for accessing information regarding pay stubs, attendance, hours worked, 1099 data, worker’s compensation insurance, and much more.

Headache-Free Tax Filing 

Our automatic, secure tax filing feature means there are no end-of-year filing fees for W2s or W3s. Plus, we guarantee accuracy in your payroll processing and the related tax filings, so it there’s an error, we’ll handle it on our end. You won’t be fined by the IRS or any other tax authorities. So, when the tax season rolls around next year, you can breathe a sigh of relief and feel confident that your payroll information will be submitted correctly and if there are any discrepancies, our team will handle reaching a resolution with the proper authorities. 

Unlimited Everything 

If you thought it couldn’t get any better, you’re in for a surprise! For one monthly rate, you can run unlimited payrolls without any per payroll fees, set automatic rules for time-off accrual, and update your employees’ information with the click of a button. Depending on the unique needs of you and your employees, you can also choose between offering direct deposit, paper checks, or cash. This flexibility will ensure that both you and your team members are satisfied on all accounts. Considering how many payroll and human resources features we offer our clients, many people are surprised to learn how low our prices are!

Expert Support 

We pride ourselves on offering the best-in-class customer support our clients deserve. Each of our team members are highly trained and well-versed in helping business owners, like yourself, achieve their goals and grow their companies. If you have any questions regarding payroll processing or need technical support in operating our online portal, please feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or live chat. One of our payroll specialists will walk you through each step of the process, and make sure that you’re feeling comfortable and confident. 

Get Started 

If you’re sick and tired of paying too much for payroll and not receiving enough support, it’s time to contact us. For a low monthly price that includes setup, direct deposit, and end-of-year filing fees, you’ll receive the top-notch, user-friendly payroll services you need to succeed. Spend less time handling payroll and more time growing your organization. 

Your company’s reputation, both online and offline, matters so it’s important to take steps to protect it. A fantastic tool that enables you to take the power of supercharged data to monitor your company’s image is BizShield. 

Your Eyes and Ears in the Marketplace 

BizShield is a business monitoring and alerts service built for the modern marketplace. In 2022, consumers are constantly posting their opinions about businesses on the internet, whether that’s Google Reviews, Facebook, TripAdvisor, or Yelp. A few bad reviews can be the downfall of a company, so it’s essential to stay up to date on what people are saying about your offerings. BizShield monitors your business ratings and reviews on major sites. It enables consumer-facing companies, such as hotels, restaurants, salons, and bars, to understand what people are saying and address any concerns in a timely manner. 

Tools to Run Your Business With Confidence 

Business owners have a lot going and don’t have all day to keep an eye on their online business listings. Fortunately, BizShield is here to assist! This program will monitor your online presence with regards to phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, marketing promotions, contact forms, and more, to ensure that all of your information is accurate. If something is incorrect, BizShield will send you an alert so that you can go ahead and make the necessary changes. 

Outdated information is now a thing of the past and you can be confident that your customers are getting the right information at all times. This will help you seize every business opportunity and grow your customer base. The world is changing all the time and it can be overwhelming for many business owners, but with BizShield, you can feel confident that your online presence is an accurate representation of your company. 

In-Depth Analytics to Power Your Decisions 

This program offers proprietary and customer data that will help you better understand the unique needs of your customers, the client acquisition process, and ways to improve customer loyalty. Additionally, this program provides tools that help you to properly price your products and/or services. You’ll gain access to average pricing in hundreds of categories that are benchmarked based on a merchant’s zipcode. This will ensure that you’re keeping your prices aligned to local and national changes in your industry. 

BizShield protects businesses like yours by scanning, filtering, and synthesizing billions of data points into actionable alerts. These alerts, available via email and phone, can protect your business from declines caused by negative online reviews, incorrect business listings, changes in your market, and competitor threats. However, BizShield’s work doesn’t stop once an issue is detected: their team of experts will help you manage the problem and reach a favorable resolution. 

Get Peace of Mind Today 

For only $19.99 a month, you can receive the peace of mind that instant alerts about broken links, outdated information, negative reviews, website domain expirations, and unclaimed social media accounts can bring. If you’re interested in receiving comprehensive reputation protection, contact us today! One of our friendly representatives will be happy to tell you more about the benefits of this program, as well as the next steps for getting started. 

The growth of your financial institution is directly linked to the success of your merchant clients. As their banking representative, it’s your job to ensure that they have all the specialized tools and expert guidance needed to expand their profits, thus increasing your own in the process. 

Today, let’s discuss RazorSync, our award-winning software and mobile app for field service management, and how it will help your small and mid-sized business clients find success. With the upcoming launch of our v7 interface, we’re excited to be able to enhance the customer experience like never before.

Meet RazorSync v7

In addition to having the same incredible features business owners love from previous versions, RazorSync v7 will offer a number of new advancements. It includes a customizable panel that can be adjusted to suit each customer’s unique needs, a click and drag feature on the timeline, a toggle switch for either the classic interface or the new v7 interface, horizontal navigation, and a quick add panel. Our mission is, and always has been, to make life easier for business owners, and RazorSync is doing just that for customers in over 65 different industries.

When it comes to accepting payments and invoicing, RazorSync v7 will make the process even easier and more streamlined. Starting at only $45 per month, your clients will receive mobile payment options, multiple card support, an API, online billing and invoicing capabilities, and customizable invoices. With the simple click of a button, they’ll be able to accept a customer’s payment, send them an invoice via email, and store their information for future transactions. Depending on their needs, they can pick from our selection of plans built for solo pros, small teams, and enterprises. 

However, the benefits don’t stop there! RazorSync v7 also offers estimates and quotes, dispatch management, electronic signature acceptance, employee and resource scheduling, a time clock, and top-notch customer support. Whether your clients have questions about how to navigate the interface or they’re experiencing a technical disruption, our team of experts is available for around-the-clock support via email, phone, and live chat. We also offer training to help them get the most out of RazorSync. 

Why Offer RazorSync?

With RazorSync, your clients will be able to manage their businesses from anywhere in the world. Whether they’re operating from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, they’re free to go where their business needs them because of our off-line multi-device compatibility. Even if they don’t have an internet connection, they’ll still be able to use RazorSync, and as soon as their internet reconnects, all of their data will automatically sync. With cloud-based deployment, supporting Android and iOS mobile platforms, in addition to Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, RazorSync keeps getting better and better.

Thanks to our program’s advanced reporting, work order flow optimization, billing, and scheduling tools, they’ll have all the tools necessary to increase their efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and grow their profits. The wide variety of features will help them reduce accounting errors, invoicing problems, and miscommunications between their customers and employees. As an added bonus, RazorSync is fully integrated with QuickBooks which will help to simplify their bookkeeping. In addition to these features being beneficial to your clients, they’re great for you because your commercial depositors will grow in size. 

Get RazorSync

If your financial institution doesn’t already offer RazorSync, it’s time to change that! As soon as you check out our program, you’ll understand why field service management businesses across the nation trust our advanced yet extremely user-friendly platform to get the job done. Click here to schedule a demo!

RazorSync, our award-winning software and mobile app for field service management, keeps getting better and better! For over 15 years, we’ve been growing and supporting field services for startups, small and mid-sized businesses, and national enterprises, and with the upcoming launch of our v7 interface, we’re excited to be able to enhance the customer experience like never before.

Meet RazorSync v7

In addition to having the same incredible features you love from previous versions, RazorSync v7 will offer a number of new advancements. It includes a customizable panel that can be adjusted to suit each customer’s unique needs, a click and drag feature on the timeline, a toggle switch for either the classic interface or the new v7 interface, horizontal navigation, and a quick add panel. Our mission is, and always has been, to make life easier for business owners like yourself, and RazorSync is doing just that for customers in over 65 different industries.

When it comes to accepting payments and invoicing, RazorSync v7 will make the process even easier and more streamlined. Starting at only $45 per month, you’ll receive mobile payment options, multiple card support, an API, online billing and invoicing capabilities, and customizable invoices. With the simple click of a button, you’ll be able to accept a customer’s payment, send them an invoice via email, and store their information for future transactions. Depending on your company’s needs, you can pick from our selection of plans built for solo pros, small teams, and enterprises. 

However, the benefits don’t stop there! RazorSync v7 also offers estimates and quotes, dispatch management, electronic signature acceptance, employee and resource scheduling, a time clock, and top-notch customer support. Whether you have questions about how to navigate the interface or you’re experiencing a technical disruption, our team of experts is available for around-the-clock support via email, phone, and live chat. We also offer training to help you get the most out of RazorSync. 

Why RazorSync?

With RazorSync, you’re able to manage your business from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re operating from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you’re free to go where your business needs you because of our off-line multi-device compatibility. Even if you don’t have an internet connection, you’ll still be able to use RazorSync, and as soon as your internet reconnects, all of your data will automatically sync. With cloud-based deployment, supporting Android and iOS mobile platforms, in addition to Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, RazorSync keeps getting better and better.

Thanks to our program’s advanced reporting, work order flow optimization, billing, and scheduling tools, you’ll have all the tools necessary to increase your efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and grow your profits. The wide variety of features will help you reduce accounting errors, invoicing problems, and miscommunications between your customers and employees. As an added bonus, RazorSync is fully integrated with QuickBooks which will help to simplify your bookkeeping process. You’ll save time, money, and effort, so that you can spend less time worrying about managing your organization, and more time doing what you love: building strong, long-lasting relationships with your valued customers. 

Get RazorSync

If you don’t already have RazorSync, it’s time to change that! As soon as you start using our program, you’ll understand why field service management businesses across the nation trust our advanced yet extremely user-friendly platform to get the job done. Click here to schedule a demo and to start working smarter, not harder! 

Due to the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips, which are a key component of traditional POS terminals, many business owners are looking for alternate tools to process payments. This is where our non-terminal payment solutions come in! 

Celero Connect 

If you’re on the hunt for a user-friendly payment gateway that empowers you to accept payments and manage your business from anywhere in the world, you’re looking for Celero Connect. This all-in-one solution packs an extensive selection of fintech and business optimization tools into a single program that will help to unify all of your streams of revenue. Here are a few of the incredible features we know that you’ll adore: 

• Doesn’t require a traditional payment acceptance device 
• Payment acceptance for all forms of payment, including in-person, online, and over the phone
• Accept electronic checks and ACH payments with ease 
• Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices
• Built-in QuickBooks plug-in that will help to streamline your accounting and bookkeeping efforts
• In-depth data and stunning visualizations to help you make business decisions with confidence 

SwipeSimple

SwipeSimple provides merchants with a simple, user-friendly interface to accept payments and manage their business operations. In order to start accepting payments, there’s no need to purchase any sort of special equipment. All you need to do is open your web browser, input your customer’s financial information, and hit “charge.” Here are a couple of the benefits of this solution:

• Process debit and credit card transactions with just a few clicks of your mouse
• Send digital receipts to your customers via email or text
• Intuitive interface that you and your employees will love navigating through 
• Comprehensive data reporting to help you determine which products and/or services are selling the best
• Easily schedule weekly, monthly, or yearly payments

CashierLive

For any retail business owners out there, we’d like to introduce you to your new best friend: CashierLive. This virtual POS solution is specifically designed to be used by retailers like yourself. It’s currently utilized by more than a thousand shops across the country and that number continues to grow every single day. With the massive list of features, this payment gateway makes it easy to operate and grow your business: 

• Easily accept any form of payment with your mobile phone, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet
• Access your data and manage your business from anywhere you have an internet connection
• Generate helpful reports regarding your shop’s performance, customer loyalty trends, completed transactions, and more
• Manage and engage with your customers with the help of powerful CRM tech 
• Track purchases, inventory, and profits in real-time 

Get Started

Having trouble deciding which non-terminal payment solution is right for you? Reach out today and a member of our team will be happy to walk you through the options to determine which one best suits your needs. 

Software developers need a simple way to integrate payment processing capabilities into the software applications they create for their clients, and Celero is rising to the occasion. We’re excited to introduce the newest addition to our selection of fintech solutions, Celero Core. 

We’re Obsessed with FinTech, So You Don't Have To Be

Software developers don’t have all day to think about the fintech aspects of the applications they design. That’s why we created Celero Core, a powerful program that provides software developers and the businesses they serve with all the tools needed to start accepting digital payments with ease. Instead of spending time worrying about fintech, you can refocus your efforts on what you do best: designing software that wows your clients. 

The Three P’s of Celero Core 

We designed this program to fuse three important pillars of business success: power, payments, and people. Let’s discuss the three P’s of Celero Core.

Power

Our powerful stack technology gives software developers access to a wide range of fintech solutions that they can incorporate into the software they create. 

• Compass: Provides tools to streamline merchant onboarding, improve customer management, and generate useful insights. Includes top-notch client support to help merchants get the most out of Compass. 

• Connect: Our all-in-one payment gateway that enables merchants to accept any type of payment, send invoices, create data visualizations, and manage their organizations from anywhere in the world. 
• celeroBI: Offers robust, real-time analytics and enhanced data that will help guide a merchant’s decision-making, enhance the customer experience, improve profits, and much more. 

Payments

At Celero, we pride ourselves on being the premier payments provider for small and mid-sized businesses across the nation. Our team is always innovating and searching for new, better ways to help business owners improve their customer experience through cutting-edge technology. We understand that no two businesses are the same, and that’s why we offer the most flexible payment solutions in the industry. With Celero Core, you’ll gain access to our ever-growing selection of solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into the software you create. Your clients will love how user-friendly and customizable our payment solutions are. 

People 

Many fintech companies focus all their time and resources on creating technology, while neglecting the ever-important customer service aspect of their business. Here at Celero, we understand that a fintech provider is only as good as the customer support team behind it. We offer comprehensive technical and business development support to help our valued customers maximize their earnings, find solutions to real-world problems, and achieve measurable growth. 

• Dedicated account and relationship management
• Highly responsive team of fintech experts to help business owners achieve their goals, no matter how ambitious 
• Payment acceptance, onboarding, and support processes designed with our merchant partners in mind

Get Started

Are you ready to experience the benefits of Celero Core? Contact us today and let’s get started. Your team and your clients will thank you for taking the first step!

Throughout the year and especially during tax season, running an accounting firm is no easy task. If you have a never-ending stream of client work and can’t seem to get on top of your to-do list, it’s time to contact us. We offer two payment and business optimization solutions that are perfect for accountants like yourself. Let us introduce you to Connect and SwipeSimple. 

Connect: Our Most Intuitive and Powerful Payment Gateway

With Celero Connect, you can run your business from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This gateway makes it quick and easy to accept all forms of payment (in-person, contactless, curbside, mobile, and online), and to create sustainable growth for your business. The capabilities are endless. 

• Beautiful, user-friendly interface that you and your team will love using 
• Process any type of payment with the click of a button 
• Save time by scheduling recurring billing for your clients 
• Unify all your streams of income by processing all forms of payment on a single platform
• Accept electronic check payments via your virtual terminal 
• Built-in QuickBooks integration to process transactions, create accounting entries, mark transactions as paid, and generate reports 
• Store your customers’ information to streamline future billing cycles 
• Expert customer and technical support services 
• Empowers you to run your business, accept payments, and optimize customer loyalty from anywhere 

SwipeSimple: A Streamlined Solution for All Payments

Looking for a payments solution that combines simplicity with powerful capabilities? Meet SwipeSimple. This program enables you to process chip, stripe, mobile, and EMV transactions with the tap of a button; print receipts in seconds; and invoice your customers with ease. 

• Accept any form of payment from your payment terminal, iOS or Android device, or any web browser
• Get your program up and running in just a few minutes
• Collect and store customer information to speed up future transactions
• Create, customize, and send digital invoices
• Send automated payment reminders via email and/or text so you won’t need to manually contact clients 
• Track invoices and payments in real-time
• Generate in-depth reports and insights that will help to increase your profits, improve customer service, and more
• Easily export transaction reports in a format compatible with tools like QuickBooks and Excel 

We’re Here to Help You Grow 

Are you ready to streamline the operations of your accounting firm and achieve sustainable growth? Reach out today and speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives. We’re experts in helping our clients find solutions that suit their unique industry needs.

The Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is the highest accolade an employee can receive at Celero Commerce. Guided by peer nominations, our leadership team names a quarterly winner who exemplifies Michael Duffy’s legacy of servant leadership. The Super Duffy, which is awarded just once per year, is an extra special distinction given to someone who performs at the most elite level. Given that Celero has the best team in fintech, it’s fair to say that this award is reserved for some of the best leaders in the entire industry.

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the 2021 Super Duffy Award Winner: Ashley Faszczuk, Director of Project Management.

Since joining Celero in February 2021, Ashley Faszczuk has made a tremendous impact on Celero. She immediately stepped in with our Analytics and Engineering teams, structuring their work to increase throughput and limit concurrent projects. She quickly came up to speed on the numerous initiatives being worked on throughout the organization, and has taken ownership of our Project Management Organization and Project Committees, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed with updates on current projects and data critical to decision-making.

“In less than one year, Ashley has managed to leave a lasting impact on our organization,” said Charlie Berard, Chief Technology Officer. “She embodies all the characteristics of a Super Duffy award winner. She’s smart, fearless, optimistic, and a natural leader. Any team would be unstoppable with Ashley on it.” 

Ashley takes charge in meetings. There's always a clear agenda, documented ownership, and due dates for follow-up items. Her meeting notes are the stuff of legend at Celero. Yet, where Ashley's impact is felt the most is as a culture carrier. She has a gift for making her colleagues feel truly seen and heard, and her eternal optimism and energy are infectious. We could not be prouder to have her as our 2021 Super Duffy winner.

Previous winners of the Duffy Award this year were Kim Henley, Marcia Ortez, Jake Speltz, and Robert Davis. Ashley also follows in the tradition of last year’s Super Duffy Award winner, Vice President of Marketing Lea Telonis. The Duffy Award is 100% peer-nominated and driven, recognizing those who exemplify the Michael Duffy tradition of respect, excellence, open and honest communication, and performance.

“As a professional mentor to many at Celero early in our careers, including myself, Mike Duffy laid the foundation for the team-oriented, performance-driven company culture that we have today,” said CEO Kevin Jones. “The Super Duffy Award is given to those with the potential to make that same impact, shaping careers, companies, and even whole industries. I see that potential in Ashley, and can’t wait to see what her future looks like at Celero.”

Ashley will join her fellow 2021 Duffy Award recipients at Celero’s second annual Duffy Leadership Summit, scheduled for 2022 at our Nashville headquarters. The next Duffy Award winner will be named in the spring.

The Celero Commerce executive team created the Duffy Leadership Award in honor of the late great Michael P. Duffy, innovative fintech leader and early career mentor to many at Celero. This peer-driven award celebrates those who exemplify core Duffy values, such as performance, respect, and humility. We’re excited to announce the 2021 fourth quarter recipient of this award: Senior Technical Support Engineer, Robert Davis.

Robert is a true culture carrier who displays selflessness and an eagerness to help others daily, even when working remotely in Texas. He embodies the Duffy spirit by not only delivering high performance, but always doing so with genuine care. Robert even volunteered to help train a new hire in Tech Support by inviting them over to his home office for the first couple of weeks to work side-by-side. 

“Robert’s willingness to collaborate with the team on an array of service types makes him an exceptional Senior Tech,” said Jorge Torres, Senior Vice President of Operations. “He frequently takes it upon himself to learn new products and technologies, and is always first to share his knowledge with the rest of the team.”

Since starting at Celero last year, Robert has been eager to help out anywhere he can. He has an expert understanding of terminals, gateways, and point-of-sale systems, to name a few technologies. Robert takes pride in helping our merchant and financial institution partners, always doing so with a warm greeting and positive disposition. He has also helped us recruit other outstanding employees to work at Celero.  

“Robert leads with the core Duffy value of servant leadership,” said CEO Kevin Jones. “Despite being states away from his teammates, Robert really encourages a culture of collaboration and mutual support.”

The Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is based entirely on peer nominations. It is awarded to those who go above and beyond for their teammates, performing at an elite level while exhibiting core company values like selflessness and teamwork. 

Robert will join his fellow cohort of 2021 Duffy Award winners at the second annual Duffy Leadership Summit in 2022. This multi-day event is a celebration of top performers at Celero and an opportunity to discuss important issues. It brings together the top 10 percent of performers across all departments, plus all 2021 Duffy Award recipients. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a special guest speaker show up, or perhaps some signature Nashville entertainment.

Robert Davis will receive a commemorative Duffy Award plaque, following in the tradition of 2020 winners Nicole Becher, Abigail Lucier, Karo Torosyan, Spencer Ellis, Kristia Poppe, and Lea Telonis, and fellow 2021 winners Kim Henley, Marcia Ortez, Jake Speltz, and Ashley Faszczuk. The next Duffy Award winner will be announced in spring of 2022.

Driving school instructors deserve a payment and business optimization solution that’s built with their unique needs in mind. At Celero, we offer a fantastic program that helps driving schools increase their operational efficiency, schedule appointments, process payments with ease, and so much more. Let’s discuss DrivingSchoolSoftware.com!

DrivingSchoolSoftware.com

There are so many reasons to love DrivingSchoolSoftware.com, the largest provider of driver education management solutions throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to being HIPAA, FERPA, and CSP Certified, this top-rated software and app is jam-packed with features to make your life easier. Within just a few minutes of using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Explore a few of the features it has to offer: 

• Process credit, debit, and mobile transactions 
• Accept and store e-signatures from your students 
• Schedule appointments with the click of a button 
• Update your digital calendar with instructor availability to ensure seamless appointment scheduling
• Sign in to your account from any device, including PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones
• Their online booking function makes it easy for students and parents to schedule in-car lessons and road tests 
• Automatically send out lesson and classroom session reminders to your students via email and/or text
• While you’re welcome to keep your current website, a free website is included in the cost of this service 
• Now available for use in trucking and CDL driving school programs 

This solution combines a wide variety of capabilities into a beautifully simple interface that you and your employees will enjoy using. It will provide you with all the tools you need to increase your revenue, attract new students, and grow your business. 

Learn More

This incredible program will help you to grow your business in leaps and bounds. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today. One of our friendly representatives will be happy to walk you through the details and answer any questions you have. 

One of the toughest, yet most emotionally rewarding, jobs is running a funeral home. Day in and day out, you’re working with mourning families who are dealing with the hardest times of their lives. Each move you make has the potential to either provide immense relief or further hardship to a grieving family member, so it’s vitally important to optimize the way you run your business and interact with your clients. 

CRäKN makes providing your clients with careful, caring, and compassionate service a simple process. Let’s explore the incredible features of this software and how it will help you better run your organization. 

Track Contacts

With CRäKN, tracking contact information and reaching out to your clients is a breeze. Their user-friendly dashboard empowers you to keep track of emails and phone numbers, store all your client communications in a single place, and even make calls via the integrated interface, with the simple click of a button. The modern display makes keeping track of the families you work hard to serve both simple and stress-free. 

Manage Your Cases

If you have a number of cases open at once, things can get complicated very quickly, so it’s important to have an effective way of tracking cases and to-do items. This incredible software allows you to access all of your case information from any device you utilize for your business. You can easily pull up the history of each case, information regarding loved ones, and so much more. 

Communicate With Your Team

Sometimes, the toughest part of running a business is getting your employees all on the same page. Fortunately, CRäKN makes this usually complicated process as easy as 1, 2, 3. Through the easy-to-use dashboard, you and your team members can communicate with each other about planned activities, key details, missing action items, and whatever else you need in order to create the healing services your clients deserve. 

Collect Feedback From Clients 

Your work doesn’t end once a funeral service is held: It ends once you receive, analyze, and absorb feedback from the family members. With a simple click of a button, you can close a case and automatically send a survey to the family members you’ve been helping. Imagine a world wherein a single step, you can request in-depth feedback from clients that will help to improve your customer service, offerings, and the efficiency of your team. 

Integrates With Your Accounting 

Without the right software solution, invoicing, billing, and internal records keeping can be a real hassle. Many funeral homes are bogged down in these details, which leaves less time for focusing on building meaningful relationships with clients. Fortunately, this program will pair with your current accounting system and simplify your operations like never before. Recording, tracking, and reporting your revenues and expenses has never been easier. 

Contact Us 

Are you interested in learning more about CRäKN, the premier software designed for funeral home management? Contact us today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to provide you with additional information. We’re here to help you better understand and serve your valued clients.

Acquisition of Kentucky-based OMEGA Technology strengthens Celero's technology-focused solution offerings for small and medium-sized businesses

Nashville, TN – January 18, 2022 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a top ten non-bank payment processor, today announced the acquisition of OMEGA Technology (“OMEGA”) a premier provider of electronic transaction processing. With the addition of Kentucky-based OMEGA, Celero will serve over 50,000 merchants processing approximately $20 billion in annual card volume.

Founded in 2003, OMEGA provides electronic payments solutions, business analytics, and software solutions for small businesses and financial institutions nationwide.  The acquisition of OMEGA is Celero’s second in the last month and the company’s eighth since its launch in late 2018.

“OMEGA and Celero share a common culture and drive to make our financial institutions and small business customers successful,” stated Todd McHugh, President and CEO of OMEGA.  “Joining forces with Celero means that we can deliver greater value for all stakeholders through technology, financial resources, and human capital.”

“Celero continues to build the premier technology-focused, commerce solutions offering for small and medium-sized businesses and financial institution partners,” stated Kevin Jones, Founder and CEO of Celero Commerce. “OMEGA’s technology-focused approach to serving its customers aligns with our approach at Celero and we are excited to welcome the outstanding OMEGA team to our growing Celero family.”

About Celero Commerce 

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. 

Media Contact: 

Celero Commerce
Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer
scottf@celerocommerce.com
972-533-5655

To run a successful jewelry store, you need a point-of-sale (POS) system that shines as bright as your rings, watches, and necklaces! We offer versatile solutions that can be customized to exceed your expectations on all marks. 

Let’s discuss CashierLive and SwipeSimple. 

CashierLive

If you’re looking for the ultimate all-in-one POS solution, CashierLive is your answer! This platform empowers you to accept any form of payment with fast processing speeds, low fees, an easy-to-use interface, and great programs to help boost customer loyalty. Whether you choose to accept payments from a designated terminal or your iPhone, iPad, or desktop computer, you’ll be able to complete transactions with the tap of a button. You’ll also have the option to accept gift cards, email your customers a copy of their receipts, and collect customer data for marketing and sales purposes. 

In addition to accepting payments from your valued customers, CashierLive will also help you to manage your store from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re working from your home office for the day or relaxing by the pool, you’ll be able to access all of your store data in a jiffy. You can easily analyze your sales history, track inventory, create purchase orders, and manage the hours your employees work. 

You can also generate detailed reports and insights which will help you to improve your customer service, sales, and so much more. This platform is truly your one-stop-shop for payment and business optimization solutions. 

SwipeSimple

Many business owners are searching for a simple payment solution that doesn’t compromise on firepower. SwipeSimple packs all the punch you crave into a simple, intuitive interface that makes accepting payments a breeze. It only takes a few minutes to get up and running, plus you can use it on any smart device you already own. 

If you’re using an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, you can also purchase a mobile accessory, such as a card reader, receipt printer, or cash drawer, to further enhance your customers’ experience. If you’d prefer to utilize a full-service payment terminal, they also offer a great selection of device options that will make completing transactions even easier. The possibilities are endless with SwipeSimple.

Thanks to the dashboard that’s equal parts user-friendly and powerful, you’ll be able to generate key insights and real-time analytics that will help you to grow your business. From anywhere that has an internet connection, you can track your sales and customer data, determine which products are selling best, identify areas of improvement for your business, find ways to fine-tune your marketing efforts, and the list goes on. 

When you have access to in-depth data and detailed reports, improving your store performance becomes an inevitability. 

Learn More

Thanks to these two incredible solutions, growing your business and improving customer satisfaction has never been easier! Contact us to speak with one of our friendly representatives who will be happy to help you decide which option is right for you. 

Do you need affordable and easy payroll? Celero has you covered with a broad range of cost-efficient services with our Full-Service Payroll. Handling payroll doesn’t have to be difficult or out of reach to merchants. Celero handles everything you need, including unlimited payroll, free payroll setup, free expert support, and much more.

Expert Tools and Care

We are committed to providing an all-inclusive payroll solution, so our merchants can focus on their business. As a merchant, payroll can be daunting, which is why we offer state-of-the-art, comprehensive technology tools for small businesses, including time off accrual rules, automatic tax filing, and more. 

You can create rules to automatically accrue time off for employees and even file payroll taxes automatically. Are you tired of end-of-year fees on W-2 and W-3? Switch to our Full-Service Payroll plan for guaranteed accuracy and protection from IRS fines. Not only do we offer convenient solutions for our merchants but, your employees as well. Celero provides a free employee portal for each employee, where they can access pay stubs and other important documents.

Affordable Service with No Hidden Fees

In addition to our convenient tools, Celero offers affordable services to ease the payroll process. One of the most exciting features of our Full-Service Payroll is the ability to run unlimited payrolls. You won’t have to worry about unnecessary per-payroll fees. For a one-time monthly fee, Celero offers premium services such as choosing the pay schedule you need and the means of payment to your employees. Another advantage of our Payroll Services is our free payroll setup and expert support. We believe in affordable solutions for our merchants with quality support. Our employees will happily walk you through every step of the process with no additional cost for high-touch serve.

Why Celero

As a merchant, you deserve expert care with hassle-free services. You shouldn’t have to worry about hidden fees or have to navigate the payroll process alone. Our solutions are designed to power your business to reach its full potential. Contact us today to get started with Full-Service Payroll from Celero.

The pandemic has taken a toll on small to mid-sized businesses across the country. At Celero, we want your business to succeed and reach its full potential. We’ve been consistently in search of solutions for companies, to help them survive what is still a difficult time for many. 

While the Payment Protection Program (PPP)  funds have been depleted, Celero has paired with Adesso Capital to provide real solutions for small businesses. We are excited to provide companies with the expanded Employment Retention Credit (ERC). 

What is the ERC Program

The ERC was created as a federal incentive to keep employees on the payroll. Your business could qualify for up to $26,000 per W2 employee, with the opportunity for an additional $7,000 by the end of the year. 

Even if you’ve received PPP funding, your company can still take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Another advantage to this program is that the money you receive is not a loan. Meaning, you can decide how to use the money to help your business grow. 

Who Is Eligible

Employers are eligible to receive the credit if they have experienced the full or partial suspension of the operation of their trade or business during any calendar quarter due to governmental orders limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings due to COVID-19, or a significant decline in gross receipts. 

We’ve partnered with Addesso Capital to make the filing process simple and easy. Not only will Adesso Capital handle the processing of your tax credit, the company will also maximize the money you receive. 

How the ERC Helps Small Businesses

The ERC is a great option to help small businesses find more solid footing and we're excited to help you along the way. Small businesses have been hit hard, not only in terms of their revenue, but also in their ability to compete with larger companies for talented employees.  The new tax credit offered by the government enables small businesses to pay competitive wages and attract and retain great employees. 

Celero and our partners are here to help small businesses stand strong within a competitive market. The ERC is a vital resource for our small businesses to survive and grow. 

Contact us today to learn more about the ERC program for Celero merchants, powered by Adesso Capital.

Across the country, merchants are seeing the number of credit and debit card transactions shoot up, as cash payments continue to decline. Processing fees can add up quickly and impact your bottom-line profits. Fortunately, our cash discount program Choice is here to help!

Simple, Legal, and Effective 

According to a 2021 report, approximately 71 percent of consumers utilize either a debit or credit card to make purchases in stores. For years, this statistic has been growing and it’s no wonder that many merchants are looking for ways to decrease their payment processing fees. In some cases, merchants are saddled with monthly bills which total multiple thousands of dollars, which can be detrimental to the success of their businesses. To offset these substantial charges, Choice enables businesses to add a non-cash service fee to all purchases made via debit or credit card. It presents a simple, legal, and highly effective solution for reducing monthly processing costs. 

With this program, your customer will be given the option to pay their balance using a debit or credit card, or accept a discount in return for paying with cash. For any non-cash purchases, a small service fee will be added to the total purchase cost. This transfers part of the burden of the processing costs along to customers. While it’s useful for all sizes and types of businesses, it’s especially helpful for merchants who frequently sell small-ticket items, such as coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations. However, it’s not just loved by business owners: Customers love it, too! It provides them an easy opportunity to save money on each of their purchases. 

Get Started 

If you’re ready to start saving up to 90 percent on your monthly processing fees, it’s time to try out Choice. We’ll handle the equipment set-up, signage, and training, so you can just focus on growing your business. Contact our team today to schedule a demonstration!

We’re committed to providing financial institutions with the expert guidance, high-tech tools, and caring service they need to thrive. Celero Commerce is excited to announce our new webinar series, BankMax Broadcast, which will provide you and your team with advice on optimizing your organization. 

Upcoming Webinars 

We pride ourselves in providing banks and their merchant clients with unrivaled fintech, including payment devices, software solutions, mobile apps, and much more. From Celero Confirm, which provides banks with automated underwriting, to our award-winning program RazorSync, which helps field service management businesses grow, our arsenal of tools is constantly growing to meet the needs of a changing marketplace. 

In the upcoming webinars, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of the cutting-edge solutions that will enable you and your clients to grow like never before. If you’re interested in attending one of our discussions, make sure to complete the short registration form. Check out the exciting webinars we’ve got on the calendar for 2022: 

Residual Reporting in Compass 

• January 12th, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT
• Register Now

Prospecting in 2022 

• January 26th, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT
• Register Now

Choice Cash Discounting 

• February 16th, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT
• Register Now

The Truth Behind Integrations

• March 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT
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If you have any questions, please reach out to your Celero Relationship Manager. They would be happy to provide you with additional information. 

When your merchant clients win, so does your financial institution. That’s why it’s important to equip the businesses you assist with technology that will ensure their profitability for years to come. One of these tools is Celero Choice, our cash discount program which transfers a portion of the credit and debit card processing fees from the business owner to the consumer. Let’s discuss this program and the multitude of perks available to our merchants.

Simple, Legal, and Effective 

Over the years, a growing number of consumers have made the decision to trade out cash for their debit or credit cards. According to a report from 2021, around 71 percent of people opt to utilize a bank card to make purchases in stores. While the convenience for the consumer is undeniable, this increase in card payments has put a heavy strain on businesses across the country. Many merchants are saddled with monthly payment processing bills which total in the multiple hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These significant costs can significantly impact a company’s profitability and as a result, this hurts your financial institution. Fortunately, Choice will help your clients offset these costs by adding a non-cash service fee to all purchases made via debit or credit card. 

The way it works is when your client goes to ring up a purchase, their customer will be given the choice to pay their balance using a card, or accept a discount in exchange for paying with cash. For non-cash purchases, a small service fee will be added to the purchase cost. This simple, legal, and highly effective solution transfers a portion of the processing fees along to the consumer, which spares your client from incurring the whole cost. While Choice is a game-changer for all sizes and types of businesses, it’s especially useful for merchants who sell small-ticket items, such as fast-food restaurants, gas stations, and coffee shops. Plus, customers love it because it gives them a straightforward opportunity to save money on every single one of their purchases. 

Equip Your Merchants With Choice 

Businesses that utilize Choice can save up to 90 percent on their monthly processing fees, which is great for both their bottom-line and yours. To save your clients time and effort, our team will handle the equipment set-up, signage, and employee training. If you’re ready to learn more about Choice and how it will help you and your clients succeed, contact us to schedule a demonstration!

It is with great pleasure that we announce the latest recipient of the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award: Jake Speltz, Vice President of Major Client Relations. Honoring the late Mike Duffy, a legendary mentor and leader to many at Celero and beyond, the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is given to those who embody our organizational values: respect, excellence, communication, intention, performance, user experience, and simple, disruptive solutions. Jake Speltz has demonstrated a unique ability to live these values in his work with clients and colleagues alike.

“There are very few individuals whose daily efforts resonate throughout the organization like Jake’s,” said Kevin Brolan, Executive Vice President of Sales. “Jake has been extremely collaborative across sales channels separate from his. His friendly attitude and openness to conversation about improvement is a comforting presence to have in a competitive environment.”

In his role as VP of Major Client Relations, Jake has gone above and beyond his individual responsibilities. Whether it's providing a morale boost when he sees the sales corner feeling down, taking the time for a long conversation with a bank partner, or sharing knowledge with his teammates, Jake is an empathetic and supportive leader who leads by example.

“Jake Speltz has your back no matter what,” said Kevin Brolan. “Specifically, his work with Pinnacle Bank and the rollout of Celero Connect have been two absolutely crucial items from the past quarter that Jake has executed. Jake’s attention to detail and strategic approach with these two initiatives helped take the FI channel to another level in delivering on Celero’s high-tech, high-touch approach.”

The Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is peer-nominated and driven. The highest honor at Celero Commerce, this award recognizes those who practice team values like selflessness, humility, and initiative. These values were an integral part of Michael Duffy’s leadership philosophy, and they’re shared by Celero’s leaders today.

“Jake is the type of guy who’s always willing to sit down and talk with colleagues across all departments,” said CEO Kevin Jones. “He’s not only a great leader here at Celero, but also a great person in general. Jake’s contributions extend beyond the FI channel and throughout the whole organization.”

Jake will join his fellow cohort of Duffy Award recipients at Celero’s second annual Duffy Leadership Summit in 2022. Bringing together leaders and top performers throughout the organization, this event is a celebration of our success and an opportunity to discuss the future. The second annual Duffy Leadership Summit will include all 2020 Duffy Award recipients plus the top 10 percent of performers in other departments. And, it wouldn’t be a Celero event without some signature Nashville entertainment and a special guest speaker or two.

Jake Speltz will receive a commemorative Duffy Award plaque, following in the tradition of 2020 winners Nicole Becher, Abigail Lucier, Karo Torosyan, Spencer Ellis, Kristia Poppe, and Lea Telonis, and previous 2021 winners Kim Henley and Marcia Ortez. The next Duffy Award winner will be announced early next year.

An important element of running a successful scrap recycling business is finding the right POS solution to suit your unique needs. Your business is like no other, so why should you settle for a one-size-fits-all system? At Celero, we offer customizable solutions that pack a serious punch. 

Celero Connect 

If you’re on the hunt for a versatile, powerful processor that will empower you to run your company from anywhere in the world, you need Celero Connect. This user-friendly payment gateway enables you to accept all forms of payments, whether in-person, over the phone, curbside, online, or contactless, from a single platform. It makes unifying all your streams of revenue a stress-free breeze! 

If you find yourself constantly on the go and frequently accept payments while out of your shop, the mobile app has got you covered. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and reliable, so you can always trust it to get the job done, without any downtime.  

In addition to accepting payments, Celero Connect provides a comprehensive variety of features we know you’ll love. This incredible gateway enables you to send digital invoices right to your customers’ inboxes, which can be paid with the click of a button. 

You can also set up recurring billing options, securely store customer data for future payment and marketing use, manage your merchant contacts, accept electronic checks, and generate in-depth reports. An added perk is that this gateway has a QuickBooks plug-in that will save you time and hassle when it comes to your accounting.

SwipeSimple 

As its name suggests, SwipeSimple is the ultimate gateway for business owners looking for a simple, yet powerful, system of accepting payments. The user interface is simple, sleek, and easy to operate, and we know you and your team will love using it. You can use this program to securely accept any type of payment, including in-person, over the phone, contactless, online, and curbside, right from a device you already own. 

It works on any iOS or Android device, or any web browser, so there’s no need to purchase any new equipment. However, if you’re looking to pair your device with a card reader, receipt printer, or cash drawer, they offer a variety of options for you to choose from. 

Beyond accepting payments, SwipleSimple offers streamlined invoicing, a secure customer vault for storing sensitive information, and easy payment links which can be shared via social media, email, text, or anywhere you do business online. If you’re interested in generating enhanced data that will help to guide your decision-making, you’ve come to the right place because the SwipeSimple dashboard offers an easy-to-use insights generation solution that will help you create in-depth reports. When the right data is guiding your decisions, you’re on the right path toward success. 

Contact Us

Are you ready to get started? Contact our team today and let’s discuss which payment solution is right for you and your business.

Acquisition of Florida-based national payment processor strengthens Celero Commerce’s commitment to providing high-tech, high-touch solutions for merchants

Nashville, TN – December 14, 2021 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), today announced the acquisition of Everest Payment Solutions (“Everest”) a national provider of payment processing services.

With the addition of Florida-based Everest, Celero, a top ten non-bank payment processor in the United States, will serve over 45,000 merchants processing more than $18 billion in annual card volume.

“We are excited to join the Celero Commerce family,” said Marty Friend, President, and co-founder of Everest. “We share Celero’s high-tech, high-touch approach to the industry. We built Everest on a similar philosophy—to provide merchants high quality electronic payments solutions and white glove support. The addition of Celero’s technology and business management solutions will empower our team to best serve our community business owners.”

“The Everest team deploys bundled technology solutions in the local communities it serves to help these businesses achieve sustainable growth,” said Kevin Jones, founder, and CEO of Celero Commerce. “Their approach and culture align with our commitment to the SMB space, providing entrepreneurs with the technology and support needed to compete and win. We are excited to welcome the Everest team to Celero and continue to serve community-based businesses.”

About Celero Commerce

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

In addition to being the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for business owners. Here are a few things you should do to prepare your shop for the incoming influx of customers. 

Have the Right Payment Device 

Nothing can put a damper on a bustling day at your shop like your payment terminal malfunctioning. If this has ever happened to you, you know how detrimental it can be to your bottom line and the satisfaction of your customers. This year, gift yourself one of our cutting-edge, supremely reliable payment devices and say “goodbye” to headaches caused by outdated technology. From our countertop options with built-in cash drawers to our wireless, touchscreen devices, we know you’ll love our wide selection of devices. We’ve got the perfect one for you so contact us today. 

Offer Gift Cards to Your Customers

If there’s one gift that every person enjoys receiving, it’s a gift card. However, consumers aren’t the only ones who adore gift cards: Businesses across the world love them because they’re cost-effective, easy to track, and effectively build customer loyalty. We’ll help you create custom gift cards to build your brand and entice buyers who are looking for a convenient, fun gift for their loved ones. Our team will also sync any cards issued to your POS system which will allow for better inventory tracking and reporting. Once redeemed, they can also be easily converted to loyalty cards for your new customers.

Stock Up on Processing Supplies

Most businesses experience an increase in sales during the holiday and for some, their number of purchase transactions can double, or even triple, during this busy time of the year! If you’re anticipating a sudden influx of shoppers, make sure to stock up on payment processing supplies, such as ink cartridges and terminal paper, so you never have to worry about running out. Better yet, join our Merchant Club which is a valuable program we offer to all of our merchant partners. For under $20 per month, you’ll receive unlimited processing supplies, a convenient terminal replacement program, and on-call support from our team of specialists. 

Don’t Forget to Check Your Inventory 

During the holiday season, products will be flying off the shelf at record speed, so make sure that you have the right inventory tracking system in place. This will ensure that your customers are able to check off everything on their lists and you’re able to keep up with demand. CashierLive, our all-in-one POS system designed for retailers, will be your saving grace this season! It’s the perfect solution for managing your inventory, as well as accepting payments with ease, generating in-depth analytics, and improving customer loyalty. 

You Can Always Count on Celero 

We’re always here for you. Reach out today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to help you prepare your business for your most profitable holiday season yet. 

When everything’s running smoothly, owning a pet store can be a blast. You get to spend time around adorable critters, give your expert recommendations on products, and put smiles on the faces of your customers, humans and pets alike. However, as soon as there’s an issue with your payment and/or business management system, the enjoyment of running your own business fizzles away. 

If you’re looking for a reliable solution that’s suited to your unique business needs, CashierLive is your answer. Let’s discuss a few of its perks for pet store owners!

Accept Payments in a Flash 

When you process payments using CashierLive, you’ll enjoy a user-friendly terminal, low fees, and lightning-fast processing times. With the click of a button, you’ll be able to accept any form of payment, whether it’s credit, debit, or contactless, right from your payment device, iPhone, iPad, or desktop computer. You’ll also have the option to send your customer a receipt via email, which is a great way to reduce waste. 

Manage Customer Data and Increase Loyalty 

Thanks to the built-in CRM system, you’ll be able to track purchases, collect business insights, and increase customer loyalty by leaps and bounds. While providing great service is an important part of creating lifelong customer relationships, it’s also important to have access to in-depth data that will help you learn how to better serve your clients. 

Cutting-Edge Payment Hardware

If you’re in the market for a new payment device, CashierLive offers an unmatched selection of affordable and high-end options that will enable you to make sales in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re looking for a touchscreen device with a built-in receipt printer or an add-on cash drawer that can be synchronized with your iPhone, we’ve got what you’re looking for. 

Create Real-Time Reports

One common barrier to small business growth is a lack of proper data generation and reporting capabilities. When you don’t have hard numbers to guide your decision-making, it’s easy to get off track and stall your company’s expansion. CashierLive solves this problem by providing business owners with the performance, accounting, and employee reporting they need to move forward with confidence. 

Get the Support You Need

Any business solution is useless without the proper customer service team to help you navigate it. That’s why we’ve made it our top priority to ensure our clients receive the best technical and customer support in the payments industry. When you process with us, you can rest assured that our team of experts is here whenever you might need help. If you’re experiencing a technical issue or have any questions, we’re just a phone call, email, or live chat away from resolving your problem. 

Grow Your Pet Store With the Help of CashierLive 

Having the right payment and business optimization solution is essential for growing your pet store. If you’re interested in taking your business to the next level, contact us today and one of our skilled representatives will get you started. Cashier Live is a game-changer for businesses like yours!

In order to grow your roofing business, it’s essential to equip yourself with cutting-edge technological solutions designed for your industry. At Celero, we offer a carefully curated selection of payment and business optimization services that will assist you in running your business, attracting new clients, and speeding up the billing process. 

RazorSync

Our award-winning software and mobile app RazorSync is the final word in field service business management. With a wide variety of powerful solutions all packed into a single platform, you’ll have all the tools needed to succeed at the tip of your fingers. RazorSync will provide you with everything you need to grow your business, improve customer satisfaction, and maximize the efforts of you and your team. 

• Available on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet 
• Manage your business and access your sensitive data from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection
• User-friendly interface and visually appealing display 
• Schedule jobs, dispatch workers, and streamline work order flows with the click of a button 
• Easily handle job site invoicing 
• Process payments and send out customized receipts to customers
• Fully-integrated with QuickBooks 
• Superior security settings that will keep you and your customers safe and sound 
• Top-tier support that will ensure you have all the guidance necessary to grow your organization 

SwipeSimple

The key to keeping your revenues flowing is having a payment solution that works for you, not against you. SwipeSimple empowers you to easily and efficiently take payments anywhere your business might take you. The best part? You won’t need to invest in purchasing a payment acceptance terminal because it works with devices you already own. You can accept payments on any iOS or Android device, or any web browser. 

• Process payments instantly 
• Securely store customer information for future transactions 
• Easily create and send customized invoices to your valued clients 
• Generate digital payment links that can be sent via email, text, or social media for instant purchasing power
• Easy-to-use interface that enables you and your team to accept payments and collect customer data with zero stress 
• Optional add-on accessories that will make completing payment transactions even simpler
• User-friendly dashboard that helps you track payments, generate game-changing insights, and manage your business from anywhere you have internet access 
• Fantastic customer support and an online library of helpful resources 

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re ready to start growing your business in ways you never thought possible, contact us. One of our knowledgeable representatives will be happy to tell you more about how RazorSync and SwipeSimple will help your company thrive. 

In order to be successful and ensure full compliance with regulatory bodies, it’s important for your pharmacy to have a payment solution that’s specifically designed to suit your unique needs. With CashierLive, you get the easy payment acceptance solutions you need, paired with convenient integrations with popular pharmacy management programs. 

Easy, Fast Payments 

When it comes to payments, your customers want fast, convenient service so they can get on their way to the next errand. With CashierLive, you can effortlessly accept transactions via chip and stripe, as well as FSA and HSA cards. Due to new rules and regulations,  accepting FSA and HSA cards has become more difficult for pharmacies, but thanks to CashierLive’s SIGIS-certified system, accepting these types of payments is a breeze. 

Multiple Integrations 

Whether you use SpeedScript, CarePoint, HBS, QS1, or another similar pharmacy management or point-of-sale system, CashierLive offers seamless integration to allow for the ultimate efficiency in your operations. Key information, such as prescription numbers and prices, will be stored to speed up the checkout process. Additionally, all required signatures are collected and securely sent to your pharmacy management system for future reference. 

Superior Compliance 

To prevent the abuse and illicit purchase of pseudoephedrine, many states require that pharmacies utilize the MethCheck system, which is a specialized software that tracks pseudoephedrine sales. If you’re located in a state that requires this program, you’re in luck, because CashierLive is already fully integrated with it! Ensuring full compliance with state and federal laws just got easy.

Secure Signatures 

For some purchases, your customer will need to sign multiple times to submit their payment and acknowledge the receipt of their medication. Without the right payments provider, tracking and storing these signatures gets complicated. Fortunately, CashierLive is integrated with multiple pharmacy management systems and helps to simplify the process of collecting customer signatures.

Multiple Device Options

Pharmacies are increasingly starting to offer prescription deliveries, which can present issues if your payment system isn’t equipped to accept on-the-go payments and signatures. In addition to their in-store system, CashierLive has a mobile app that can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet, which is ideal for completing deliveries. Any information collected via the mobile app is automatically synced with the in-store program to allow for easy reporting and open communication. 

Comprehensive Support 

On top of all these features, CashierLive offers on-call support services to help you get the most out of this top-of-the-line payment solution. Whenever you have a question or need help, you can contact their friendly customer support team to receive expert assistance. Plus, everything’s included in your subscription! There are no extra fees whatsoever. 

Learn More 

Are you ready to get CashierLive for your pharmacy? Contact us to learn more about this powerful payment acceptance and business optimization solution.

Celero Commerce recently sent teams from our corporate office and the Dallas-Fort Worth area to one of the premier events in the processing world, the Annual Conference of the Western States Acquirers Association (WSAA).

The Western States Acquirers Association is a nonprofit that provides an independent forum dedicated to keeping acquirers educated and informed on the ever-changing needs of the financial services industry.

Held October 13-14 at the Omni Hotel Fort Worth, the WSSA Annual Conference delivered on its mission on multiple fronts. The event featured several celebrations and networking sessions, as well as notable industry speakers, panels, and educational seminars hosted by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). 

Celero’s founder and CEO Kevin Jones was honored to participate in an industry panel alongside Greg Cohen of FortisPay and Erick Lookhoff of Quickfee. With the recent acquisitions of TransNational Payments, FlashBanc, RazorSync, and CashierLive, Jones came to the convention with fresh and unique perspectives on mergers and acquisitions in the fintech space. During the panel, titled “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – M & A impacts on ISO and Fintech,” Kevin focused on Celero’s highly intentional approach to transactions, our mission of serving small to midsize businesses, and the importance of company culture when integrating organizations. 

“For us, culture fit is very important,” Kevin explained. “If you run across obstacles with people who are bought in and rowing in the same direction, it's infinitely easier to combat those obstacles than it is if people aren't working together.” 

Kevin believes that in the next 5 years, we’ll see more change in the fintech industry than we have in the past 20. As more merchants adopt the mindset that fintech is at the very core of their success, businesses like Celero must find new, faster, and better ways of meeting the technological needs of their customers. 

“I firmly believe that M & A is a positive force for the payments ecosystem and that it’s a conduit that brings new ideas to life,” Kevin continued during the panel discussion. “While innovation and growth can happen independently, M & A is a great option that is proven to be a very effective path forward.”

To learn more about the WSAA, visit https://westernstatesacquirers.net/. 

Last month, VP of Corporate Development Abigail Lucier hosted a panel titled “How Do You Define Success?” for the Women’s Network in Electronic Transactions (Wnet) at Celero headquarters in Nashville. The panel also featured CEO Kevin Jones and Genevieve Dozier, Chief Business Development Officer at Merchant's PACT. They explored a range of topics together, including career building tips, personal and professional branding, and women in payments.

“This was my first time hosting an event for Wnet, and it was a wonderful experience,” said Abigail. “You can script talking points and create a game plan, but it’s those off-script moments that move me. The ones where you can feel yourself, the audience, and the panelists truly connecting to a topic.” 

Lucier moderated a lively conversation between the panelists and attendees, followed by refreshments, networking, and live entertainment from Nashville’s own Harper Grae and Rand Walter.

“Too often in the world of business, women leaders are written off as less capable than their male counterparts,” said Kevin Jones. “I’m excited to take part in building a future where female professionals are given the respect, responsibility, and trust they deserve. I hope that participating in this event and voicing my support will help women across the industry feel more confident in claiming the seats they’ve earned in the boardroom. Women leaders are going to play a vital role in bringing the payments industry to the next level.”

Lucier views this event as a launching point for a new Wnet chapter she’s starting in the greater Nashville area. She says it will be a space that acknowledges the need for inclusion in the payments industry and sparks important discussions.

“I’m excited to expand our footprint and provide opportunities for women in payments,” she said. “Making the payments industry a more inclusive space should be an overarching goal for all businesses, and organizations like Wnet are catalysts for ensuring that progress continues.”

To learn more about Wnet, visit https://www.wnetonline.org.

The reason you opened a veterinary clinic is that you adore animals and want to spend time caring for them. But sometimes, the everyday hassles of running a business can get in the way of spending as much time as possible with your “clients.” Fortunately, we offer a carefully curated selection of payment solutions tailored to fit your unique needs. Let’s discuss these incredible gateways that empower you to accept payments easily and stress-free. 

Celero Connect: Reliable, Powerful, and Secure  

Celero Connect, which offers the ultimate flexibility, reliability, and efficiency, makes processing payments from your valued customers a breeze! You’ll love the simple, intuitive interface and the wide range of features that will help to keep your revenue stream flowing. 

• Accepts credit, debit, and ACH with ease 
• In-person, over-the-phone, contactless, and online payments
• E-invoicing that allows you to invoice customers via email or SMS text message. With the click of a button, customers can submit their payments 
• Customizable recurring billing options that are easy to set up and a significant time-saver 
• Real-time invoice creation with custom branding options 
• Enhanced reporting that will empower you to more effectively keep track of your expenses, revenues, and pending payments 
• Advanced fraud monitoring, detection, and scrubbing to keep your customers safe and secure 
• An ironclad customer vault to store sensitive personal information

SwipeSimple: Easy, Quick, and Effective 

If you’re looking for the easiest to use payment gateway on the market, SwipeSimple is your solution. Their user-friendly platform enables you to take your business wherever you have internet access, accept payments from anywhere in the world and at any time, and easily grow your business. 

• In-person, phone, online, and contactless payment acceptance capabilities
• Lightning-fast processing speeds 
• A secure customer vault to store important information that can be used to speed up future billing 
• Easily accept payments on any iOS or Android device, plus any web browser. You already have the tools needed to start processing payments
• Advanced fraud protection that will keep you and your valued customers safe and sound 
• Professional, fully customized invoicing that allows customers to pay their bills in a flash
• A visually appealing interface that you and your employees will love navigating through 
• Payment links that can be emailed, texted, or shared via social media 

The Right Tools to Simplify Your Payment Acceptance Process

Celero Connect and SwipeSimple are both excellent options for veterinary clinics, but depending on your organization’s needs, one might be a better fit. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives who will be happy to walk you through each program and whether or not it’s right for you, your customers, and your employees.

This press release is courtesy of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) has recognized three companies with the payments industry's highest honor, the 2021 ETA Star Awards – Response to COVID-19, presented at the ETA Strategic Leadership Forum. This year's winners are Celero Commerce, Homebase, and NCR Corporation.

The 2021 ETA Star Award — Response to COVID-19 was created to acknowledge the important work of the payments and fintech industry in keeping commerce running and going the extra mile for their customers and employees in response to the pandemic. The winners were judged and selected by the ETA Awards & Recognition Committee, composed of a panel of industry executives of ETA member companies.

"During the pandemic, ETA's member companies were nimble, flexible, and adaptive to provide much-needed support to their merchant customers and employees," said Jodie Kelley, CEO of ETA. "It was a pleasure to acknowledge the ETA Star Award – Response to COVID-19 honorees for the important work they did to adapt and help their customers engage in commerce in new ways and to support their employees and their communities during the pandemic." 

Each Star Award winner's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is detailed below.

Celero Commerce

Celero Commerce was formed to bundle payments, software, and data to help small to midsized businesses level the playing field and win in the marketplace. During the pandemic, its mission shifted to help American small businesses survive and thrive. The company responded quickly to the crisis, equipping its merchants with a "Celero COVID-19 Survival Kit" that included new tools — including gift cards, e-commerce, curbside and ordering tools, and virtual payment terminals — to help them stay in business while adhering to social distancing guidance and regulations. Celero's goal was to get its partners back to the point of not merely surviving but thriving. The company prioritized providing revenue-driving opportunities to its partners, setting up payment gateways for nonprofits, and offering email invoices for small businesses. Additionally, Celero served its local Nashville community by building a diverse team of engineers, half of whom joined Celero after experiencing employment cutbacks due to COVID-19. Learn more.

Homebase

Homebase played a pivotal role in educating policymakers and the media about the devastating impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and their employees. The company's extensive customer base allowed it to track in real-time how many employees were — and were not — clocking in for work across cities, states, and industries. Additionally, Homebase built a financial resource site that provided critical information to businesses and workers, provided live support from certified HR professionals, and reconfigured its blog and newsletter with resources to help employees navigate the crisis. The company paused billing and refunded annual contracts to allow customers to get back money they desperately needed, and it created solutions to allow employees to access their pay sooner. Learn more.

NCR Corporation

When the pandemic hit and brought most businesses to a screeching halt, NCR reprioritized and established a global COVID-19 Response Task Force to provide fact-based decision-making and frameworks that prioritized the safety of employees and customers while maintaining business continuity. Through its #KeepCommerceRunning campaign, the company brought new meaning to employees' work and re-engaged many of its 14,000 field service employees to roles in manufacturing and service centers in an essential effort to keep commerce moving. By rapidly transforming its internal operations and customer focus to respond to pandemic conditions, NCR became a trusted resource for customers seeking government assistance, product development, and support to keep commerce running with contactless payments, online solutions, and stand-alone solutions for hospitality and retail merchants. Learn more.

About ETA

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the world's leading advocacy and trade association for the payments industry. Our members span the breadth of significant payments and fintech companies, from the largest incumbent players to the emerging disruptors in the U.S and in more than a dozen countries around the world. ETA members make commerce possible by processing approximately $22.5 trillion annually in purchases worldwide and deploying payments innovation to merchants and consumers. For more information, visit electran.org.

Media Contact
Joe Feese
Senior Director, External Communications
jfeese@electran.org
202-677-7401

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eta-announces-2021-eta-star-awards--response-to-covid-19-301388076.html

SOURCE Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)

Former TransNational Payments Now Part of Fast-Growing Payments, SaaS Provider for SMB

Nashville, TN– September 30, 2021– Nearly one year after its acquisition, Celero Commerce (“Celero”) today announced the full integration and rebrand of TransNational Payments (“TransNational”), a leading provider of electronic payments technology. 

With the addition of TransNational, as well as the previously acquired payments providers UMS Banking, Elmhurst Financial, FlashBanc, Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions, as well as SaaS developer RazorSync, the new Celero Commerce serves approximately 45,000 merchants processing more than $18 billion in card volume annually. Celero partners with more than 150 financial institutions and is now firmly ensconced as a top 10 non-bank payment processor in the United States. 

“The smooth integration of TransNational has only materially strengthened our ability to deliver bundled, simple to consume payment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses to help them compete, win and grow. With the team we have assembled, we aim to be the premier provider of bundled, technology-enabled payments solutions for the SMB segment,” said Jones. “It’s an incredible opportunity, but also an incredible responsibility we have to bring the very best products, services, and partnerships to the entrepreneurs who make our economy grow and our communities such great places to live and work.”

About Celero Commerce 

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. 

Media Contact:
Celero Commerce
Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer
scottf@celerocommerce.com 
972-533-5655

Top performers and culture carriers from across the Celero Commerce family gathered in Nashville from July 14-16 for the company's first-ever Duffy Leadership Retreat.

Named in honor of a longtime mentor to many of the company’s executives, the Michael Duffy Leadership Award is bestowed quarterly and annually to top performers who also most exemplify Celero’s values. The first Duffy Leadership Retreat brought together the company’s Duffy winners since the awards program’s inception in 2019. 

Joining the Duffy winners were other top-performing employees from virtually every corner of the company, including financial institution relationship management, direct sales, marketing, software, customer service, and operations. Attendees enjoyed a mix of professional and fun events throughout the three-day retreat in Music City.

Keynoting the event and sharing speaking duties with CEO Kevin Jones was former NBA great and current head men’s basketball coach at Vanderbilt University, Jerry Stackhouse. In addition to a focus on continually developing the group’s leadership skills, the retreat also featured a group session on understanding mergers and acquisitions in the fintech sector. 

“We designed the Duffy Leadership Retreat as a way to not only honor and inspire our first generation of true leaders and culture carriers, but to equip them for the future,” said Jones. “Many of those in the room will be in high positions of leadership and even the C-suite in years to come, and it’s important that we share as much as we can about how we are building this company to fulfill our mission.”

Fun events included tours of Nashville’s world-famous murals, the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as a surprise concert by Jake Owen and Friends at the venerable Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and the city’s “Mother Church of Country Music.” The group also enjoyed nights out on Broadway, Music City’s unique strip of honky-tonks. 

Honorees at Celero’s first Duffy Leadership Retreat included the inaugural annual winner of the Duffy Award, Vice President of Marketing Lea Telonis, as well as quarterly winners Nicole Becher, Karo Torosyan, Kristia Poppe, Abigail Lucier, and Spencer Ellis. Joining the Duffy winners in earning elite recognition were an array of high achievers, including Jacqueline Porthouse, John Correa, Jeremy Price, Brett Hansen, Michelle Schmuhl, Albert Pinkowski, Karen Penley, Greg Ericson, Joe Campbell, Will Foley, John Bostow, John Fraggis, Michael Favia, and Joseph Astobiza.

According to Telonis, the most special part of the event was the fact that the company’s leaders could all be together in one room for the first time, due to the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think everyone’s hearts were beating just a little bit faster, and we were even more excited for this type of event,” Telonis shared. “Celero is like a family, with such a supportive culture, and the feeling was that we were bringing the family together. It was just an amazing week.”

Congratulations to this year’s honorees at the 2021 Celero Commerce Duffy Leadership Retreat.

When the pandemic first hit, many businesses were scrambling to adapt their operations to suit the needs of a social-distanced society. The health and hygiene concerns associated with the COVID-19 virus caused many consumers to opt for curbside pickup, contactless transactions, and over-the-phone payments. As part of our longstanding commitment to helping independent retailers not only survive, but thrive, we pursued a new partnership with NMI, a premier provider of payment gateways, and Mastercard to help usher in next-generation payment solutions built for small businesses. 

“Our team at Celero knew that we couldn’t just sit back and watch this pandemic--and associated shutdowns, lockdowns, and the like--wreak havoc on our nationwide portfolio of small businesses,” remembered Kevin Jones, the company’s founder and CEO. “Being proactive took on a lot of meanings, from checking in with customers to see what we could do, helping them go digital with integrated websites for online ordering, and much more. Among our proudest achievements during this time was working with NMI, a longtime partner of ours, and Mastercard on revolutionizing contactless payments, something that’ll continue to grow and help our merchants long after the pandemic is gone.”

Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe: A Pandemic Success Story 

An excellent example of a business adapting its payments to suit the needs of a changing world is Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe, a charming candy store nestled in a cozy Chicago suburb. For nearly 40 years, they’ve been putting a smile on their customers’ faces with nostalgic candy that sparks joy, comfort, and happiness. While they specialize in old-fashioned candy that speaks to a simpler time, the current owner, Sue Johanson, knows her customers aren’t old-fashioned when it comes to money. For years, she’s observed an increasing number of customers coming in without cash and choosing to pay via credit card. In response, she chose to remove all minimum charges for card payments. 

With the emergence of COVID-19, Sue decided to modernize her shop’s payments in a major way, by delivering tap-and-go checkout and curbside pickup. Thanks to Cloud POS, a tap-on-phone solution developed by Mastercard, this step in the right direction was made simple, easy, and inexpensive. Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars to upgrade her point-of-sale terminals, Cloud POS, powered by NMI and delivered via Celero merchant processing solutions, enabled Sue to unlock contactless payments using a device she already owns: her smartphone. This innovative program turns a smartphone or tablet into a contactless payment acceptance device, which eliminates the need to invest in new hardware terminals or extra features. Sue’s customers love the convenience, safety, and speed that a contactless payment offers. 

Because of this timely and efficient response, Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe was able to offer their patrons a better way to pay, start offering curbside pickup, and keep both her customers and employees safe. By leveraging technology and embracing change, Sue has successfully pushed her business to new heights, and continued to provide Chicago residents with a sweet, delicious escape during a time when everyone is struggling to stay positive. 

Empowering Our Merchants 

By partnering with NMI and Mastercard, and gaining access to this cutting-edge technology we’re positioned to help small businesses compete and win. Cloud POS moves key elements of the payments acceptance process to the cloud which allows for tightened security precautions, reduced maintenance costs, and immediate connectivity for participating businesses. It provides an expedient and hygienic way for consumers to support their favorite local shops. As the pandemic continues, this software will play an important role in propelling more small businesses further into the digital space. 

“It’s amazing to see the innovations that arise during times of trouble,” Jones reflected. “When talented people from our company, NMI, and Mastercard, and merchants like Glen Ellyn Sweet Shop pull together, great things happen. I’m proud of our team for coming through and setting up our merchants for the brighter days that surely lie ahead.”

If you’re a business owner interested in learning more about how we can help your organization succeed during this pandemic, contact us today. We pride ourselves in being a trusted ally to independent merchants like yourself. 

Created in honor of one of fintech’s greatest leaders and a mentor to many at Celero Commerce, the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award is awarded to those who embody our most deeply held values as an organization: respect, excellence, communication, intention, performance, user experience, and simple, disruptive solutions. We’re excited to announce the latest recipient of this highest honor at Celero: Director of Bank Relationships Marcia Ortez.

While having a website enabled to accept card payments for your goods and/or services may increase your sales, there's an important need to ensure your website will not permit the submission of transactions other than valid sales from your bona fide customers. Unfortunately, invalid transactions can result in unexpected and unwanted costs. Let’s discuss card testing fraud, a growing type of fraud that is silently threatening the payments space, and how to effectively combat it.

The Basics

First, let’s define what card testing fraud is. When a fraudster obtains stolen credit card numbers, they need to determine if the cards are valid before making any significant purchases. To do this, they will attempt to make a small online purchase to determine if the card is approved and therefore eligible for use in fraudulent purchase transactions elsewhere. Additionally, they will be on the lookout for whether or not the Address Verification Service (AVS) and Card Verification Value (CVV) responses match. Typically, they will utilize bots or scripts that can run thousands of test transactions at a time. The successful cards are then used to make large, fraudulent purchases at various online retailers.

The Risks

In addition to the consumers who have had their financial information compromised, any merchant that accepts credit cards online is at risk for card testing fraud. Card testers look for websites with the least amount of friction and user verification requirements for making an online purchase. Non-profit organizations and charities are especially vulnerable to this type of fraud since their websites are specifically designed to make it as easy as possible to make a purchase or give a donation.

When a merchant experiences card testing on their website, there are several potential costs. Whether a sale is approved or declined, online transaction fees are still charged to the merchant. Completed sales that are not voided or refunded are subject to chargebacks and any associated fees. In addition to these fees, merchants will lose time and effort when dealing with the damage inflicted upon their brand and reputation as a result of the fraud attempt.

Preventing Fraud

When it comes to detecting this type of fraud, be on the lookout for multiple small-dollar transactions from different card numbers submitted within a short period of time. A majority of these transactions will either decline and/or have mismatched AVS and CVV responses. To reduce the likelihood of card testing, you can implement several measures that will improve your website’s security. There will always be a balancing act between tighter security measures and ensuring your customers have an easy checkout experience, but most consumers are already familiar with many of these security measures:

• Add a Captcha to your website: This makes it more difficult for bots and scripts to be used when testing cards. If you’re interested in getting this added to your website, make sure to contact us for assistance.
• Set AVS and CVV restrictions: These restrictions prevent sales from being accepted if there is a mismatched address, zip code, or CVV response. Most of the time, card testers will not have a valid address or CVV when testing illegally obtained credit card information. This will make their testing unsuccessful and often cause them to move onto less secure websites to perform their testing. To ensure the ultimate safety of your customers, we will set up your payment gateway to automatically perform this type of AVS and CVV filtering.
• Block fraudulent sales with IP restrictions: Another step you can take is to implement IP restrictions that will decline sales coming from outside of the United States, which is where most card testing happens. You can also set threshold limits on the number of sales that can be submitted from the same IP address. Most payment gateways and shopping carts already have these tools available.
• Fraud alerts: As an extra precaution, you can add an additional fraud monitoring product or software to your website to enforce transaction thresholds and alert you if potential card testing occurs.

Get Help

If you’re interested in learning more about card testing fraud and how to prevent it in your online shop, please contact us today! Ensuring the security of you and your customers is our top priority. 

The BankMax team at Celero Commerce is the driving force behind our promise of being "high-tech, high touch" with our largest community and regional bank clients nationwide. With dedicated support for your teams of bankers and customer service professionals, our team is committed to be a responsive, empowered problem-solver no matter the present challenge we face. 

As we go about our work, we use proprietary technology tools and human-driven processes to make our community and regional banks more competitive, not only against the larger direct competitor banks they’ve always faced, but also the rising tide of financial technology companies like Square. This new wave of competitors is coming through a back door of the community bank, the one that we should be guarding for you--merchant services. 

Protect Your Hard-Won Deposits, Grow NII

Oftentimes, bankers are challenged to know what’s happening within their own client base. At Celero, we help you identify your target market opportunity.

One of our aforementioned proprietary processes is how we mine data to examine your best fee income opportunities. This tool identifies fee income opportunities and, critically, your at-risk deposits. We also provide executive management at your bank with sales tracking tools, real-time revenue goals, and sales projections. With the BankMax growth program in place, we arm you for battle with facts--the facts you need in order to prepare your bankers and customer service teams with the information they need to protect your merchant base and help you grow it. 

A Sales Culture for the Win

In addition to great technology that helps you make data-driven decisions for precise targeting, our people equip your teams through the entire sales process, from training to prospecting, pricing, and closing the deal.

Banks have been implementing sales cultures for more than three decades, and we know that while there are some built-in challenges to arriving at a staff that’s engaged and motivated to sell, no matter the role, there are tried and true elements that solve these challenges rather routinely. In reality, your people need to see value in order to cross-sell and refer products and services outside of your core deposit and lending focus areas. When they have confidence placed in a competitive product and a trusted partner, they will indeed refer and pre-sell, on their credibility, your most valuable business relationships.

Our growth program adds fuel to the fire. You gain access to Celero's comprehensive sales training, best business practices, and even our own inside sales force to help you implement and execute not only a sales culture, but an elite one. In fact, our merchant sales practices are so successful that I’ve seen many of our relationships implement the BankMax way into all other banking products and services. These organizations are fast creating cultures based on results.

Banking the Right Way, As Always

Merchant pricing is complicated, and many of our competitors (and there are thousands of them) exploit this complexity in order to win merchant business that frankly, they don’t deserve. Celero partner banks pride themselves on leading with transparency and ethics, as they do with every product or service they sell. 

We help our partners reveal the predatory smoke-and-mirror pricing used by competitors to portray false savings opportunities used as incentives for clients to switch their services. Whether utilizing our real-time pricing tools and analysis or sending detailed statements into our office for comparison, our partner banks are on the cutting edge of product offerings and simplified sales tools.

BankMax: the Answer in These Challenging Times

With competitors now coming in all shapes and sizes, as well as many who will not only take their merchant services, but also their merchant relationships entirely, bankers are relying on data to make all sorts of decisions, from staffing to loan approvals to merchant processing. Now more than ever, having data that's presented in a visually engaging, simplified way is a necessary component for senior executives and board members at any company that’s in a competitive space. 

At Celero, our BankMax team understands your needs. We provide you with incredible analytics, from detailed daily merchant reporting to analysis to sales reporting. We pride ourselves on providing your bank with cutting-edge technology and reporting to manage and grow a successful portfolio. And we will always deliver this great technology with the kind of advice, training, coaching, and support to ensure that you succeed. 

If you’re looking for a great way to lower your credit card processing fees, Celero Choice is your solution! Let’s discuss this breakthrough program, first launched during the pandemic, and the benefits you’ll see as a business owner. 

What is Celero Choice? 

Over the past few years, credit card issuers have steadily increased the rewards given to card holders, and this has caused more people to reach for their card instead of cash while shopping. While this is great for the consumer, it has unfortunately pushed the cost of merchants accepting credit cards higher and higher. Many merchants are shocked at how high their bill is each month but we’ve developed a way to prevent high processing costs. 

Celero Choice is a cash discount program that enables businesses to add a non-cash service fee to all purchases made via credit card. 

How It Works

Here’s how Celero Choice works: Your customers are given the choice to pay the bill balance “as is” using a credit card or accept a discount in exchange for paying with cash. For any non-cash payments, a small service fee is added to the purchase cost. With cash discounting, you’re able to let the customers help pay for the rising fees related to rewards cards. It’s perfect for merchants who frequently transact small ticket items, such as gas stations, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants. By encouraging customers to pay via cash, this program helps to eliminate many processing fees altogether.

Why You and Your Customers Will Love It

This simple process is legal, beneficial to merchants, and appreciated by customers--you’re giving them more choice (it’s in the name, after all). Many consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the high processing fees charged by credit card companies. Surveys have shown that 80 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t think twice about paying a $1.00 fee on a $25.00 transaction for the convenience of using their credit card. A majority of consumers are understanding of the plight of small to mid-sized businesses when it comes to the costs of accepting credit cards, as well as other costs of doing business.

When it comes to setting up cash discounting at your business, Celero Choice couldn’t be easier. We’ll handle the set-up, in-store signage, and employee training. All you have to do is sign up, go about your normally scheduled work, and start saving money. While this won’t completely eliminate your monthly credit card processing fees, Choice will significantly lower your bill. Many merchants that implement this program see their fees drop below $50.00 a month, even if their prior fees were several hundred or even thousands of dollars!

Contact Us 

Are you interested in learning more about Celero Choice? Contact us today for additional information and guidance on getting started!  

Before we launched as a company, co-founders Kevin Jones and Jeff Brown made it Celero Commerce’s mission to equip community banks and their armies of small and mid-sized merchants with technology offerings previously reserved for large banks and enterprise-level businesses.  

We’ve stayed true to that mission, as many of you have seen in the software allied under our BANKMAX Compass. Compass is a suite of tools designed to help you, our community bank partners, acquire and grow commercial relationships while driving your non-interest income.  A key element of Compass, in addition to features like friction-less merchant onboarding and lead management, is an underwriting tool called Celero Confirm.

We realized that our liability-holding agent banks needed all the help we could give them with regard to underwriting. The world of electronic payments moves at much greater speed, and the risk comes at you fast. Confirm is an automated underwriting tool that keeps you not only agile, but secure, too. You’ll underwrite the majority of your new merchant deals quickly, while remaining compliant with all major card brands, sponsor banks, and industry regulators. 

Integrated with Compass, Confirm is just another great example of how we believe in our community bank partners. With the right tools for the job, we know you can do anything.

Your lawn is one of the first things people notice when visiting your home. For many Americans, having a lush, green, well-landscaped yard is absolutely essential to creating that “dream house.” In this article, we’ll take a look at five success tips that can help your business stand out in this ever-popular industry.

1. Create an Online Presence

In 2021, people need to be able to find your business online. These days, it’s the first place most of us look when in need of a service. You want to be sure that anyone in your area who searches for “landscapers near me” will see your business pop up. Even if you do great business through word-of-mouth and have survived with a minimal presence online (or none at all), putting time and effort into building your online presence will attract new clients who wouldn’t have heard of your company otherwise. In addition, your website and social media channels present a great opportunity to build your brand. Utilize them as a place where clients can get to know not just what you do, but who you are. What are your values as a business? How can clients expect to be treated? Are there past clients who can attest to this using testimonials? Your online presence should build your brand, and vice versa.

2. Invest in Eco-Friendly Equipment & Practices

Environmental responsibility weighs heavily on the modern consumer’s mind, especially when deciding which company to hire for a big, ongoing project. Clients want to feel like they’re making the best decision for themselves and for the environment. Investing in greener practices doesn’t mean going solar overnight; simply making incremental changes over time demonstrates a clear commitment to the environment. For example, you could go paperless as a company by switching to a mobile field service management software like RazorSync; replace old vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones; or purchase office supplies made from recycled materials. There are a variety of ways, big and small, to show your client base that you care about the environment as much as they do.

3. Hire the Right People

If you’ve taken the time to build a great business, you want to ensure that field workers, who serve as the face of that business, are embodying the values and practices that make it great. You could have the most efficient and expensive equipment in the world, but one unkind field employee will still lead to bad client reviews. Seek friendly, motivated, strong-minded individuals whose vision for the business matches up with your own. Employees, too, will appreciate your efforts to create a positive company culture. You’ll enjoy a greater sense of shared commitment and comradery when you’re hiring the right people for your business.

4. Learn from Others

Smart companies know the importance of staying on top of trends and current best practices. Even if you know you’re the best of the best, never stop learning! Your training should be an ongoing process throughout the life of your business. Check out trade association meetings or manufacturer’s training events. Network with other landscapers in your area to hone your skills and see what local clients are demanding. You can learn a lot from the competition, whether it’s a new field technique or a better way to manage things at the office.

5. Enlist the Help of Field Service Management Software

Field service management software like RazorSync makes the hardest parts of running your business – like managing field workers and processing customer payments – seamless. From GPS tracking to automatic billing to QuickBooks integration, RazorSync provides everything you need to run your lawncare and landscape business like a well-oiled machine. Invoice clients in seconds, right on the job site; track field workers via GPS in real time; and cut down substantially on paperwork. Visit https://www.razorsync.com/ to request a free live demo.

Ever since we started Celero in 2018, we’ve made it our mission to continuously evolve and expand—from adding new payment solutions every year to releasing our very own gateway, Celero Connect. Now, we’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to Celero’s growing portfolio: CashierLive, a cutting-edge software platform for retail and point-of-sale.

CashierLive represents everything that we love at Celero: making life easier for small business owners, selling the latest and greatest payments technologies, and providing best-in-class service to our partners. CashierLive delivers all that and more with their smart POS software, designed for businesses across virtually every industry. Features include inventory, reporting, customer relationship management, and much more. The best part is, it’s all bundled together in one easy-to-use platform, which can be accessed anywhere from multiple devices.

With this latest partnership, we continue to expand our range of solutions and empower our employees to sell even more high-tech products and services. We know that our team members, and especially those in client-facing roles, will love CashierLive just as much as we do!

To learn more about this exciting addition to the Celero family, please visit www.cashierlive.com. #PoweredByCelero

Streamlined system represents the latest in bundled solutions from Celero, reaffirming the company’s commitment to small and mid-sized businesses nationwide

This past quarter marked the launch of one of our more significant innovations for merchants nationwide. We are proud to announce the release of Celero Connect, an omni-channel payment gateway designed to help manage and grow businesses on a single platform. The move marks an exciting new chapter for our company, its 40,000 merchant partners, and its 150 financial institution partners.

“Celero Connect is the most versatile and user-friendly payment gateway on the market,” said Celero Commerce Chief Technology Officer Charlie Berard. “Our focus has always been on enabling our merchant partners to grow sustainably and with ease, and we’re thrilled to now offer an all-in-one solution to the many challenges that they face on a daily basis.”

The Celero Connect platform offers a full range of payment processing and business management capabilities. It represents the future of payments, where cards can be accepted anywhere through virtual terminals, mobile phones, E-commerce, EMV, and contactless payments. Going far beyond card processing, Connect also gives merchants easy access to real-time reports, enhanced data, a customer vault, and much more.

The release of Celero Connect follows a period of rapid growth and success since the company’s launch in 2018. “Celero was created to help small and medium-sized businesses compete and win in the marketplace, which we do by delivering highly intuitive software and payments solutions,” said company co-founder and CEO Kevin Jones. “With the launch of this software, we’re one step closer to becoming the most recognized name when it comes to all-in-one, bundled solutions for small business.”

Contact your relationship manager to learn more about what Celero Connect, now available to all of our FI partners, can do for your merchants. 

Although contactless payments have been around for years, they’re just now starting to gain major traction in the United States. The hygiene concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many consumers to embrace contactless payment methods, but it’s important to remember that contactless isn’t a temporary fad. Let’s discuss the remarkable technology behind these payments!

The Basics of Near Field Communication 

Contactless payments are made possible thanks to Near Field Communication (NFC), a short-range wireless technology that enables two devices to remotely communicate with each other. Similar to Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi, NFC works by sending information via radio waves from one NFC-compatible device to another. The device transmitting data, most commonly a smartphone or credit card, is classified as “NFC active” and the device receiving data, usually a payment terminal, is “NFC passive.” In order for these devices to communicate with each other, they need to be held within 4 centimeters of each other. 

Modern-day NFC technology was born from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which was patented in 1983. Even after RFID was introduced to the world, it took a few years for it to be picked up and tweaked into the NFC technology we know and love today. In 2004, Nokia, Philips, and Sony joined forces to create the NFC Forum, a non-profit dedicated to bringing NFC technology to people around the globe. Without these three influential companies banding together to spread the word about this technology, it’s likely that contactless payments and other NFC-enabled functions wouldn’t be as developed as they are today. 

The Future of Payments 

Before the pandemic, contactless payments were slowly gaining popularity in America. Fast forward to 2021, and this payment method is quickly becoming the preferred option for many consumers. Despite the slow adoption in the United States prior to COVID-19, countries like New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Phillippines, and many European countries have been using and loving this payment method for years! The world is going contactless for a multitude of reasons: 

• Hygiene: Contactless payments are more hygienic. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends utilizing contactless payments whenever possible since it will help prevent the spread of disease. 
• Security: Simply put, contactless payments are significantly safer than the outdated magnetic stripe payment method. In order to complete a contactless transaction, a unique one-time code is generated and sent to the payment terminal. The code doesn’t contain any card information so even if it’s compromised, hackers aren’t able to make any further purchases using it. 
• Faster: While chip payments are just as secure as contactless payments, they take longer to process. To be exact, contactless transactions take about half the time of a chip transaction. 

Contact Us Today

Offering contactless payments improves your checkout experience significantly. Contact us today to learn about our contactless solutions designed for merchants!

When you’re spending 40 hours a week at work, you want that time to be as enjoyable as possible, and that’s where company culture comes in. The more positive you can make your culture, the more your employees will want to stick around and invest in your company’s mission.

I look at company culture as something that happens organically. It’s not necessarily about creating a culture, but rather creating the room for culture to create itself. Most importantly, that means finding the right people. You need employees who are going to buy in wholeheartedly to your vision and contribute to something larger than themselves.

When I first came onboard at Celero, I was looking forward to the challenge of creating a company culture from scratch. Being a new organization, and especially one that has been formed with various disparate groups through acquisitions, creating a sense of culture is much harder. In some ways, you’re adopting culture; in other ways, you’re refreshing it or creating a new one. I’ve gotten the chance to watch as different groups have come together to navigate new waters.

I gravitated toward those challenges because I knew they would also bring a tremendous amount of opportunity. Work is a huge aspect of life, and the more you can make work be a parallel stream to the life you want to live, the better. I saw the opportunity to create that environment for myself and my team at Celero, and I couldn’t pass it up.

As I settled in and started to build the team I have today, culture was one of my top priorities. I asked myself, how can we build a culture that we all want to be a part of and contribute to? How can we avoid having one voice be the loudest voice in the room?

For my team, a highly collaborative culture is what works best. We do our best work in a climate of open and honest communication. But I believe that what works for us probably wouldn’t work as well for any other group, because it wouldn’t be genuine. In order to create a genuine culture, you have to factor in the individuals on your team. I think that’s what culture ultimately means: it’s the group of people you have at the moment, and whatever values they buy into.

Due to the quickly shifting needs of businesses, consumers, and regulatory agencies alike, the payments industry is constantly evolving. Let’s discuss some of the incredible innovations you should be on the lookout for! 

Changes to In-Store Purchases 

Due in large part to the pandemic, 2020 saw in-store transactions drop 3 percent. While this doesn’t equate to the permanent decline or death of brick-and-mortar shopping, in-store payment methods have been forced to adapt to increased hygiene concerns associated with the virus. There’s been a sharp decline in cash and check usage and a significant increase in debit and credit card payments. It’s unlikely that consumers will phase out cash and check payments entirely, but it is clear that the preference toward digital payment methods is increasing. Because of this, it becomes increasingly important for businesses to employ safe, reliable, and easy-to-use credit card processing devices. More often than not, customers will want to pay with their card, so having the right payment hardware is imperative to the success of a business. 

Up in the Clouds 

Cloud technology isn’t a new concept throughout much of the world, but it’s certainly making waves in the payments industry. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, businesses need a convenient and safe way to accept payments from their customers. Cloud-based payments run on a network of remote servers, offering enhanced data security, lightning-fast payment processing, and superior reliability. Due to the pandemic, many consumers are opting to swap out in-person shopping for online shopping whenever possible. Cloud technology is playing a huge part in helping businesses keep their revenues flowing during this challenging time. 

Growth of Mobile Wallets

In the past year, there’s been an explosion in the popularity of mobile wallet apps. In 2019, the mobile wallet market was valued at approximately $1,094.75 billion. By 2027, it’s estimated that this value will balloon to a staggering $7,784.90 billion! Many Asian and European countries have been embracing the cashless lifestyle for years, but adoption has been relatively slow in America. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the widespread adoption of this useful technology among American consumers. 

Increased Popularity of Super-App Operating Models

App developers are constantly working to create more convenience for their customers by integrating multiple functions into a single application. The “super-apps concept” was originally introduced in 2010 by Blackberry founder Mike Lazaridis to describe “a closed ecosystem of multiple apps that users turn to daily because of their convenience.” This concept has been adopted by many app developers within the payments industry, and it’s resulted in apps that seamlessly integrate payment processing capabilities with customer service, finance, and messaging functions. Now that mobile wallets are being adopted by Americans, many developers are searching for ways to incorporate other important features into these programs. 

Contact Us Today 

The payments industry moves at the speed of light, but we’re here to help you stay up-to-date on the latest solutions. Contact us to learn more about how we can help!

When a person starts volunteering, they quickly find out how much their community needs them, and how valuable their special skills are to those in need. 

What Is Hour of Code?

After participating in an Hour of Code event where I taught a group of students about computer coding, my interest in community service was sparked. If you’re not familiar with this organization, Hour of Code helps educators and other professionals across the world host computer science classes. Their mission is to make coding approachable, and encourage young people from all walks of life to pursue a fulfilling career in technology. Their free tutorials make arranging a session easy, even for those of us who aren’t well-versed in hosting events. Since their inception in 2013, they’ve served nearly 1.2 million people across more than 180 countries. 

Taking a Different Approach 

I’ve always prided myself on being someone who likes to problem-solve and tinker with things to gain an understanding of its inner workings. When brainstorming ideas for my event, my thinking was that I should find a way to demystify what’s inside a computer and how it works. My wife is a former 5th grade teacher, so I was lucky enough to be able to work with a group of students from the school she used to work. 

I opted to take a unique approach to introducing coding to students. Hour of Code primarily focuses on teaching others how to write code, but I wanted to help people actually feel the technology. When a student takes a coding class, they can usually grasp the way that code structures work, but the technology is still mysterious and difficult to grasp. Instead of bringing in computers and having everyone go through basic exercises, I went lo-fi and physically walked the students through a demonstration. 

I instructed the students that we were going to pretend to be a computer, and we would run a set of instructions to see what would happen. The goal was to show them how instructions are sent to a computer and how they’re interpreted if they’re not clear. As the exercise progressed, the students would see what happens to the computer, and if there are any bugs in the instructions. After encountering a bug, the group would identify the bug and think of ways to resolve the problem. 

The Future of Technology 

This techless approach to teaching code helped to break down the wall between complicated technological concepts and young students. My hope is that more people will realize how rewarding a career in technology can be, and how achievable it is if you have an appreciation for learning. 

Partnership provides automotive repair and maintenance shops ways to improve their vehicle owner’s payment experience 

Nashville, TN – May 6, 2021 – TransNational Payments (“TransNational”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Celero Commerce and leading provider of merchant payment solutions across the United States, today announced a partnership with BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY (“BOLT ON”) to provide auto repair and maintenance shops an integrated payments platform that allows their vehicle owners to utilize more advanced payment methods for services rendered. TransNational will improve the customer experience for shop owners by allowing them to accept any form of payment from any device anywhere, all integrated into BOLT ON’s software.   

“We are excited to partner with BOLT ON and be able to provide customers with revenue generating technology and high touch payment services. We look forward to providing BOLT ON customers with the highest levels of payment support, transparency, technology, and cost-saving rates and fees. This unique partnership, in turn, allows us to offer BOLT ON to our significant number of automotive repair merchants,” said Perry Tatooles, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at TransNational. 

Auto shops can now take advantage of significant benefits of having an integrated payment solution.  This all-in-one business management and payments solution will work seamlessly with shops already using products like Mitchell1 and AllData, software solutions that provide information on repair and maintenance procedures.  This powerful technology combination will help auto shops grow and thrive in today’s business landscape. 

“We’re thrilled to add TransNational as a payment processing partner for Text to Pay and credit card processing, as shops can benefit from their commitment to customer service and air-tight data security, while offering a service that’s growing in popularity among vehicle owners,” said Michael Risich, founder, and CEO of BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY. “This is one more reason for shops to go all-in on mobile payments.” 

About TransNational Payments 
 

TransNational Payments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celero Commerce, is an industry leader in payment and technology solutions serving businesses nationwide, with expertise within the auto services sector. Merchants trust TransNational Payments to manage their payments in-store, online and anywhere their business takes them.  More information on TransNational Payments can be found at https://gotnpayments.com/. 

About BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY 
 
BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY equips the automotive repair and maintenance aftermarket with award-winning technology tools to improve customer communication. The company’s technology instantly transmits photos, videos, and text messages to communicate automotive repair details, thereby increasing customer trust, boosting sales, and empowering shops to build long-term customer relationships. Along with ongoing training and support, BOLT ON’s integrated mobile, digital as well as standalone tools also reduce problems inherent in the service process, while increasing shop productivity, revenue, and customer satisfaction. Over the years, BOLT ON has worked with nearly 10,000 independent repair shops, who have used our platform to send more than 56 million repair photos to vehicle owners. For more information, visit https://www.boltontechnology.com/ or call 610-890-3240. 

Media Contact: 
 

Celero Commerce 
 

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer 
 

scottf@celerocommerce.com 
 

972-533-5655 

The Celero Commerce executive team created the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award as a way to honor those who exemplify our highest organizational values: respect, excellence, communication, intention, performance, user experience, and simple, disruptive solutions. It is with great pride that we announce the 2021 first quarter recipient of this award: Kim Henley, Director of Merchant Accounting.

Building a development team from scratch during the height of the COVID-19 crisis was definitely an interesting experience. It forced me to take a different approach to hiring and teambuilding, one where all I had to go on was experience and intuition. Still, you can tell a lot about a person through virtual conversations over coffee—and today, it’s hard to imagine Celero without my team.

For me, those hiring conversations were not only about finding people who had the professional experience I needed, but also getting a feel for who the candidates were as people. What were they looking for? What would fulfill and encourage them professionally? How would they deal with the challenges that we would inevitably face during such a tough time? If you look at my team today, half of them were brought on purely through these virtual interviews.

Empowering Honest Conversations

What made this hiring process so productive, despite the constraints we were up against, was transparency and vulnerability. I made it a point to be upfront since I myself was coming from a vulnerable place, having just left a job that I loved for ten years in the middle of a global pandemic to start at Celero. I explained my reasons for making the switch—how working at Celero was an opportunity for all of us to grow, innovate, push ourselves, and create something new together. Empowering a deeply honest conversation allowed me to get a feel for what the candidates were looking for themselves, and how equipped they would be to weather challenging times.

Eventually, I found my dream team, and they’ve managed to exceed my wildest expectations of a mid-pandemic, virtually-assembled team. They’re all so different, but they fit together perfectly like different pieces of a puzzle. Some are energetic and outgoing; others are introverted and analytical; and still others are mathematical and data-driven. All contribute to a larger mosaic that we’re building, and all came to Celero through candid, transparent conversations.

Welcoming Different Perspectives

I recently read something about diversity that resonated with me (even if it is an oversimplification): If you’re always eating hamburgers and fries, you’re missing out on a whole part of the world’s cuisine. But the more diverse your menu is, the more wonderful things you get to experience—and on top of that, you create fusions of different cultures. This struck me because of the diversity among my team members, where each person brings a fresh, new perspective to our work. Having a variety of perspectives is important because it informs the larger aspect of what we’re building, how we’re growing, and what we need to do in the future.

So, what are my best tips for building a professional team in the midst of a worldwide crisis? Be open, honest, and transparent. Encourage candid conversations. Seek a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. Most of all, look for people who can grow with your company through times of hardship, because it’s through hardship that some of the most innovative ideas are created.

Streamlined platform represents the latest solution from Celero, reaffirming the company’s commitment to community banks, small and mid-sized businesses  

Nashville, TN – April 27, 2021 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a top 10 non-bank payment processor in the United States, today announced the release of Celero Connect, an omni channel payment gateway designed to help manage and grow businesses on a single platform.  This initial release is being made available to Celero’s Financial Institution (FI) partners.  Connect provides Celero’s FI partners with a solution for their merchants that improves the customer experience and unifies all their points of sale.  

“Celero Connect makes accepting payments easy, whether they are in-store, mobile, online, or self-service,” said Celero Commerce Chief Technology Officer Charlie Berard. “Our focus has  always been on enabling our merchant partners to grow sustainably and with ease, and we’re  thrilled to now offer an all-in-one solution to the many challenges that they face on a daily  basis.” 

The Celero Connect platform offers a full range of payment processing and business management capabilities and represents the future of payments, where all types of payment can be accepted from anywhere. Going far beyond card processing, Celero Connect also gives merchants easy access to real-time reports, enhanced data, a customer vault, and much more. 

The release of Celero Connect follows a period of rapid growth and success since the company’s launch in 2018. “Celero was created to help small and medium-sized businesses compete and win in the marketplace, which we do by delivering highly intuitive software and payments solutions, complete with high-touch service,” said company co-founder and CEO  Kevin Jones. “The launch of Connect is the latest innovation to make good on that promise.” 

About Celero Commerce 

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce
Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer
scottf@celerocommerce.com
972-533-5655
 

As the Director of Engineering for Celero Commerce, my role is to develop technology that not only solves a problem but also wows the user. Today, I’m sharing the process that my team utilizes for developing solutions that help small to mid-sized businesses thrive. 

Ask the Right Questions 

At the start of a project, it can be tempting to jump in and hit the ground running. However, this rushed approach will more than likely lead to the development of a product that fails to solve the issue at hand. When trying to build the right solution, the first step is to clarify a few key details:  who will be using the technology, how they’ll be using it, and what they’re trying to accomplish. By focusing on the end-user and exactly how they’ll be interacting with the technology, it helps to guide the development process in the right direction. Every action taken should be done with the end-user in mind. 

Direct Communication 

Directly contacting the end-user and interviewing them about their unique needs is the most effective route for answering these important questions. However, if this isn’t doable, the next best option is to speak with the business we’re assisting in creating this solution. While speaking directly to the end-user is ideal, the business should also have a good understanding of what their customers are looking for and which features are most important to them. 

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes 

Once these research questions are answered, the next step will be to put ourselves in the shoes of the customer. For example, if we’re working on developing a product for customers who are interacting with field service workers, it’s vital for us to understand the stress that they’re experiencing and how they might be feeling. Take this example from our ongoing development of RazorSync, an award-winning software suite aimed at a constellation of field services businesses. Dealing with home repairs is never fun, so the last thing customers they’ll want to do is wrestle with a non-user-friendly application that seems to compound their problems.

Make the Customer Smile 

It’s our job to develop a product that’s easy-to-use, intuitive, and effective in solving a frustrated customer’s issue. Focusing on the emotions that the end-user will be feeling at the time they’re using the product will help to guide the development process, and create something that will turn a terrible situation into a stress-free experience. At the end of the day, if we can wow these customers, we don’t even need to worry about wowing our own. If the end-user is happy, that’s going to directly benefit our merchant clients and help to grow their businesses. 

Learn More

At Celero Commerce, we pride ourselves on creating solutions that deliver on all fronts. If your business has a problem you need help solving, make sure to reach out to us. The primary goal of our organization is to develop solutions that help small businesses succeed. 

In my role as Vice President of Bank Relationships at Celero, I spend most of my time communicating with our financial institution partners. Traditionally, people in roles like mine follow a management model—managing bank relationships to ensure that they are healthy and profitable. However, I like to take a different approach: I focus on assisting our FI partners rather than managing them. In this article, I’ll explain the assistance model, and why I believe it’s beneficial to both our partners and our organization.

Celero was created with America’s small and midsize businesses in mind. From the beginning, we’ve focused on supporting them in ways that go above and beyond payment processing. As Executive Vice President of Sales at Celero, I feel an immense responsibility to our merchants—not only to provide them with bundled, user-friendly payment systems, but also to position our company as a true ally.

Innovation doesn’t happen out of thin air; it happens when smart people are given the freedom to experiment and be creative. But in order to get that freedom—and the innovation that is borne from it—you need leaders that trust you. That’s why one of the hallmarks of our company here at Celero is trust, and specifically trust with verification.

Trust with verification means that we trust our employees to do their best work on their own, so we give them plenty of room to be creative, innovative, and experimental. The only thing we ask in return is that they verify their work. That doesn’t mean micromanaging, but rather giving people the opportunity to justify their reasoning and decisions. While innovation comes about through freedom, it must still have a direction—a method to the madness, so to speak. At Celero, if you can provide that verification and sense of direction, you’re given all the space you need to experiment.

Positive Feedback Loops

In creating a workplace built on trust and freedom, our goal is to create positive and productive feedback loops: we want our employees asking questions like, where did this idea work and where did it fail? How can we refine and improve upon it for next time? 

This kind of creative process is important in any organization, and particularly in smaller companies and startups. With so many possibilities and so much to be done, focusing everyone on one strict path can be detrimental to innovation. When everyone is swimming in the same small lane, there’s so much that can be missed. We want our employees to instead have a highly open perspective on what can be done. We want them to collaborate, to leverage the experience of others in the organization, and to repurpose knowledge across multiple areas. It’s that central aspect of trust that creates so many important byproducts: openness, honesty, collaboration, constructive criticism, and teamwork.

Trust and Accountability

As I’ve gone about building my team, I’ve made it a point to lead with trust. I can’t always be there for my employees, especially with COVID-19 keeping us from working together in person, so I’ve had no choice but to rely on trust. Since I assembled my team during the pandemic, they’ve never even met each other in person—and yet, we work together effectively. If someone says they’re working on a task, you can trust that person to get it done when they say they’ll get it done. If someone says they’ll get back to you with whatever you need, you know they will. 

That trust helps to create a culture of accountability that everyone wants to buy into. It’s a more open and transparent way of working, where people have the space they need to do their best work without feeling like they have to conform to one linear path. The key component of our success as a team? Trust with verification.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your business, it’s crucial for you to incorporate one or more business management apps into your operations. PAX, the cutting-edge payment device provider for many businesses, offers countless integrated apps that will help to improve your checkout experience, increase customer loyalty, schedule appointments, and more. Here are 3 apps that you should consider utilizing in your business. 

Loyalzoo

Let’s start with Loyalzoo. With this program, creating an effective loyalty program for your business has never been simpler. In just a few minutes, Loyalzoo will assist you in creating a completely digital loyalty solution that will have your customers coming back again and again. At checkout, your customers will be prompted on your payment device to enter their email address or mobile number. As a way to re-engage customers and guide them back to your store, this app will send out 2 or more promotions per month to each customer. On average, businesses who utilize this app for increasing customer retention grow their revenues by an impressive 11 percent!  

Quantic Smart Terminal 

With the Quantic Smart Terminal app, taking payments becomes the easiest part of your job! This terminal perfectly integrates with your PAX device and allows you to easily process payments, add on tips, calculate surcharges, and print receipts. Additionally, if you need to issue a refund, this app allows you to do that quickly and without hassle. This highly functional program features a sleek and user-friendly design that your employees will absolutely love. If you’re searching for an app that will help to improve both the efficiency and overall look of your business, Quantic Smart Terminal is your solution. 

Sky Salon Scheduler

If you’re interested in simplifying your appointment-booking management, look no further. With the click of a button, the Sky Salon Scheduler app lets you schedule appointments, customize service packages, add or edit services at the last minute, and take payments. With their offline mode, you’re able to schedule and edit appointments even if your internet goes down. This incredible app also has a built-in loyalty program, full-integration with Google Calendars, and multiple language settings including English, French, and Vietnamese. By utilizing this app, you will drastically simplify your scheduling process and reduce errors. 

Learn More 

If you’re interested in learning more about apps that will help to improve your business, please reach out to us. PAX offers hundreds of incredible apps so it can be incredibly tough to sort through them and decide which ones will work best for you and your employees. Celero is here to help you with this process! We’ll take a look at your unique business needs, select the apps that will help to optimize your operations, and discuss the next steps with you. 

Due to COVID-19, countless businesses are fighting to maintain profits and keep their doors open. Despite the billions of dollars in support that the government has issued to support businesses, more than 100,000 small businesses have closed during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help businesses through this tough time, we are proud to offer merchant cash advances. Keep reading to learn how we can help you and your employees! 

The Downfalls of Traditional Funding 

Applying for a bank loan can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating for many business owners. The worst part is that after you put in an enormous amount of effort into the application, the chances of getting approved are relatively low unless you have perfect credit. Even if you’re lucky enough to be approved for a loan, it can take months to receive the funds. During a pandemic, waiting months for a cash infusion into your business could mean the difference between survival and shutting down.

As for governmental support, a majority of the loans and grants available are part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). As their name suggests, these funds are primarily meant to cover payroll expenses. While they can be used to cover other business expenses, they are highly regulated and there are many stipulations for participating. Additionally, the amount you’ll receive from a PPP loan will likely only cover a few months of payroll expenses. 

The Beauty of a Merchant Cash Advance 

As opposed to regular bank loans and PPP funds, our merchant cash advance program offers speedy funding, high approval rates, and no business-use restrictions. Even if your credit is less than perfect, Celero can provide your business with a cash advance. The way this program works is simple:  we provide you with working capital against future credit card sales from your customers. When they make purchases, repayment of the funds will be collected automatically. It’s simple, easy, and straightforward! 

Most importantly, we provide quick funding which is vital during this pandemic. Many banks take weeks or even months to provide funds but you can get a cash advance within a few days. If you’re struggling to pay the bills and keep your business running, there isn’t time to waste. With these funds, you can pay for rent, payroll, taxes, business expansion plans, marketing campaigns, or any other expenses that might come up. We designed this program to be flexible because you’re the person that best knows what your business needs right now. 

Get Started Today

If you’re interested in taking advantage of our cash advance program, please reach out to us. There are so many businesses struggling to maintain profits right now and the only way we can make it through this hard time is by working together. 

At Celero, our goal is to be the payments provider of choice to community banks nationwide. In our efforts to be the leader in merchant solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, we never stop looking for ways to serve the partners who first capitalize and then sustain entrepreneurs in virtually every industry, from rural America to large metropolitan areas.

Our latest innovation in the service of community banks is here. Introducing the Portfolio Purchase Program from Celero Commerce.

With our Portfolio Purchase Program, you’re able to monetize your portfolio and receive an immediate payout. With these funds, you can powerfully reinvest in your team and merchant services program while adding meaningful revenue to offset the challenges presented in many communities by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When you partner with Celero Commerce, you’ll alleviate concerns related to merchant attrition by monetizing today’s relationships, all while continuing to build your business over time with the people who know merchant solutions best.  With our Portfolio Purchase Program, we’re offering up to 36 times the current monthly residual income from your portfolio. Celero gives you the freedom to choose your level of divestment. Sell some of your portfolio to us, or sell all of it. 

It’s a win-win for you and the small businesses that make your community a special place. We are committed to bringing the most comprehensive set of solutions, ranging from mobile and contactless payment options to integrated platforms designed to optimize financial and operations management of restaurants, medical practices, field services businesses, and a whole lot more.

Contact Celero Commerce today to learn more about our new Portfolio Purchase Program.

It’s no secret that the pandemic has altered almost every aspect of our lives. Today, we’d like to discuss a few of the major changes that have occurred in the payments industry and whether or not they will remain even after the pandemic is over. 

The Decline of Cash Payments 

In the past few years, many American consumers have started to largely phase out cash payments from their lives, in favor of credit card payments. However, the pandemic has accelerated this transition like no other event in American history. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, 34% of American adults under the age of 50 say they don’t make any cash purchases throughout the week. The younger generations have definitely led the transition from cash to digital payments but from this statistic, it’s obvious that cashless payments are popular among a variety of age groups. 

The Future of Payments is Contactless

Unlike other countries, the adoption of contactless payment technology in the United States has been incredibly slow. According to a 2018 study from A.T. Kearney, America was lagging significantly behind countries like the United Kingdom and South in terms of the utilization of contactless credit cards. In the year of the study, approximately 3% of American cards were contactless, versus 64% in the United Kingdom and a staggering 96% in South Korea. 

Fast forward to 2021, contactless payments have seen a dramatic increase in popularity throughout the United States. Due to hygiene concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless payments are at an all-time high and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Since March 2019, the number of contactless payment transactions increased by 150%, and as the pandemic drags on, this number will continue to grow. In order for businesses to stay profitable right now, it’s imperative they utilize a payment device that allows for effortless contactless payments. If you’re interested in learning which device will work best for your business, please reach out to us. 

Are These Changes Permanent?

Although we can only speculate at this point, we strongly believe that these changes to the payments industry will remain even after the pandemic is over. Why? Here are just a few reasons:

• Contactless payments are more hygienic than cash payments and they can help prevent the spread of germs. 
• In the beginning, many of us were wary of completing a transaction without swiping our card or scanning our chip, but over the past year, many consumers have grown accustomed to contactless payments. 
• The United States was already headed in the direction of a cashless society and the pandemic has just accelerated the adoption of contactless payments. Due to the health concerns associated with cash payments, 2020 was probably experienced three to five years’ worth of progress in terms of technology adoption. 

Contact Us 

Is your business interested in learning more about payment solutions built for the pandemic? Please contact us today and one of our skilled representatives will be happy to assist you! We look forward to hearing from you. 

In addition to providing high-quality payment processing hardware, Clover offers a number of cutting-edge business management apps that will help to streamline your operations. Today, I’d like to discuss a few game-changing apps that you should download today. 

Customer Upload

The Customer Upload app is guaranteed to save you time when transferring your customer database to your Clover payment device. All you have to do is download a copy of your customer database and upload it to this user-friendly program. Once uploaded, your customer data will automatically populate on your Clover hardware. If you're unsure about performing this upload process yourself, the software developer will handle it for just $39.96. This app is a must-have for anyone new to Clover. 

Shopventory 

If your business maintains inventory, it’s crucial that you have a reliable monitoring system to make sure you’re well-stocked for your customers. Shopventory makes tracking your inventory, analytics, sales, and vendors easy. However, this app is so much more than simply an inventory tracking program: It’s a comprehensive application that will ensure the health of your entire business by monitoring your cash flow, workforce, shrinkage, and more. 

Homebase

Creating schedules and managing your hourly employees can be tricky and time-consuming without the right software. Thankfully, the free app Homebase is here to help with employee time tracking, hiring, onboarding, labor costs, and scheduling. Additionally, it offers features designed for the COVID-19 pandemic such as health and safety screening questions employees will be prompted to answer as they clock-in. 

VivaSpot

This marketing app allows your business to provide free wifi to your customers while simultaneously pushing promos to them and collecting their contact information for future use. It captures and stores your customer’s mobile phone information and sends them text messages with special promotions and coupons. Additionally, VivaSpot takes down customer email addresses so that you can quickly grow your company’s email list and expand the audience you’re marketing to. The best part is that this app is completely free! 

Analytics BusinessQ

Accurate and up-to-date analytics are vital to the success of your business. There are countless apps that will help generate insights into your organization, but Analytics BusinessQ goes one step further: It helps you turn those insights into action and results! With the click of a button, you can choose to either generate a quick bird’s eye view report or a highly detailed, comprehensive one. With the help of their reports, charts, action plans, and dashboards, you can feel confident in your business decisions. 

Learn More  

Are you interested in learning more about the incredible business management apps available from Clover? Please contact us today and one of our highly skilled representatives will be happy to assist you. Your business has unique needs and we’re committed to providing you with customized solutions that will boost your profits, increase customer satisfaction, simplify analytics, and so much more. 

With the help of Celero’s proprietary BankMax program, your financial institution will have all the tools and hands-on assistance needed to grow your commercial deposits, loans, and recurring fee income. 

Advanced Data Mining and Sales Tools 

Through sophisticated data mining and analysis, our team will help you identify promising fee income opportunities, potential clients, and at-risk deposits. Once you’re armed with this vital data, you’ll be able to make business decisions with confidence and guide your associates straight to success. In addition to providing you with the data you need when you need it, the BankMax program offers sales tools to help track sales, revenue goals, and sales projections. To assist your associates with more complex merchant pricing, we’ll provide your organization with real-time pricing tools, pricing analysis, and detailed comparison statements. Potential merchant services clients love our transparent and no-nonsense pricing model.

Strategic Planning Made Simple

Now more than ever, bankers rely on data to make decisions about their next moves. While a mile-long database might contain insights that will improve your organization, it’s useless without the proper formatting and display. At Celero, we’re experts at making data live and breathe. We’ll provide you with streamlined and visually engaging analytics, detailed daily merchant reports, and sales reporting to help expertly guide your decision-making. What used to be a time-consuming and tedious process--or just outright undoable--is now simple and straightforward. 

Developing a Sales Culture 

It can be challenging to properly train and motivate your associates to cross-sell and refer the many services available to your commercial clients. However, our cutting-edge solutions are increasingly in demand by businesses so it’s more of a matter of properly communicating their value to your clients. We’ll direct your team through the entire sales process, all the way from training to closing their deals. Developing a sales culture doesn’t happen overnight, but with the help of our comprehensive sales training program and competitive products, your team members will be closing deals with ease in no time. 

A System That Consistently Delivers Results

Through our experienced team, our merchant sales practices have been tweaked to perfection, and they are proven to deliver results. In fact, our methods are so successful that for most of the financial institutions we work with, they are ultimately implemented into all other banking products and services. The BankMax program turns your associates into skilled sales professionals who are well equipped to help grow your portfolio of commercial clients. 

Contact Us Today

Are you interested in learning more about the BankMax program? Please contact us today! We will be happy to walk you through how this program will help your financial organization grow and thrive. 

When the pandemic first began, many of us thought everything would blow over in a matter of weeks or months. Fast forward to a year later, COVID-19 is an issue still very much on our minds and the world has not returned to normal in any sense of the word. In this tumultuous time, many small businesses are struggling to maintain profits and keep their doors open. Today, we’d like to share a few tips for keeping your business afloat during this worldwide crisis. 

Redesign Your Offerings 

Even as states relax their stay-at-home restrictions and allow businesses to reopen, many consumers are still wary of visiting shops in-person. In order to adapt to this new world of social distancing, it’s vital for your business to take a look at your offerings and determine how they can be changed to suit this new virtual world. For example, Delicious Wines Crew, of Napa, California, specializes in wine appreciation and education. They recently started offering virtual wine tastings. By taking advantage of video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype, they’re able to continue hosting wine tastings and keep this stream of revenue flowing. You’d be surprised how many of your offerings can be creatively adapted with the help of technology. 

Stay Current on COVID-19 Updates 

As a response to the pandemic, Celero has compiled an extensive list of resources to help your business stay informed and profitable. Take a look at our free and regularly updated COVID-19 Survival Kit for resources ranging from state reopening guidelines to webinars with helpful business advice. Our number one priority is to help small businesses survive this incredibly confusing time, and we hope that this information will be helpful to you. 

Embrace E-Commerce 

As more customers opt to shop online, it becomes increasingly important for your business to take advantage of e-commerce payment solutions. To sell your products and services online, you’ll need to set-up a payment gateway and optimize your website for online shopping. If you’re not familiar with the term “payment gateway,” it’s a software program that securely sends a customer’s payment information to your company’s credit card processor. While there are many options available, we recommend utilizing Authorize.Net, PayTrace, or NMI. Each platform offers unique benefits and the Celero team is here to help you decide which option is right for your business. 

In addition to selecting the right gateway, you’ll need to integrate shopping cart technology into your website. This will make it easy for customers to make purchases and it will streamline their checkout experience. Additionally, it makes keeping track of inventory easier. Each time a customer makes a purchase, your shopping cart will keep a count of each item sold and communicate with your inventory tracking solution. Please contact us to learn more! 

Contact Us 

Are you interested in learning more about ways to keep your business going during the pandemic? Please reach out to us today and we’d be more than happy to assist! Everyone can use a helping hand right now. 

With so many small businesses struggling to make it through the pandemic, good news can be hard to come by. But today, we’re excited to share some much-needed good news about one of our merchant partners, Break Even Golf.

From going to the movies to playing pick-up basketball, many social activities have been temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But golf—an outdoor game that is easy to play while social distancing—has fared better than most. That’s been a gift for Break Even Golf, whose signature product, the Pyramid Putter, found major success during the pandemic.

“COVID restrictions started going into effect around March 17^th, and we launched the Pyramid Putter two days later on the 19^th,” said Derrick Dobbin, Managing Principal at Break Even Golf. “The explosion of golf during COVID helped us immediately and we were successful out of the gate.”

With its unique and innovative design, it’s no wonder that the Pyramid Putter took off quickly. This special putter is designed to keep a putt going straight on its intended line, even with off-center strikes. Its horizontal grooves give the ball top spin, preventing it from skidding or bouncing off line, while pyramid-shaped grooves on the leading edge make it easier for players to line up with the target. The Pyramid Putter helps golfers sink an extra five to eight putts per round.

“Golf customers are very intelligent,” said Derrick. “They’re picky about new products and inventions, so it’s hard to penetrate the market. For a small company with a great idea, the best entry point into the golf business is through direct-to-consumer digital and social media marketing.”

Through a combination of email marketing campaigns, social media advertising, and a few commercial slots on the Golf Channel, the Pyramid Putter gained a lot of momentum in a short period of time. It certainly didn’t hurt that the product was endorsed by famous golf player and TV personality Blair O’Neal.

“We’ve built our credibility by partnering with PGA professionals, teaching pros, and other leaders in the golf industry,” Derrick said.

He believes there’s a reason why golf became so popular over the past year, beyond the fact that it’s safe to play in a pandemic.

“It’s mentally challenging. It takes skill, practice, and patience,” he said. “The more I play, the more I appreciate the culture of integrity that surrounds the game. It’s up to you to track your own score and play by the rules.”

Break Even Golf operates on a 100 percent E-commerce model, selling all Pyramid Putters through their website. The Celero team set them up with Authorize.net, an ultra-secure payment gateway service that enables merchants to accept credit card payments over the web. Nationwide, Celero is a top 10 reseller of Authorize.net, which is also Shopify-compatible.

If you’d like to learn more about the Pyramid Putter and stay up to date on new product launches, visit www.pyramid-putters.com. Those of you who made it to the end of the article, congratulations—we’ve got a surprise for you! The team at Break Even Golf was kind enough to create a special coupon code that you can redeem for 20 percent off. Just use the code CELERO20 at checkout.

The Duffy Award is the highest accolade at Celero Commerce. Every quarter, the executive team names a winner who exemplifies Michael P. Duffy’s legacy of servant leadership, elite performance, and respect. The Super Duffy, which is awarded just once per year, is a special distinction given to someone who has exemplified the Duffy Award values throughout the entire year. This award is reserved for the best of the best, not only at Celero, but in the fintech industry as a whole.

The Celero Commerce executive team established the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award in 2019 as a way to honor those who go above and beyond in their leadership, dedication, and teamwork. Today, we’re so proud to announce the 2020 fourth quarter recipient of this award: Vice President of Bank Relationships, Kristia Poppe.

The Celero team is proud to announce another strategic partnership aimed at providing American businesses with elite resources to help them generate fast, efficient, and sustainable growth. Our newest partner, Adesso Capital, is a full-service concierge lending desk with experienced team members trained to help small to medium sized businesses across all industries secure their best financing solutions.

“While we are committed more than ever to our community bank partners nationwide, we view our alliance with Adesso as critical to addressing gaps in our respective geographies,” said Jim Harris, President of Strategic Partnerships. “Our direct-to-merchant channel is taking off after multiple acquisitions, and Adesso gives our merchants access to critical growth capital in a streamlined, digital service model.”

Adesso is fully aligned with Celero’s mission, as the company’s goal is not just to secure clients with short-term funding needs, but also to help them envision long-term growth plans for their businesses. Since 2007, Adesso’s loan specialists have helped secure clients over $700 million in business loans. Their impressive product lineup includes term loans, SBA loans, equipment loans, lines of credit, and merchant cash advances.

“Our company is proud of our ongoing dedication to create growth and profits for our clients,” said Damon Maletta, founder and CEO of Adesso Capital. “We are very excited to enter this new partnership and will be available to serve you when needed.”

To learn more about what Adesso Capital can do for your business capital needs, contact your Celero account executive or visit www.adessocapital.com.  

Whether you own a law firm, pizza restaurant, or hair salon, it’s essential for you to utilize a virtual terminal. Especially in this age of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many customers prefer to make payments for products and services over the phone and a virtual terminal is what allows you to do this. If you’re not familiar with the term, a virtual terminal is a software program that allows you to process payments without your customer’s card being present. When deciding which platform is right for your business, it’s important to determine your organization’s unique needs and decide which payment features are most important to you. Today, we’re going to discuss three terminals options that we recommend for our clients. 

Finding the Perfect Payment Terminal

At Celero Commerce, we recommend three different virtual terminals to our clients: Authorize.Net, NMI, and PayTrace. Here is an overview of what each terminal has to offer:

• Authorize.Net: For a majority of merchants, including professional service providers, e-commerce shops, restaurants, health and beauty businesses, non-profits, and field service management companies, we recommend utilizing Authorize.Net as a payment terminal. This Visa-backed terminal will allow you to accept “card not present” transactions easily and efficiently. It features customizable security settings that will help keep you and your customers safe, including multiple fraud filters, shipping-billing mismatch detection, transaction limits, and flagging capabilities for suspicious activity. If you ever need assistance, this platform features a comprehensive support center, with 24/7 live support to help answer any questions you may have. Through and through, this virtual terminal is an excellent option for all types of merchants! 
• NMI: If your business is focused on ACH transactions, we recommend utilizing NMI as your virtual terminal. NMI makes processing recurring and single-time ACH transactions easy and secure. In addition to its powerful payment processing capabilities, it features top-notch security features, including smart fraud detection, payer authentication, and automatic suspicious activity screening. Plus, it allows you to accept payments from a variety of card types, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club and JCB, which will make it incredibly convenient for your loyal customers. 
• PayTrace: If your organization would like to process Level 3 payments, we recommend using PayTrace. If you’re not familiar with what Level 3 payments are, they are a type of payment type designed for Business-2-Business (B2B) and Business-2-Government (B2G) purchases. This type of payment requires three items of data to describe the purchase: (1) what is being purchased, (2) how the sale takes place, and (3) who is involved in the transaction. The benefit of Level 3 payments is that they include lower processing fees. PayTrace features easy to use and customizable payment processing, comprehensive fraud protection, excellent reporting options, a dedicated customer support team, recurring billing, and a secure customer information vault to store important details. PayTrace is an excellent option if Level 3 processing is a priority for you, but you don’t want to compromise on other features like security, customizability, and customer service. 

Contact Us Today 

If you’re interested in learning more about the virtual terminals we discussed today, please contact us! One of our representatives will be happy to walk you through the different terminal platforms and help you decide which one is the best fit for your business. 

Professional service providers need payment solutions built for their unique business needs. Whether you run a law office, sales agency, accounting firm, or consulting business, Celero Commerce has a payment solution that will save you time, effort, and hassle. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help!

Payment Devices Designed for Professionals

For professional service providers, we recommend utilizing one of the following payment devices. Whether you need a tabletop or handheld device, we’ve got you covered! 

• PAX A80: This sleek, touchscreen payment device allows you to process payment quickly and efficiently. It features advanced connectivity, so it is easy to process payment after payment without losing connection. Additionally, it features a high-speed printer for receipts which will make the payments process even easier!
• FD 150: The FD 150 is First Data’s most affordable and reliable payment terminal. It features a compact design, fast connectivity, superior security settings, and a variety of payment options, including regular magnetic stripe and chip payments, in addition to contactless methods. 
• PAX A920: This device delivers refined elegance, amazing security features, an ergonomic design, and the reliability you expect from PAX payment devices, all rolled into one easy-to-use device. It has a 5 inch, full-color touchscreen, a speedy thermal printer, a high capacity battery, and advanced payment capabilities. 
• Clover Flex: The Clover Flex is a favorite for professional service companies, thanks to its sleek design, incredible reliability, minimal set-up time, and mobile capabilities. This device can easily be integrated with Clover’s wide variety of business management apps that can help you track sales and collect customer information.

Business Management Apps 

Clover and PAX both offer amazing point-of-sale and business management apps that will help make your life easier. Whether you’re interested in streamlining payroll, creating beautiful, custom invoices, generating sales reports, or managing your workforce, they’ve got the perfect solution for you. 

• Gusto: This free Clover app will make your business’s payroll a breeze. In just a few clicks, you can pay your employees and contractors, in addition to filing your local, state, and federal payroll taxes. Plus, it’s got a 5-star review rating!
• InvoiceASAP: InvoiceASAP integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks to allow for easy invoicing and payments. It also helps you manage your customers and create customized invoice designs. 
• OTF Express: This user-friendly app allows you to track all of your sales and store them in one convenient location for easy viewing and analysis. With this app, you can easily run reports which will help you gather insights about your business. 
• Time Clock by Homebase: In this app, you can track the hours, attendance, and happiness of your employees, which will help in employee retention. The best part is that Time Clock easily integrates with a variety of payroll providers, including Gusto, QuickBooks, ADP, and more.  

Contact Us Today

Not sure which payment solutions are perfect for your business? Contact us today and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you!

As we continue to grow as a company, we’re always looking for new ways to maximize value for our bank and merchant partners. We believe one of the best ways we can do so is by providing top-notch, real-time support for our clients. That’s why we’re proud to unveil the new Celero Partner Support Team.

We’ve dedicated 14 highly trained and experienced team members to the Partner Support Team, which will handle all inquiries from new merchant accounts to maintenance to technical questions and much more. When you call Partner Support, you’ll hear many of the familiar voices at Celero that you know and trust. You’ll also hear new voices from trained professionals ready to help with any questions or concerns that you may have.

The establishment of this elite customer service force is part of an ongoing effort to integrate our operations and sales teams into one cohesive network. Additionally, it will help maximize the use of our legacy platform, increase product knowledge, and improve overall value to both existing and potential partners.

As part of this reorganization, we are also restructuring our bank and sales support teams due to COVID-19 and increasing workload in some of our most critical areas. This move will allow us to better share platform expertise and manage a larger bandwidth. Kathryn Cox will spearhead relationship management with our financial institutions as Vice President of BankMax, while Amy Arlington will handle BankMax from the operational side as Vice President of Partner Support.

“We feel confident that our FI partners and merchants will be in great hands with the Partner Support Team, and under the leadership of Kathryn and Amy,” said founder and CEO, Kevin Jones. “I can’t think of two people with more experience and expertise than these two.”

The new Partner Support Team can be reached at (615) 376-7878 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. We can now provide our clients with:

• Experts to help with the Fiserv North and TSYS platforms
• Product and Level II technical support resources
• Regular webinars on industry-specific topics like Clover, Compass, cash discounting, risk/underwriting, merchant retention, and more

“We’re thrilled about these changes because we know they will lead to better outcomes for both our employees and partners,” said Kevin. “This reorganization empowers us to deliver that high-tech, high-touch experience at a larger bandwidth.”

Stay tuned for video segments introducing the new Partner Support Team!

At Delicious Wines Crew in Napa, California, wine is so much more than just an alcoholic beverage.

“Wine is communion,” said Jay Nunez, winemaker. “It’s sitting next to my brother and sister and creating memories. Sure, it makes you feel good and gets you tipsy, but really, it’s about the experience. Wine brings people together.”

Brendan Kam, founder and CEO, started Delicious Wines Crew with the intent to not only share fine wines, but also to make them more accessible to everyone.

“Our business is centered around education and community,” said Brendan. “We want to make wine something that feels approachable to everybody. One of our core goals is breaking myths and removing these preconceived notions about wine, like this idea that you have to be an expert.”

Delicious Wines Crew is a unique type of wine shop. They’ve created a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where anyone can participate in tastings, from newcomers to seasoned wine experts. While savoring your glass of chardonnay or Bordeaux, you’ll learn more about its complexities. It’s a place to enjoy wines and a place to educate yourself about them. You don’t need to be familiar with wine vernacular—words like “dry” or “oaky”—to enjoy a tasting here.

“The language that people use to describe wine often leads beginners astray,” Brendan explained.

“Wine can be big and confusing, but it’s also approachable if you let it be,” said Jay. “It’s those self-imposed barriers that are the biggest misconceptions in wine.”

In the midst of a global pandemic, serving and educating people about wine isn’t exactly easy. But Brendan and Jay are finding ways to adapt.

“We started doing virtual tastings,” Brendan said. “That way, we can still feel connected and still learn together.”

“Obstacles can become opportunities,” added Jay. “While our tasting group could have suffered dramatically, we’ve pivoted. We’ve utilized the modern tools at our disposal to stay connected with people, and I think that it’s been a blessing because it’s taught us that we can always adapt. We can still find comfort and connectivity with people if we really seek it out.”

One of those modern tools helping them adapt to the new COVID normal is their Celero payments system.

“The solutions we use from Celero—Authorize.net, that whole contactless payment system—they’ve become so popular all over the world,” Brendan said. “We’re even trying out-of-the-box solutions like putting QR codes on the wine bottles. All these new technologies have helped streamline our business.”

“It’s been a way to minimize having multiple avenues to gather revenue, and instead put it all in one place,” said Jay. “In the past, we were taking money from different places, and now it’s just so convenient to do it all in one shot. It’s also a lot easier to track and record everything.”

Brendan’s favorite part about their Celero payments system? The convenient size and user-friendliness. “Seeing the ease of how it works and how small it is, it’s incredibly helpful,” he said. “It’s a Bluetooth connection that you can just carry around in your hand.”

Brendan, Jay, and everyone at Delicious Wines Crew represent our favorite part of doing business: being able to serve the innovative and resilient small businesses that create community across America.

“We do wine all day, everyday,” said Jay. “On our own, we all thought we were weird with our wine obsessions. But when we found this community and started curating it, it felt like home.”

You can learn more about Delicious Wines Crew by following them on Instagram or visiting their website. If you’re looking for a way to support small businesses during COVID-19, consider signing up for their $5/month PrioritySomm club.

Combined company enters top 10 of non-bank payment processors, adds proprietary SaaS solutions to serve additional verticals, strengthens distribution channels 

Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL – October 28, 2020 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused commerce solutions provider, today announced the acquisition of TransNational Payments, a leading provider of electronic payments technology and business management SaaS solutions. With the addition of TransNational, Celero now serves approximately 40,000 merchants, 150 financial institutions, and processes more than $14 billion of card volume annually, making it a top 10 non-bank payment processor in the United States.

“We have been building toward this moment since we formed Celero in 2018. This is an important step in Celero’s evolution, expanding the high-tech, high-touch solutions we deliver that differentiate and empower our financial institution partners and business customers across the U.S.,” said Celero Commerce founder and CEO, Kevin Jones. “Our collective offering of vertically focused solutions, advanced middleware technologies and frictionless boarding capabilities, combined with the diverse go-to-market strategy and talented team added by TransNational, optimizes Celero for continued growth.”

“It’s an exciting day for the TransNational Payments team,” said TransNational CEO, Jae Haas. “We are proud to join Celero and contribute to our collective mission to help small and mid-sized companies drive growth with the best financial technology platform in the market. This opportunity not only makes sense in terms of how our products and services fit, but also culturally, where our teams will come together and focus on smart growth for the future.” As part of this transaction, Jae Haas will take on an expanded role leading Celero Direct and Executive Vice President, Bryan Olson, will be responsible for TransNational operations.

This acquisition marks Celero’s second in 2020 and sixth since its launch in 2018, following an investment from private equity firm, LLR Partners. “Each strategic acquisition has increased Celero’s ability to deliver bundled, user-friendly software and payments solutions, empowering businesses to compete and grow,” said Ryan Goldenberg, Principal at LLR Partners and Director at Celero Commerce. “This acquisition is a significant step forward in helping Celero realize its vision to be the premier business partner for small and medium-sized businesses across the country.”

Financial Technology Partners (“FT Partners”) served as the exclusive strategic and financial advisor to TransNational Payments.

About Celero Commerce

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

The success of your financial institution is aligned to the success of your small to mid-sized commercial clients, so it’s important to provide them with a payment processing solution that will save them money and help their business grow. If a merchant already has a payment solution in place, it might be a tough sell for your financial institution to get them to adopt a new payment hardware. Paying a few hundred dollars for a new Clover or PAX payment device might seem out of the question for many merchants, but when they see how much they’ll save in credit card processing fees, the conversation quickly turns to closing the deal and getting started. 

Breaking Down the Savings 

When approaching a merchant about switching from their current payment processor to Celero, it’s important to gather as much information about their current processing fees as possible. With this information, your financial institution can run the numbers to see how much money Celero could be saving them if they switched today. Many businesses invest large sums of money in processing hardware and software, so the idea of purchasing a new one from Celero can be a tough pill to swallow. This sunken cost can sometimes loom heavy on their mind and prevent them from making a switch, but after they see the numbers broken down for them, that sunken cost will become a distant memory. The amount of money they save on credit card processing fees can often recoup this sunken cost within a few months or less! 

To give a real world example, a client of ours used to bank with one of our competitors and had spent $4,000.00 on setting the payment system up. When this client revealed how much they were spending per month on credit card processing fees, we were shocked at how high their processing fee was per transaction! To give them a real-world example of their savings, we generated a report of how much they would save by utilizing Celero’s payment solutions. Within one and half months of signing with Celero, this business was able to recoup the $4,000.00 cost of their previous payment hardware, in addition to saving significantly on their monthly processing fees. Over the course of a single year, we saved this client approximately $20,000.00 in processing fees, which was a game changer for this mid-sized company. It’s important to dig into a potential client’s financial situation to determine if Celero products and services will make a difference in their annual expenses. 

Need Help Acquiring New Merchant Accounts? 

If your financial institution needs assistance acquiring new merchant accounts, please reach out to us! We offer multiple bank partner programs that are designed to provide different levels of support. Whether your institution needs minimal guidance or hands-on support and training, we’re here to help! Please contact us today to learn more. 

Running a field service business can be tough and time-consuming, but RazorSync and Celero are here to help! RazorSync is an award-winning, cloud-based software and mobile app that will do wonders to simplify your business operations. Whether you run an HVAC repair, landscaping, pest control, plumbing, or pool-service business, this user-friendly program will help you immensely. 

Remotely Schedule Jobs  

Whether you’re working from your office, home, or poolside at a Hawaiian resort, RazorSync allows you to easily and quickly schedule and dispatch workers. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your company data from anywhere in the world and from any type of device, including your smartphone. Say goodbye to lugging around your work computer whenever you’re on a business trip or vacation! This easy-to-use software displays all of your work orders, service requests, and scheduled jobs, in one convenient location and it can help you plan out employee schedules accordingly. 

Optimize Your Time With GPS 

To help you and your employees save time, gas money, and effort, RazorSync will help you assign jobs based on your GPS coordinates. For example, let’s say that you run an HVAC repair company with multiple technicians that travel across your state to service customers. One day, you receive a message saying that a customer needs their air conditioning unit replaced as soon as possible. Right after the service request comes in, RazorSync will use GPS to identify the closest available employee to this customer’s location. Not only will this save you time, but it will also impress customers with your quick response time and lightning-fast service. 

Accounting Made Easy 

RazorSync allows you to easily create, send, and track invoices. This program is incredibly user-friendly and will walk you through each step, so that you can present professional and accurate invoices to your happy customers. Once your invoice is created and your customer is ready to pay their balance, RazorSync will help you process the payment and update the invoice status. In addition to its invoicing capabilities, RazorSync effortlessly integrates with QuickBooks to help make your company’s accounting as easy as possible. As an added bonus, RazorSync will help you manage payroll and keep track of your expenses. Having all of your invoices and accounting information in one location, accessible to you wherever you have internet access, will drastically simplify your business’s accounting processes. 

Contact Us Today 

RazorSync is an amazing opportunity to streamline the operations of your field service business and take back your free time! 

If you’re interested in learning more about this program and how it can help your company, please contact us today. We look forward to chatting with you!  

If your financial institution is looking to become the payment processor for niche businesses like dental offices and medical practices, you already know how hard this market is to break into. While many other merchants are adaptable when it comes to their payment processing preferences, some merchants are looking for something designed specifically for their industry. Payment and practice management vendors, like Dentrix and CareCard, have popped up to cater to this niche market, but are they really the best choices for these merchants? 

Drawbacks of Specialty Payment Vendors 

At Celero, we don’t necessarily have a payment processing solution designed specially for dental offices or medical practices. However, we offer highly adaptable payment hardware options and point-of-sale apps that will help merchants in these industries process payments quickly, efficiently, and in a cost effective manner. Selling this idea to a potential customer who owns a medical practice can be tough, especially when there are organizations like CareCard that cater directly to their business. But is CareCard really the best option for this potential customer? The simple answer is that it depends and determining the answer can help you potentially land a new commercial client. 

While CareCard is a good choice for some medical practices, other practices lose thousands of dollars in credit card processing fees every year. The problem with CareCard is that when using their payment hardware to process payments with a CareCard card, the transaction rates are reasonable, but if you use their hardware to process a payment with a regular credit card, like a Visa or MasterCard, the rates are astronomical! If a medical practice only accepts CareCard for their payments, staying with their system might be a good choice for them financially. But if they often accept payments using regular credit cards, Celero’s payment solutions can save them thousands of dollars per year. They could be stuck paying a six percent credit card transaction fee every time they swipe a patient’s Visa card, while Celero can offer them a fee of less than two percent. Saving roughly four percent on every credit card transaction will save this potential customer’s medical practice a fortune every single year, so you should talk to them about making a change in their payment hardware. If they still want to accept CareCard payments, they can easily keep the two payment hardware options at their practice. This simple change will allow their practice to save money in fees that they would have otherwise been simply throwing away. 

Closing the Deal 

Discussing the hard numbers with your potential clients will often be enough to sway them towards processing payments with your financial institution. However, if they still need some convincing, you can discuss Celero’s various products and services that you think will meet their business needs.

Celero offers advanced practice and employee management software, recurring billing capabilities, over the phone payments, programs for gathering customer insights, bookkeeping, ACH solutions, contactless payments, real-time analytics, and so much more. Your potential client might come into your institution thinking they just want a new payment processing hardware, and they might decide to sign-up for a comprehensive business management system with your bank. 

The payments market has become increasingly competitive in the past few years, and many merchants receive daily solicitations from payment vendors claiming they have the lowest prices in town. How can your community bank retain your merchant accounts, even when your customers are being bombarded daily with advertisements from your competitors? 

Proactive Service and Transparent Pricing 

According to studies, it costs roughly five times more to acquire a new client than to maintain a relationship with a current account. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when every penny counts, it’s important to provide excellent customer service to your merchant accounts, so that you can keep their business even when your competitors are advertising directly to them. 

Beyond keeping in touch with your customers on a regular basis and making sure they have all the tools necessary for their businesses to succeed, it’s important to be proactive about addressing their concerns before they even voice them to you. By the time they open their mouths and say that they have decided to make a change to a different payment processor, like Square, QuickBooks, or Stripe, it’s likely already too late to save your account. Why? Because when your competitors approach your customers, they’re putting forth their best efforts to sway your customer in their direction by using advertising tricks, like offering a lower price that excludes the hidden monthly fees. Sure, the quoted price might be lower than your pricing, but that doesn’t include the $50.00 of hidden add-on and administrative charges that will show up on their first bill. 

So how do you address customer concerns before they even express them? The Celero system allows you to monitor how your merchant accounts are using your payment processing solutions. If you notice a sudden dip in the number of times they are processing with your institution, it’s a good idea to check in with them. It could be that their business has hit a snag or they’re going through a dry spell, and in this case, you can take this time to talk to them about how you can help them through their tough time. You can discuss some of Celero’s money-saving solutions and how to get started. On the other hand, a dip in transactions might mean they are processing with your competitors. In this case, you can take this time to ask them how you can better serve their needs. Reminding them about the countless advantages of processing with your bank will help to solidify your business relationship. 

If you notice that your merchant accounts are downloading financial statements, it could mean that they are shopping around for other payment processing vendors. Competitors will often ask for a financial breakdown of what they are paying their current vendor, so that they can try to undercut your pricing. If you contact your customer and they tell you that they’re considering making a change, it’s important to remind them of your transparent and straightforward pricing model. Even if a vendor offers a lower price, it doesn’t mean it’s the better deal. With Celero payment solutions, we offer simple pricing without any of the hidden fees other payment vendors sneak into their contracts. Discussing pricing concerns with your customer will help you get a feel for how your bank can better serve them, and it will give you a chance to get your customer to stay with you. 

Innovative Payment Solutions

The growth of your financial institution is dependent on the growth of your commercial accounts, so it’s important to provide them with payment solutions that will help them succeed during these tough times. If you’re not already utilizing Celero’s payment processing solutions, please contact us today. We are here to help you nurture relationships with your commercial customers and we offer 24/7 customer service support. 

Consumers are always looking for ways to give back, so it’s important for non-profits to make the donation process as easy and convenient as possible. That’s where Celero can help! We offer a variety of payment devices, payment gateways, and point-of-sale (POS) apps that will help you maximize donations to your organization. 

Payment Hardware Built for Non-Profits 

Whatever type of non-profit you run, Celero has the perfect payment hardware for you. We offer portable and countertop solutions that your supporters will love! 

• Clover Flex: The Flex is a handheld, wireless device that allows you to accept donations wherever you go. Whether you’re at a charity ball, a race, or a networking event, you can accept payments quickly and easily using this powerful device. It features a high-resolution touchscreen, long-lasting battery life, and a built-in receipt printer. 
• Clover Go: If you’re looking for a super light and portable payment device, the Go is for you! This tiny, but mighty, device allows you to accept payments via chip, stripe, and contactless methods. The Go is ready right out of the box, so all you need to do is charge it, connect it to your smartphone, and you’re ready to start accepting donations. 
• Clover Mini: The Mini is a highly customizable, tabletop payment device that lets you accept donations easily and efficiently. In addition to simply processing payments, this device allows you to manage your entire organization with the help of POS apps. You can manage your donations, employee payroll, inventory, and so much more, all from this touchscreen device. 
• PAX A920: This portable payment device is sleek, compact, and brimming over with amazing features. In addition to accepting regular chip and stripe payments, this device allows you to accept contactless payments, which are a must-have for the COVID-19 pandemic. The PAX A920 features a full-color touchscreen, incredible battery life, and reliable connectivity. 
• PAX S920: The PAX S920 is a pocket-sized, touchscreen device that will allow you to accept donations on-the-go. It features a stunning display, a backlit keypad, lightning fast processing speeds, and a built-in receipt printer. This adaptable device will make collecting donations a breeze. 
• PAX A80: This device can be used as both a countertop terminal and a portable payment system. It features superior connectivity and reliability, an optional battery back-up for extended usage, a durable keypad, and a printer for receipts. The PAX A80 is versatile and it will allow you to accept payments via magnetic stripe, chip, and contactless methods, like ApplePay. 

Payment Gateways For Online Donations

Choosing the right payment gateway is key to providing your supporters with an easy, hassle-free way to donate to your organization online. At Celero, we recommend utilizing the following payment gateway platforms. 

• Authorize.Net: This Visa-backed gateway will help you easily accept online, over-the-phone, and contactless donations. Additionally, it includes anti-fraud protection, a database for storing supporter information, and recurring donation capabilities. It offers a feature called the Account Updater, which will automatically detect when a supporter’s card has expired, and then it will replace it with their new one. This makes accepting recurring donations a breeze! 
• PayTrace: This payment gateway is adaptable, easy to use, and offers supporters an easy way to donate to the cause they care so much about. It offers anti-fraud features, including encryption, tokenization, and signature capture for an extra layer of security. Additionally, it allows you to easily email receipts to people who donate online. This is an excellent payment gateway for organizations that want something simple, without compromising the advanced functionality. 
• NMI: Just like its short and to-the-point name, this gateway is simple and no-fuss. It offers all the features that you’ll need to give your supporters the effortless and secure donation experience they desire. NMI also offers a QuickBooks plug-in which will help simplify your accounting by automatically creating appropriate accounting entries. Like Authorize.Net, this gateway has a feature called Account Updater, that will detect when a supporter’s stored card is expired and automatically collect an updated one. 

Apps to Help Manage Your Organization 

Clover and PAX devices are designed to seamlessly integrate with POS apps that will help you save time and optimize your organization’s operations. Here are two apps that we think you’ll love!

• Bccounting: This app integrates perfectly with Clover payment devices, and it allows your donation data to be transmitted directly to QuickBooks. The transactions will be synced daily so that all of your accounting figures are up-to-date. 
• SwipeSimple: This app integrates with your PAX payment device and it enables you to accept payments anywhere with ease. It helps you keep track of cash donations, records donation data, create real-time reports, and so much more! 

Contact Us Today 

Not sure which solutions your non-profit organization should utilize? Feel free to reach out to us! One of our representatives will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have. 

Last year, the Celero Commerce executive team created a special award to recognize elite performers and culture carriers who exemplify servant leadership. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award 2020 third quarter recipient, Spencer Ellis.

By the end of 2020, it’s estimated that there will be a total of $910,396 million worth of digital transactions. As the world becomes more and more digital, it becomes increasingly important for your business to offer online payment options for your customers. At Celero, we’ll help you integrate online payment processing right into your website. 

How Are Payment Gateways Used? 

A payment gateway is a software program that transmits a customer’s payment information to your company’s credit card processor. The most common use for a payment gateway is when your customer places an order on your website and they enter in their own credit card information. To provide your customer with a seamless check-out experience, they will not directly interact with the payment gateway. The gateway will just forward their credit card information to you via your website’s shopping cart feature and a secure (SSL) connection. Once you receive their information, the payment will automatically be processed. Another way that a payment gateway is used is when you or your employee manually enters a customer’s credit card information to complete a purchase transaction. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over-the-phone payments are becoming increasingly popular, so your payment gateway will allow you to process payments without your customer’s card being present. 

Authorize.Net 

The first payment gateway we recommend using is the Visa-backed platform, Authorize.Net. This gateway offers a comprehensive feature set that will help you easily accept online, over-the-phone, and contactless payments. Additionally, it includes anti-fraud protection, invoicing, a database for securely storing customer information, and recurring payment capabilities. It also offers a feature we think you’ll love, called the Account Updater. This feature will automatically detect when a customer’s stored credit card has expired and it will replace it with their new credit card. This makes processing recurring bill payments a breeze and it will eliminate the hassle of contacting customers to collect their updated card information. Authorize.Net is an incredible payment gateway that allows you to process online orders from your website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

PayTrace 

The next payment gateway we recommend is PayTrace. This payment gateway is incredibly adaptable, easy to use, and offers consumers an easy way to check-out. It offers advanced anti-fraud features, including encryption, tokenization, and signature capture for an extra layer of security. PayTrace fully integrates with your website’s shopping cart feature and it allows you to easily send receipts to customers via email once they place an order. It also allows you to store customer data in a secure, virtual storage vault, which will save you time and effort in getting to know your customers. This is an excellent payment gateway for businesses that want something simple, without compromising the advanced functionality. 

NMI 

The final payment gateway we recommend is from NMI. Just like its short and to-the-point name, this gateway is simple and no-fuss. It offers all the features that you’ll need to give your customers the effortless and secure check-out experience they deserve, such as integration with your website’s shopping cart feature, fraud protection, and tokenization for repeat customers. NMI also offers a QuickBooks plug-in which will help simplify your accounting by automatically creating appropriate accounting entries. Just like Authorize.Net, this payment gateway has a feature called Account Updater, that helps you deliver seamless recurring billing transactions. It will detect when a customer’s stored card is expired and automatically collect an updated one. As an added bonus, in addition to accepting regular credit and debit card payments, NMI enables you to accept electronic check payments. 

Integration With Your Shopping Cart

In this new age of online shopping, you need your payment gateway to integrate seamlessly with your website’s shopping cart. Authorize.Net, PayTrace, and NMI are already pre-integrated with most website shopping cart features, so it will ensure an easy, stress-free check-out for your customer. When your customer is ready to pay for something in their shopping cart, your payment gateway will collect their contact and credit card information and apply any shipping charges and taxes. After that, it will automatically process the credit card payment. Let one of these amazing gateways do the heavy lifting for your business when it comes to online payments, so that you can spend time on more important things, like communicating with customers! 

Contact Us Today 

If you have any questions about which payment gateway is right for your business, please reach out to us! We look forward to hearing from you. 

If you run a restaurant, brewery, or bar, your top priority is providing your customers with the best dining and/or drinking experience possible. Beyond serving high-quality food and drinks, it’s important to offer your customers the seamless checkout experience they crave. There are tons of payment hardware and software options out there, but we’ve compiled a list of our top choices for the restaurant, brewery, and bar industries. 

Hardware Designed for Quick and Easy Checkout

Clover and PAX Technology offer amazing payment hardware options that will be a perfect fit for your business. Below, we have listed the options that are specifically designed for your industry. We have included a few of their features to help you figure out which one is right for you, but if you have any additional questions, we will be happy to help. 

• Clover Station: This all-in-one smart terminal features fast, secure payment options, a touchscreen console for your customers to leave a tip or review, a cash register, and a receipt printer. This device also allows you to take orders, set-up bar tabs, accept tips, and so much more. 
• Clover Flex: The Flex is a portable, handheld device that allows you to accept payments quickly and easily. It features a high-resolution touch screen monitor, a long-lasting battery, and a built-in receipt printer. 
• Clover Mini: The Mini is a favorite for both full-service and counter-service restaurants, bars, and breweries. This sleek device features a 7” high-definition touchscreen, employee management programs, customer engagement apps, and a receipt printer. 
• Clover Go: This device has the same processing power as the other Clover devices we’ve discussed, but it packs everything into a tiny, portable package. The Go allows you to accept payments on the go with ease. 
• PAX E500: The E500 is a next-generation, point-of-sale system that will provide your customers with a seamless checkout experience. It boasts a bright, customer-facing touchscreen monitor, a high-speed thermal printer, and so much more. 
• PAX S920: This pocket-sized, touchscreen device is a favorite for the restaurant industry. It’s portable, easy to use, reliable, and lightning fast! It also allows you to accept contactless payments, which is a must-have feature during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• PAX A80: The A80 is a highly-reliable, cost-effective device that will provide peak performance even during the busiest dinner rushes and happy hours. In addition to superior connectivity, this device features a 4” touchscreen and a speedy thermal printer. 
• PAX S80: This countertop device includes contactless payment capabilities, a reliable processor, and a large memory capacity. Combining reliability, speed, and security, the S80 is an excellent option for restaurants, bars, and breweries.  

Point-of-Sale Apps to Optimize Customer Satisfaction 

In addition to their payment hardware options, Clover and PAX Technology offer point-of-sale apps that will help improve your customer’s experience and keep them coming back for more. Here are a few of our favorite apps that are built for use in the restaurant, brewery, and bar industries. 

• Restaurant365: With this app, Clover offers restaurants an all-in-one restaurant management system that will allow you to streamline your daily operations, save money, and plan for the future. Whether you’d like to manage your workforce, monitor your inventory, or control your food costs, Restaurant365 has you covered. 
• Clavo OrderPad: This app will help you take customer food orders quickly and efficiently. With just a few taps, your employees will be able to take down orders and send them to your kitchen to be prepared. This app is also fully integrated with all Clover payment solutions, so it will help streamline the payment process. 
• Servio: Servio provides full-service, quick-service, and fast-food restaurants with effort and time-saving payment solutions designed for the COVID-19 pandemic. It will allow you to easily offer contactless, curbside, online, and mobile payment options. 
• YUMAPOS: This app is a must-have for restaurants, bars, and cafes. It allows you to organize customer orders, manage and update your menu, do deliveries, conduct email marketing, boost customer loyalty, and so much more. 

Get Started 

Clover and PAX Technology both offer an entire universe of payment hardware and software solutions, so it can be overwhelming deciding which devices and apps you will employ at your business. Please feel free to reach out to us and we will be happy to assist! One of our highly-skilled representatives will help you find the best payment solutions for your unique business needs. 

Today’s smartphones are millions of times more powerful than the computers that guided Apollo 11. Few could have predicted that these tiny supercomputers would become essential to billions of people across the globe, but here we are! In the age of COVID-19, we’re more reliant upon them than ever when it comes to staying connected, ordering food, and even contact tracing.

One of the most important features of the modern smartphone is its ability to send payments. Mobile payments allow the smartphone user to transfer money digitally in exchange for goods and services rather than paying with cash, credit card, or check. With many people concerned about the transmission of coronavirus, mobile payments are a fantastic option to minimize sharing germs, as many of them are contactless.

Mobile Payment Solutions Offered at Celero

• Mobile Wallets: Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are applications that store your credit card information so you can pay for goods and services using your smartphone. This technology is becoming increasingly popular—growing by as many as 140 million users per year! Your customers will appreciate the quick and easy POS experience afforded by mobile wallets.
• NFC: Contactless near-field communication (NFC) facilitates short-range communication between devices. Similar to technology like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC works by transmitting information via radio waves. A smartphone user waves their phone near a reader module to complete the transaction. This makes for a fast, frictionless, and hygienic way to pay.
• QR Code Payments: Quick response (QR) codes have become ubiquitous in our society, but many people still don’t realize that they can be used as an easy way to send payments. The horizontal and vertical patterns in the code direct your phone to open a browser link, confirm payment information, verify location, and more. Many stores require you to download an app before using QR codes to check out, so they’re not quite as frictionless as NFC or mobile wallets, but they’re still much easier than the traditional methods.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in adding mobile payments to your repertoire, contact Celero Commerce today. We offer top-of-the-line systems, such as Clover Flex and Clover Mini, that create a seamless POS experience for your customers. During a time when businesses bear a responsibility to protect their customers’ health and safety, it’s never been more important to offer clean, contactless payment options. We’re proud to provide these to our merchants in addition to special curbside, delivery, and e-commerce options.

Clover POS is unbeatable for helping doctors and dentists with practice management, from a payments and integration perspective. The Clover platform offers payment hardware solutions that will work for any size and type of practice, in addition to business integration apps that will help streamline your operations.

Payment Hardware Built for Healthcare 

The payment hardware we recommend for use in healthcare practices is called the Clover Mini. This is a tabletop touchscreen device that takes the power of Clover payment processing, and combines it with business management tools that will help optimize your practice. You can accept payments via chip, stripe, and contactless, like Apple Pay, and there’s even a receipt printer built-in. It features a high resolution 7" touch screen, a barcode scanner, and ethernet, WiFi, and LTE connectivity. 

This tiny, but powerful device offers all the tools necessary (and then some) to manage your practice efficiently. It allows for easy integration with your patient’s electronic health records, which means easier billing management. As an added plus, it also allows you to create recurring billing for payment plans that are perfect for expensive surgical procedures and treatments. It will help simplify your accounting and billing, so that you have more time to spend caring for patients. Additionally, the Mini will integrate perfectly with Clover’s wide variety of POS apps. 

Apps to Optimize Your Practice

Clover offers an entire universe of POS apps, but we thought we’d save you some time and pick out a few that will integrate perfectly with your practice. The first app we’d like to discuss is called Express Health Systems Integration. This app boasts a user-friendly interface, the ability to post payments remotely, employee and patient tracking tools, and so much more! If you’re looking for a way to simplify your practice’s billing and staffing activities, we would recommend checking out this app to see if it’s right for you. 

SimpliSign is another app that is perfect for use in the healthcare industry. If you need to collect a patient’s signature on a liability waiver, or have them sign off on procedure details, SimpliSign makes that easy. This app is integrated with DocuSign, the leading provider of e-signature services, and allows you to collect your patient’s signatures quickly and securely. Please note that before you download this app, you’ll need to set-up an account with DocuSign which can be easily done by following this link: https://www.docusign.com. 

For healthcare practices that cater to children, the next app is a fun solution for keeping your patients happy and entertained! The Fun and Games app uses your Clover receipt printer to print free games and activities for your patients. You can download and print coloring sheets, word searches, and mazes that will keep children occupied and smiling during their pre-appointment wait. If you’d like to pay a little extra to get custom coloring sheets featuring your practice’s logo, that’s an option, too! 

Integrated Apps for Every Industry 

In addition to apps focused directly at the healthcare industry, Clover offers solutions for nearly every type of business. Whether you run a restaurant, spa, gym, law firm, hotel, or any number of other types of businesses, Clover has an app for you. One app that will help no matter what type of business you run, is Feedback. This app enables you to receive direct feedback from your customers about what they like and dislike about your company, and ways you can improve your service and/or product offerings. It can help keep negative customer reviews off of sites like Yelp and Google Reviews, as customer concerns will be heard immediately after they make a purchase for services. The set-up is easy and hassle-free, and Feedback will help your practice manage its online reputation, of paramount importance for all businesses in the digital age. 

How Can We Help? 

If you have any questions about the hardware and software options available from Clover, feel free to reach out to us. There are so many payment solutions to choose from, and we would be happy to assist you in selecting the ones that are right for your business. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Inspired by a shared value of servant leadership and role models, the Celero Commerce executive team created a special award late last year to recognize elite performers who exemplify the company’s values. Now, we are pleased to announce the third quarterly recipient of the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award, Karo Torosyan.

A 16-year veteran of Celero legacy company UMS Banking, Karo currently serves as Senior Director of Infrastructure for Celero Commerce. During his time working with the unified Celero Commerce team, Karo has been a “true culture carrier since day one,” according to Celero Commerce CEO Kevin Jones. “Karo has worked tirelessly to drive material change for Celero on a number of fronts. His work isn’t easy in normal times, but to accomplish what Karo has during a period marked by a global pandemic and civil unrest is truly extraordinary.”

Celero’s leadership team created the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award in honor of fintech industry legend Michael Duffy, who mentored many of Celero’s leaders earlier in their careers as they served in various positions at payments industry leader Chase Paymentech. The Duffy Award is driven by peer nominations, as colleagues recognize each other not only for performance, but also leadership, especially in exhibiting attributes that abide by company values like selflessness and teamwork.

“I can’t say enough about Karo’s value to this company,” Charlie Berard, Chief Technology Officer, explained. “Karo and his team were instrumental in our COVID-19 response, quickly enabling the whole company to work remotely. In addition, he moved four legacy companies into multiple, unified technology systems to make our operations and communications more cohesive and efficient. Perhaps most importantly, Karo successfully led our annual PCI audit for the legacy UMS Banking Unit, even earning special recognition from the assigned Qualified Security Assessor for his preparation and responsiveness.”

As a Duffy Award recipient, Karo will be invited to attend Celero’s first Leadership Summit, to be held in the spring of 2021 at the company’s headquarters in Nashville.  This annual event will convene leaders across our organization to celebrate their successes and mold future leaders of our organization by discussing strategy, new fintech trends, and Celero’s market position. The summit will include the four quarterly Duffy award recipients, as well as the company’s top 10 percent of performers in other departments. C-suite executives will lead the session and have some great Nashville entertainment planned for the group as well.

Karo’s name will be engraved on a commemorative Duffy Award plaque, joining previous honorees Nicole Becher and Abigail Lucier, at Celero’s corporate offices.

According to Jones, quantifying Karo’s honor means that he is now part of a select group of standard-setters for an emerging world-class company. “In a company of more than 100 team members, Karo’s leadership and performance means that he represents Celero’s top one percent,” Kevin explained. “It’s a great honor for him, and it’s an honor for everyone at Celero to work alongside someone of Karo’s caliber.”

The next Duffy Award winner will be named in November.

Beyond finding the perfect payment processing hardware for your business, it’s important to make strategic decisions about which POS apps you’ll incorporate into your customer’s payment experience. PAX offers a wide variety of payment hardware solutions that will effortlessly complement their POS apps available for every business need. Here at Celero, we’re here to advise you about the different PAX payment systems available to help optimize your business. 

Choosing the Right Payment Processing Hardware 

PAX has dozens of payment hardware options to choose from, but here at Celero, we place emphasis on these three models: PAX A920, PAX S920, and PAX A80. We’ll briefly discuss the different models available and their specifications. First, let’s discuss the PAX A920. In addition to this model accepting traditional debit and credit card payments via chip and stripe, it also accepts no-contact payments, which is an important feature during this pandemic. With the growing safety concerns associated with customers making contact with payment terminals while completing transactions, it’s important for your business to offer contactless payment options, like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay. 

The PAX A920 model features a sleek touchscreen, a thermal printer for receipts, and a rechargeable battery. The next model we’ll discuss is the PAX S920. This model features a stunning, touchscreen display, the same payment processing functionality as the PAX A920, and a keypad for customers to easily enter their card pins. This model also has super-charged battery life and speed to help your business run as smoothly as possible. 

Lastly, the PAX A80 model is the perfect countertop option for small to mid-sized businesses. It offers a touchscreen display, an optional battery back-up to allow extended usage time, and advanced internet connectivity to ensure reliable payments at all times of the day. Like the other PAX models, this device accepts chip, stripe, and contactless payment options. 

Optimizing the Payment Experience with POS Apps

If you’re not familiar with what a POS app is, they are programs that can be incorporated with your payment processing hardware to increase customer satisfaction and engagement, collect customer information, boost sales, and so much more. PAX has an entire universe of POS apps for you to choose from, so whether you need help with inventory management, CRM, sales management, operations, payment solutions, data analytics, report creation, they’ve got you covered. Since the apps aren’t divided into categories based on their functionality, we recommend browsing through their list of apps to see if anything sparks your attention. Currently, there are 348 apps for you to choose from, so there really is something out there for every size and type of business. 

Our Favorite PAXSTORE App

Since there are so many apps available through PAX, it can take some time to sort through the options and make a decision about which ones you’d like to employ for your business. We thought we’d save you some time and highlight one of our favorite apps, SwipeSimple. This app allows you to easily accept credit card payments anytime, anywhere. Additionally, it enables you to record cash transactions, keep track of your inventory and sales, offer discounts to customers, track which products and/or services are selling well, and accept tips. In order to start accepting payments through this app, all you have to do is sign up with a verified reseller, download the app, and take your first transaction. This app is fantastic for participating in tradeshows, farmers markets, live events, and so much more. 

How Can We Help? 

If you need additional guidance, feel free to reach out to us. With so many options when it comes to payment hardware and POS apps, it can be hard to determine the best choices for your business, but we’re here to assist you. 

The combination of a reliable payment method and carefully selected POS apps can help you run your business and provide your customers with the best buying experience possible. If your business has been searching for the holy grail of payment processing systems, look no further. We offer the entire lineup of Clover products and services for your business, with solutions we can scale to the size and complexity of your company.

The Right Payment Hardware For Your Business

Let’s take a look at the different payment processing hardware options on offer from Clover. Let’s start with the smallest, most portable option. The Clover Go is a tiny, but powerful card reader that you can bring wherever your business takes you. As long as you have WiFi, you can use this sleek, lightweight device to accept payments via chip, stripe, and contactless, like Apple Pay.

The next option is the Clover Flex. This device features a touchscreen that allows you to accept payments from the palm of your hand. In addition to accepting the same payment methods as the Clover Go, it also allows you to accept fingerprint logins as an extra security precaution.

Next is the Clover Mini, which is a tabletop touchscreen device that incorporates the power of Clover payment processing with sales and inventory management tools. It’s an all-inclusive POS system that helps to optimize your sales and streamline your business operations.

If you’re looking for a little something extra, consider choosing the Clover Station. This is Clover’s fastest POS system and it includes everything from a cash drawer, customer-facing console, customer engagement programs, and the same payment processing power as the other Clover devices. With so many options, it can be hard to choose, but we’re here to help!

Incorporating POS Apps into Your Business

Beyond choosing the right payment processing hardware, selecting the right POS apps is a vital step for the success of your business. If you’re not familiar with POS apps, they are programs that can be incorporated with your payment processing hardware to boost sales, generate donations for your favorite charity, increase customer engagement and satisfaction, collect customer contact information, and more. The POS apps are divided into the following categories for easier navigation:

• Understand Your Business: Perform data analytics and generate business insights
• Reach Your Customers: Offer gifts cards and increase customer loyalty
• Manage Your Employees: Hire new employees and coordinate your workforce
• Organize Inventory: Manage your inventory
• Sell Online: Create websites, optimize your online presence, and sell online
• Invoicing: Create and manage invoices
• Cash Management: Save money on processing fees
• Form Building and Signature Capture: Accept customer signatures
• Fundraising: Generate donations for your favorite charities
• Customer Management: Collect customer information and receive feedback

A Few of Our Favorite Clover Apps

Clover offers countless POS apps for you to choose from, but we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorites. One of our favorites is the Round Up for Schools app. This app is available at no cost to your business and there’s no hassle involved with the set-up or daily usage. It allows your customers to make a donation to your company’s school of choice by rounding their purchases up to the nearest dollar. Your customers will appreciate your business’ commitment to helping local schools, and you’ll be able to provide extra funds to your favorite school for supplies, academic programs, and afterschool activities.

Another favorite of ours is the Gift Easy app. Gift cards have always been an easy way to generate revenue for your business from your future sales, but ever since COVID-19 began, consumers have started favoring contactless payment options. Instead of offering a physical gift card, many companies have started offering digital gift cards that possess a multitude of benefits to both the customer and the company. Most importantly, a digital gift card allows the balance to be added to a customer’s mobile wallet, which eliminates the need for physical contact in a payment transaction and removes the cost to the company for creating an actual gift card. Gift Easy makes creating beautiful, digital gift cards easy.

If you’re in the restaurant industry, there’s a good chance that you’re feeling the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic more than many other businesses. If you’re looking for a POS app to help streamline your business, control your food costs, and optimize your labor force, consider trying out the Restaurant 365 Integration app. This app is a complete restaurant management solution that will connect your bank, POS devices, and vendors to help optimize your business efforts. It also provides forecasting and analytics to help you predict your potential costs and revenue.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the Clover products or services mentioned above, please feel free to contact us. There’s not enough time in the day to discuss the countless competitive advantages that Clover will bring to your business, but we’re here to provide you with any additional information you’re curious about.

It’s no secret that like many small businesses, community banks have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. When this pandemic began, experts estimated that approximately 25-30 percent of small businesses would close, and the actual percentage is hovering around 17 percent. Additionally, community banks have been in a generational decline in the past few decades and have seen their market share drop from 40% to 12%. So how are community banks surviving in these unprecedented times? They’re taking measures to increase their fee income, diversify their offerings, and they are perfecting the loan  application and fulfillment process for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.

In a time when every dollar matters, community banks have focused on analyzing their customer data to identify where fee income is being lost to their competitors. Many community banks are losing out on business because they do not offer a payment processing platform, which means their customers are flocking to their competitors for these services. While this might not seem like a big deal, it’s actually opening your bank up for more revenue loss because many of these payment processing companies offer the services you do like loans, bank accounts, payroll processing, and debit cards. Once merchants look elsewhere for a payments relationship, there’s often little to stop them from switching other services, too.

There’s an elegant solution to this growing problem.  BankMax from Celero Commerce offers community bankers sales analytics tools, payment processing capabilities, and customizable reporting. It assists with locating where fee income is being lost to competitors and it provides tools to increase your business growth. For banks without a program to help their customers process sales transactions, fee income is lost when they use your competitor’s services. But with BankMax, that’s a problem of the past. Now your customers can perform sales transactions using your devices and your program which equates to savings for them and revenue for you! Celero provides a variety of payment devices ranging from our countertop cash register to our smaller handheld device for on-the-go payments. Your customers will love the selection and the flexibility of the service offerings.

Additionally, COVID-19 has encouraged merchants to switch over to contactless payment options for hygiene reasons, and with BankMax, this transition is made simple. BankMax offers customizable contactless payment options like online payment portals, digital gift cards, and tap-to-pay transactions. Tap-to-pay transactions using mobile devices have become increasingly popular as merchants move to contactless payment options due to concerns about COVID-19. It’s a safer, easier way for people to make purchases, and BankMax has worked hard to make this process easy for community banks and their customers to adopt.

Another bright light for community banks is the aforementioned  PPP loans. While larger banks struggled to provide their customers with these loans, with some troublingly focusing only on larger customers with larger loans to generate larger fees, smaller community banks nimbly served millions of small and mid-sized businesses. Community banks have an advantage over large banks because they know their customers better, they understand their needs and wants, and they truly value their relationships. Their personal relationships with their customers help to streamline the loan issuance process, which helps their customers get the funding they need in a timely fashion in addition to increasing the bank’s fee income. It’s a win-win situation for the customer and the bank.

While these uncertain times can be frightening, there are so many tools out there to help your bank succeed despite the challenges facing our country and world. Let Celero Commerce  be your resource and consider signing up for BankMax today. The opportunities for growth are out there, and we’d love to help your bank and the merchants in your community grow.

COVID-19 has changed the way we do nearly everything. Going to the grocery store is no longer a leisurely Sunday activity; it can now be a legitimate risk to your health. While many of us are religiously wearing our face masks and practicing social distancing, there are some people who aren’t following the generally accepted COVID-19 safety guidelines. The check-out process used to be a breeze, but now, there’s a major concern that touching the card pin pad will result in the disease spreading.

The good news is that there’s a technology already out there that can solve this problem, and it’s available on virtually every piece of hardware sold for the past few decades. Europe and Asia have been taking advantage of this technology for years, but the US has been slow to adopt it. However, COVID-19 has propelled near field communication (NFC) into the limelight, and it’s finally ready for widespread adoption. You may be asking, what exactly is NFC? Well, it’s a short-range wireless communication network that uses magnetic fields to transmit data safely and securely. It has many uses, but the most relevant one to our current situation is its ability to initiate sales transactions by simply tapping your mobile device onto the payment receiver. This tap-to-pay option is available on almost every smartphone, and it’s just as secure as a chip or stripe card transaction.

When you complete a tap-to-pay transaction, your smartphone’s mobile wallet will communicate directly with your bank and deduct the appropriate amount from your account. Another piece of good news is that almost every smartphone has some version of a mobile wallet. For iPhones, there’s ApplePay, which has been gaining traction in the past few months, ever since they introduced the Apple Card, a titanium credit card that links to your virtual wallet. For Androids, there’s Google Pay and Android Pay, and for Samsung models, there’s Samsung Pay. They all essentially do the same thing; no matter what type of phone you have, you’re already equipped with all the tools necessary to utilize contactless payment transactions.

If you’re a business owner, and you’d like to set-up contactless payment transactions for your customers, Celero Commerce has got you covered. We offer a variety of contactless payment devices that will suit everyone’s individual business needs. If you’re seeking a typical cash register device, the Clover Station would be an excellent option. The Station has a customer facing display, a cash drawer, and a printer for receipts. If you’re looking for something smaller and more portable, our Clover Flex or Clover Mini would be great options. The Flex is a sophisticated handheld device that is equipped to handle all of your business’ payment processing needs. The Mini is a sleek countertop touchscreen tablet that allows you to process payments and print receipts as needed. All of these models handle contactless payments which is becoming increasingly important to business owners and consumers alike as this worldwide pandemic drags on. Additionally, these models work alongside a powerful mobile and desktop program that allows you to view your sales, run reports, and issue refunds if needed.

If you’re interested in adding contactless payments to your business, please contact the Celero Team and we’d be happy to provide you with more information and recommendations specific to your business. NFC and contactless payment options truly are the future and there’s never been a better time than now to take the leap. The technology is highly secure, adaptable to any size business, and most importantly, a safer option for the days of COVID-19.

The Celero Commerce technology team is thrilled to launch Compass, our brand new, all-in-one customer relationship management tool designed specifically for financial institutions and their commercial customers. Compass is packed with features that facilitate generating new business relationships with ease and convenience.

Lead Management

With the Compass lead management feature, you can notify your team as new merchant leads move through the sales process. You can streamline contracting by pre-populating agreements with information found in your leads.

The platform uses integrated text messaging for follow-up, to turn prospects into clients. With customized views by user, your team can take leads from digital campaigns and populate them into the system, send notifications to bank representatives, and even tie your own website into the platform with an API feed.

BankMax

With our built-in BankMax features, you can quickly ask VAR and equipment-related questions to educate your merchants. In addition, you’ll get analysis of your merchant portfolio, easily identifying opportunities to grow your deposits and loans.

In addition, BankMax provides in-depth merchant statement analysis.

Automated Boarding

Compass makes boarding new merchants easy, with multiple automated features like built-in pricing templates. You’ll be able to submit multiple processing applications from a single lead form, saving you valuable time.

Compass provides an all-in-one boarding document storage solution, in our secure, cloud-based environment. Eliminate duplication of merchant records to dramatically reduce your boarding time with new clients.  

E-signature

Our e-signature feature in Compass provides convenience and speed with just a few clicks to execute documents. In addition to obtaining signatures and initials, you can also have clients quickly and efficiently fill in missing information or document fields.

You can send and receive signed documents with clients and prospects alike with Compass e-signature.

Real-Time Reporting

The real-time reporting function empowers our partners in multiple ways. Access real-time batch reporting and easily acquire and understand statement histories. With easy-to-ready portfolio views and a friendly graphical interface, users can quickly get information to inform better decision-making.

With Compass, you can view on-demand profitability reporting and pull analytics with insight and data to better understand your portfolio.

 Mobile App

Compass isn’t just for desktops at the branch. You can download the Compass app for both Android and iOS devices. You and your merchants will enjoy the ease of accessing compass on-the go, so you can manage your business from anywhere.

White-Labeled Merchant Portal

Maintain consistent branding across all of your platforms with Compass, as we provide a White-labeled portal with your branding to the merchants you serve. Notify your merchants via text message or email about deposits and disputes, and automatically send enrollment invitations to your approved merchants with Compass.

Help Desk Ticket System

You can easily submit help desk tickets though the Compass system, ensuring quick issue resolution. Get notifications as help desk tickets go from opened to resolved, and provide exceptional customer service to your commercial accounts at any time of the day from your phone, tablet, or desktop.

Training Program

Compass contains our “Getting Started” guide that walks you through every step of the merchant sales funnel and boarding process. Our in-depth webinar presentation details everything from creating a new merchant lead to integrating Compass with your Gmail or Outlook-based accounts.  

Contact our Celero FI team to learn more about Compass and see your merchant portfolio achieve new heights in convenience, service, and satisfaction.

The US market is notoriously slow to adopt new payment technologies. When we like something and see the value it brings to our business, we stick with it. And in good times, there’s nothing wrong with that!

Historically, Europe and Asia have been fast adopters of new technologies, with widespread acceptance happening years ahead of activity here at home, where many of these technologies are invented.

Now, many our small and mid-sized merchants going “back to the future,” adopting technologies faster than ever. And they are taking on as many of these technologies that make sense for their customers’ needs, whether it’s for a competitive edge, convenience, or social distancing, and of course for their own financial and operational well-being.

We originally called these technologies and tools our Celero COVID-19 Survival Kit. As the American economy rebounds across many industries and in many parts of the country, we’re finding that these survival tools are easily repurposed to help our merchants define a new normal on their own terms. Growing a business quickly, efficiently, and sustainably means having the tools and technology to control your own destiny.

Contact us to learn more about this set of tools with enduring value for your business. Meet the Celero Small Business Comeback Kit:

• Contactless/NFC payments like ApplePay
• Digital Gift Cards
• Payment Gateways
• Mobile Payments
• Point-of-Sale Systems with integrated management applications
• Virtual Terminals

Email our team at solutions@celerocommerce.com or call us at 1-844-4CELERO.

While many of you know Celero for electronic payments and card processing, you should know about our award-winning software for field service businesses, RazorSync, now available through both our Celero FI partnerships and through our direct-to-merchant channel, Celero Direct.

What Is RazorSync?

RazorSync is a powerful yet easy-to-use software and mobile app that streamlines field service management. This award-winning software allows you to manage customers and workers in the fields, schedule and dispatch workers, invoice, take payments, and much more — all from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

RazorSync Features

RazorSync combines user-friendly functionality to optimize both financial and operations management for field service companies.

Features include:

• Easy scheduling
• QuickBooks integration
• Self-service portal
• Add parts to invoice
• Online and offline connectivity
• Free trial
• Live support
• Job site invoicing
• Take payments on the go
• Store “before and after” pictures, videos, contracts, signatures, product brochures, and virtually any digital file
• Track payroll
• Update customer records
• Your brand in the most prominent position on all communications, reports, quotes, invoices, and within the customer portal
• Easy setup
• Low monthly fees

Which industries does RazorSync work with?                     

We designed RazorSync to work with virtually any field service business operation, from solo entrepreneurs to franchises with multiple locations. Our software serves the following industries:

• Plumbing
• Pool & Spa
• Handyman Services
• Appliance Repair
• Carpet Cleaning
• Facility Maintenance
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Pest Control
• Alarm & Security
• Garage Door
• Lawn Care
• And many more!

Get your field service business in sync today with RazorSync. Head to www.razorsync.com to schedule a free demo or start your free trial.

In March, we launched a set of COVID-19 resources on our website, to help small businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic. These resources include our own COVID-19 Survival Kit, a set of tools and technologies for diversifying payments and operations, as well as a series of educational webinars from the Celero team and its partners. In addition, we’ve pulled together a set of government and industry sources for businesses looking for financial assistance.

Now, we are pleased to launch a new resource, as many business-owners look to emerge in the new normal. Reopening guidelines can be complex, depending on your business, and each state, rather than the federal Centers for Disease Control, is in charge of setting its own regulations and associated guidance for businesses. The state-by-state jurisdiction for these matters can cause confusion, especially for business owners with multiple locations across state lines. We hope you find this guide helpful.

See the guide, with links to each state’s up-to-date plans for reopening, at https://celerocommerce.com/reopening-guidelines-by-state.

Kristia Poppe June 3, 2020 The payments industry has been central to business innovation for the last generation, one defined as the technology revolution. From the dawn of the internet, with ecommerce as the driver for payment gateways, and the advent of the smartphone, a vehicle for mobile payments, to wireless developments like near field communication as a boon for contactless acceptance, the payments industry has always been first to make those driving technologies really work and reach their potential to turn our wildest dreams into everyday reality.

What’s interesting to me about this dynamic among the payments industry and its adjacent technologies is the varying speed with which societies around the world adopt the payment methods afforded by new frontiers of innovation. And as advanced as we think we are here in the United States, we often lag—by years—adoption of new payment technologies behind our counterparts in Asia and Europe, especially.  

Adapting to Survive

Now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, American business is responding to the crisis by adapting to survive. In March, our company launched its own COVID-19 Survival Kit, which features a set of currently available technologies that many small and mid-sized companies had simply failed to integrate. The pandemic has made fringe or “nice-to-have” technologies central and essential.

Among these technologies are advancements that we in the industry may have taken for granted and quietly acquiesced to a slow-march of adoption, instead of hustling, as we are now, to make these tools more accessible to our customers and bank partners. These tools include:

·      Contactless/NFC payments like ApplePay

·      Digital Gift Cards

·      Payment Gateways

·      Mobile Payments

·      Point-of-Sale Systems with integrated management applications

·      Virtual Terminals

If You Build It, They Will Come

The beauty of these technologies is that we’ve been building them, as an industry, all along, based on our knowledge that early adopters would fund the existence of each respective technology until the time arrived where they would be universal in application. Unlike many industries, those of us in payments were actually ready for COVID-19! What we had to adjust was our mentality, particularly with regard to each merchant and their needs.

Before COVID-19, we may have underestimated each merchant’s needs for solutions that would “weatherproof” their business for virtually any economic season, whether it was a housing-fueled downturn, cyclical cooling of the economy, or, as we’ve seen, a 100-year public health crisis. And due to the lack of urgency associated with good times, perhaps we could afford to underestimate the situation.

Changing Our Mindset

Not anymore. Now, the small town boutique not only needs a good card terminal at the counter, but also a mobile solution to do curbside transactions, a payment gateway to enable ecommerce, digital gift cards to enable easy community investment for the future, and contactless to protect the health of its employees and customers, not to mention an integrated system that keeps financial and operational performance in-sync. 

Fortunately, we were ready, and we’ve mobilized quickly. While we haven’t triaged every American small business, just as the federal and state governments haven’t gotten assistance to every individual and business affected by the pandemic, we are well on our way. Just give us time. And by the time we’re finished, looking at those comparative technology adoption rates among countries will be remarkably different. But if I can certify one thing for our partners and merchants, it’s the fact that we will never stop innovating, so that we can be ready for you and whatever you’re facing.

What I love most about our industry is how tightly aligned our survival is with that of our partners and merchants. Unlike some industries, the payments industry feasts only when our customers do, and when they starve, we do, too.  Knowing that value proposition, and living with it every day, keeps us honest and keeps us moving forward.

Together.

Visa is extending the option to require signature capture and validation for all merchants, globally.

In 2018, Visa announced that the capture and validation of a cardholder’s signature would be optional for all EMV®-enabled merchants. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective 14 May 2020, Visa is extending the same policy change to all merchants, even if they have not deployed EMV chip capabilities, to reduce the need for customers to interact physically with POS terminals.

Merchants in all regions now have the option to no longer capture a signature as a cardholder verification method (CVM), except where applicable laws or regulations otherwise require a signature to be captured. This creates a consistent global policy for capturing and validating signatures at the point of sale and further reduces friction.

In the 7 April 2020 edition of Visa Business News, Visa provided a reminder of the many options available to merchants to reduce the need for physical interaction between customers and POS terminals, including leveraging tap to pay / contactless technology and collecting additional customer details through means other than touching the terminal.

Visa urges acquirers and their agents to remind all merchants about these options to minimize merchant / customer interaction at the point of sale. Visa strongly recommends no longer requiring signatures for any transaction / amount.

Merchant Impact

Merchants will be able to further streamline the point of sale experience for any transaction type (tap, dip or swipe) or amount by no longer capturing a signature. For merchants that elect to stop capturing a signature,1 they can quickly and easily implement a “No Signature” policy by suppressing or turning off the signature prompt in the payment application. Alternatively, merchants may choose to make no changes and simply ignore the signature prompt altogether. To maintain processing interoperability, terminals must continue to support signatures as a CVM; specifically for EMV-enabled merchants, the kernel in the terminal must not be changed to remove the signature function.

Merchants may also remove the signature line on transaction receipts or simply ignore it if printed.

Generally, removing signature prompting is a small change to the terminal’s settings or software for which no re-certification is needed.

Retrieval Requests and Compliance Cases

Visa previously removed the requirement for EMV-enabled merchants in all regions to keep receipts as a form of cardholder verification1 for transactions; issuers were prohibited from requesting copies of transaction receipts, as specified in the Visa Rules (ID#: 0030552), or raising compliance cases related to the validity or presence of signatures for transactions at EMV-enabled merchants.

By making signatures optional for all merchants, acquirers will not be required to fulfill retrieval requests or respond to compliance cases related to the validity or presence of a signature for transactions on or after 14 May 2020. Acquirers will still be responsible for transactions prior to 14 May 2020, based on current rules for fulfilling retrieval requests and applicable compliance cases for non-EMV-enabled merchants.

Although issuers will be able to continue submitting retrieval requests and signature-related compliance cases, they should be aware that acquirers have no obligation to fulfill any retrieval requests or respond to signature-related compliance cases for transactions on or after 14 May 2020. As such, issuers are strongly encouraged to cease raising retrieval requests or compliance cases related to signatures.

1 This applies to Visa requirements only; if the merchant is required to confirm cardholder consent/agreement to the terms & conditions of the sale, they may do so by means other than only the signature. Merchants should use their own discretion regarding the retention of receipts for non-Visa related requirements.

Future Visa Rules Changes

Due to the urgent need to reduce customers’ physical interaction with merchants and POS terminals, Visa is making this announcement effective immediately. Further communication will be provided in the coming weeks with detailed updates to the Visa Rules to support this policy expansion.

Reminders

There are no changes to the acceptance of PIN as a CVM in any country. Existing requirements continue to apply for all merchants in all regions; these changes apply only to obtaining a signature.

Terminals must continue to be capable of supporting signature capture. The only change for merchants that choose not to support signature is a software update to remove the prompt for capturing a signature. Re-certifications are not required for this change; additionally, for EMV-enabled merchants, the EMV kernel must not be changed (in particular, signature must continue to be supported in the kernel).

These changes have no effect on disputes related to the EMV liability shift, including treatment for fallback transactions.

In a just-published article in respected payments journal, Digital Transactions, Celero Commerce founder and CEO Kevin Jones sits down with the magazine’s Kevin Woodward to discuss the current state of the payments industry nearly two months into the COVID-19-driven economic crisis. 

In a ranging interview, Jones discusses a variety of topics, including the company’s recent launch of its COVID-19 Survival Kit to help small and mid-sized merchants protect their business from the effects of voluntary and mandated social distancing actions. Celero’s Survival Kit and other COVID-19 resources include merchant webinars, targeted products and services like virtual gift cards, mobile payments, and payment gateways, as well as helpful links to government and industry resources.

In addition, Jones explains the Celero’s “team of teams” approach of offense/defense to manage its way through the crisis, as well as the company’s recent acquisition of Boca Raton-based FlashBanc.

Read the full story, also featuring interviews with other payments industry leaders, at this link.

Small businesses around the country are showing signs of resilience and innovation, as they always do in the face of adversity. When they are able to combine their strength and ideas with a community-driven mission, special things happen.

Boundary Oak Distillery is located in the heart of Kentucky, in the small town of Radcliff in the shadow of the US gold bullion repository at Fort Knox. Like other distilleries around the country Boundary Oak has joined the strategic supply chain for providing hand sanitizer to first responders and communities in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Owner Brent Goodin and the Boundary Oak team, known for their small batch bourbon, American whiskey, amber, and moonshine, have retooled production away from their beloved spirits to meet nationwide demand for hand sanitizer, which includes some of the same ingredients as their normal products.

Goodin’s recipe, taken from World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines, combines alcohol, water, hydrogen peroxide, and glycerol. The additive glycerol contains both antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Part of the family business, his youngest son, Thomas, compounds the ingredients to form the base product, as Boundary Oak is using spray bottles, donated from the surrounding community, as containers for its hand sanitizer.

After confirming that they could, indeed, produce the hand sanitizer after inquiries from local medical professionals, Goodin and the Kentucky Distillers Association reached out to Senator Mitch McConnell, along with officials in the US Department of Treasury and the Food and Drug Administration. In late March, Boundary Oak was given temporary authorization and emergency licensure to retool its operations and produce the much-needed sanitizer.

Once labeled, each bottle is shipped to first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. In additions to EMS technicians, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes across Kentucky should see Boundary Oak product over the next several weeks.

Celero is proud to serve Goodin and the team at Boundary Oak Distillery through a payment processing partnership between Elmhurst Financial and The Cecilian Bank, headquartered in nearby Cecilia. Founded in 1903, The Cecilian Bank is Kentucky’s 16th largest bank, with more than 200 employees providing a variety of banking services from 19 branch offices in seven counties of the commonwealth.

Please join us in saluting the Goodin family and team at Boundary Oak Distillery, a great example of the enduring spirit of American business.

For the new podcast, Jones and Castle will discuss a range of topics, from entrepreneurship and leadership to creating great company cultures and developing people to their full potential in work and life.  The duo will also explore the values they hold dear, like humility and respect. “We want to have conversations with each other and guests that are funny and inspiring, thought-provoking and endearing, evocative of relationships of those who are battle-hardened yet still fresh in their passion,” Castle said.

“I’m so thrilled that Brian and I have been able to do more writing together on these subjects that drive entrepreneurship and leadership,” said Jones. “The inspiration for the name, Because We Had To, is one of our favorite Avett Brothers songs. It speaks to the essence of what drives all of us to pursue greatness in business and in life. It’s the yearning of the creative spirits, the problem-solvers, and even the entertainers among us that never abates and always abides. This podcast is for those who dream.  Sometimes we pursue our dreams just because we have to, because of that thirst to pursue our ideas and our passions.”

While the pair previously had other ideas for the kickoff episode of Because We Had To, as with many aspects of American life, things changed with the coronavirus outbreak. “Brian and I took a first things first approach with this podcast,” explained Jones. “It felt appropriate to dedicate our first episode to trying to help those businesses out there that are hurting.  

To that end, the podcast will launch with Castle and Jones hosting a number of guests from the Celero leadership team, including Kevin Brolan, Matt Moore, and Scott Farace.  Brolan, who heads up sales at the company, will discuss elements of Celero’s COVID-19 Survival Kit, a set of tools designed to help restaurants, shops, salons, and other businesses survive and eventually grow more sustainably. Moore, who leads the company’s BankMax program, will speak to tools for community bankers as they try to triage local businesses.  Finally, Chief Marketing Officer Scott Farace will share stories of small business resilience and innovation, along with advice for business owners to effectively market to their customer base and serve their communities during this time of crisis. 

Listen to Episode 1 of Because We Had To, now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Kevin Jones April 21, 2020 You often hear us in the payments and financial technology industries as we implore you to shop local, supporting your community’s small businesses that include restaurants, bars and breweries, salons, and boutique shops. Too often, this imperative is misunderstood as a feel-good marketing campaign.

But make no mistake, the shop local movement is about something very real. It’s how we build more vibrant, sustainable communities that meet our needs, economically, culturally, and by virtually any measure of quality of life, whether you’re in places the size of Los Angeles, Nashville, Greenville, South Carolina, or my tiny hometown of West Jefferson, North Carolina.

The numbers don’t lie. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in America, and they employ nearly two-thirds of the workforce. If you’re looking purely to make an economic impact directly in the lives of your friends, neighbors, and fellow church-goers, you really couldn’t have a better strategy than eating at that family-owned restaurant, having your car repaired with your hometown mechanic or dealership, or getting that spa treatment at the beauty shop around the corner. Your locally-spent dollars keep people employed and keep the economy progressing in normal times, and they are helping these folks survive in the unprecedented times since the outbreak of COVID-19.

As if that weren’t enough, shopping local, eating local, and drinking local goes way beyond helping your individual neighbors and friends. Out of every dollar you spend locally, 67 cents stay in your community. Furthermore, that same dollar is taxed at a local level up to four times, on average.  Think about everything your tax dollars pay for in your community:  schools; roads, parks and greenways; the arts; parades and community events; loans and grants for startups; programs to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, and much, much more.

It’s been noted in study after study that promoting small businesses strengthens the middle class, reduces income inequality, creates local supply chains, achieves higher wages and benefits, bolsters civic and social well-being, and makes business simply fairer in pricing and terms. When I was forming my plan for Celero nearly two years ago, I decided to double down on my belief in the resilience and sustainability of American small business. I knew we’d face hard times again, but like many, I didn’t think it would happen so soon. 

But my belief is rooted in the knowledge that we are, in fact, all in this together—in good times and bad. For all of us who want our communities to survive now and thrive when good times are here again (and I’ll bet that survey would yield somewhere near 100 percent of us), we need to act like we do at church. Let’s have our behaviors exemplify our beliefs. Even in times of social distancing, we can support our beloved small, local businesses. Utilize curbside, takeout, and delivery services whenever you can, and buy virtual gift cards to invest in these businesses when you can’t.

Let’s get through this by focusing on the health of our families and friends and by extending a hand to those small businesses that mean so much to our way of life. Let’s work together to save our neighbors and save our communities.

While many across our country and world are suffering from the outbreak of COVID-19 last month, many of our loved ones, friends, and neighbors in the Nashville area are still suffering from the deadly tornadoes that ravaged central Tennessee in the early hours of March 3.

In the wake of the tornadoes and just prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Celero Commerce established its Celero Cares Fund on crowdfunding platform GoFundMe, in order to provide assistance to small business owners and their employees during times of need.

To date, the Celero Cares Fund has raised nearly $7,000, with the bulk of donations coming from Celero employees, their families, and friends of the company. On March 9, the fund made an initial donation to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund activated by the nonprofit Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.  This emergency gift from the Celero family has brought much-needed relief to those left hungry and homeless from tornado damage.

The latest gift from the Celero Cares Fund goes to our friends at East Nashville’s Urban Cowboy. The eight-room boutique hotel, housed in a historic Victorian mansion, is a favorite landing spot for visitors to our hometown, and the hotel and surrounding area took a direct hit during the tornado storm of March 3.  In the same week the hotel looked to reopen, government officials put stay at home measures in place, effectively closing many lodging establishments like Urban Cowboy for the until further notice.

We are distributing a portion of the Celero Cares Fund to the staff of Urban Cowboy, so that they can continue to pay their bills during this uncertain time.

Our mission is to help small and medium businesses achieve and sustain success.  With so many small businesses affected by these storms and then COVID-19, our Celero Cares Fund aims to raise funds to support these business owners, as well as their employees, in their time of need.  From providing food for employees, supplies to help clean up, or operating needs to help them stay afloat as they recover, we want to help as many of the individuals and families in these Nashville-area businesses as we can.

Please join us in donating to help these people in their time of need.  All funds raised will be provided to those businesses affected by the storm. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/celero-cares to learn more and donate!

Inspired by a shared value of servant leadership and role models, the Celero Commerce executive team created a special award to recognize elite performers who exemplify the company’s values. Now, we are pleased to announce the second quarterly recipient of the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award, Abigail Lucier.

Just celebrating her one-year anniversary with the company, Abigail currently serves Celero Commerce as Senior Project Manager, reporting to Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jones.  During her tenure, Abigail has led foundational projects like the design and move into the company’s new Brentwood headquarters and operations center. She currently leads the company’s Pandemic Response team, formed at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Celero’s leadership team created the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award in honor of fintech industry legend Michael Duffy, who mentored many of Celero’s leaders earlier in their careers as they served in various positions at payments industry leader Chase Paymentech. The Duffy Award is driven by peer nominations, as colleagues recognize each other not only for performance, but also leadership, especially in exhibiting attributes that abide by company values like selflessness and teamwork.

Abigail received multiple nominations for Duffy Award recognition for her exemplary performance and leadership in the first quarter of 2020. Here are some of the notable nomination excerpts, straight from her peers:

“Abigail has quickly become a great resource for met to turn to with questions or almost anything in the office.”

“Abigail’s focus on company culture has motivated me to be a better team player and to be a culture carrier myself.”

Whether it is something related to her job or not, she is always willing to provide answers and guidance. . . a true team player!!!

“We all know how much work Abigail put in to create an office space that we have now transitioned into. Her leadership during this transition was so important for a smooth move with little disruption to our day to day jobs.”

“Abigail has now worked hard to help develop our Disaster Recovery Plan during this pandemic situation. I know that she has been a valuable asset to our company’s leadership during these times and will continue to do amazing things moving forward!”

“Abigail has quickly become a great resource for me to turn to with questions on almost anything in the office. Whether it is something related to her job or not, she is always willing to provide answers and guidance... a true team player!!!”

Abigail is quickly establishing herself as an emerging thought leader on the subject of company culture, with regular appearances on the company’s Celero Insights blog and Celero’s video channels on YouTube and Vimeo. 

As a Duffy Award recipient, Abigail will be invited to attend Celero’s first Leadership Summit, to be held in the spring of 2021 at the company’s headquarters in Nashville.  This annual event will convene leaders across our organization to celebrate their successes and mold future leaders of our organization by discussing strategy, new fintech trends, and Celero’s market position. The summit will include the four quarterly Duffy award recipients, as well as the company’s top 10 percent of performers in other departments. C-suite will lead the session and have some great Nashville entertainment planned for the group as well.

In addition, Abigail Lucier’s name will now grace a commemorative Duffy Award plaque at Celero’s corporate offices.

“Abigail truly sets a standard of commitment at Celero, as in commitment to our team, our customers, and our partners, “said Jones. “And she’s the kind of person you want on your side—smart, tough, and talented. Our leadership has learned to trust Abigail with virtually any critical project, since she’s one of those people built to rise to any challenge. Her combination of focus and determination are unmatched in this company.”

Other nominees for the quarterly Duffy Award were Ethan Hoffman, Karo Torosyan, and Kathryn Rodriguez.  “I’d also like to salute the other nominees,” said Jones. “Ethan, Karo, and Kathryn are true leaders in this company. When you’re dedicated to your work and the people around you, others take notice. I am thrilled to have teammates like Ethan, Karo, Kathryn, and Abigail on this journey to build the premier payments and software platform for small business.”

The next Duffy Award winner will be named in late July.

At Celero Commerce, it's our goal to provide our customers with trust and dependability in our products and services that can equip them with the capability to better themselves and their business. Our company is dedicated to providing quality and reassurance that we offer the best solutions to make sure business owners are comfortable and educated to make business decisions confidently and with support. Explore below the ways that we can help your business grow!

1. Simple and Affordable Payment Processing

Honest & Transparent Pricing

Working with small businesses is our specialty and we make it a priority to gain trust with our customers by providing payment processing to save our merchants time and money. We use the interchange plus pricing model where merchants simply pay the interchange cost plus a small margin (basis points & a transaction fee) – no buckets, no hidden fees and the margin stays the same even as your volume increases. 

Accept Payments Anywhere

We strive to make sure our merchants and future customers are equipped with all the necessary tools in order to be successful and conduct business conveniently. Every business has its own set of unique needs and it's important to find the right fit when it comes to payment processing. We offer a variety of credit card terminals and solutions to get you where you need to go. Let's take a look at the options available to you:

Point-of-Sales Systems

Depending on the needs of your business, Celero can find you the fight software for your business.

Point-of-Sale Terminals

A common essential for most businesses and one of the most traditional payment processing methods used today.

Virtual Terminal

Here's your opportunity to make your payment processing effortless for mail order and telephone order sales along with off-site sales events.

Mobile Payments

A great way to accept mobile EMV credit card payments quickly and securely from any smartphone or tablet.

2. Effortless & Convenient Mobile Payments

Effectively growing your business means adapting to your customers wants and needs. Mobile payment processing is on the rise as the requirement is becoming greater and merchants are finding it more convenient and useful to implement within their business. Luckily, Celero’s mobile credit card processing app is easy to use and allows you to accept payments from any smartphone or tablet with a variety of benefits explained below:

Real-Time Reporting Tools

This is where you're able to view business insights on-the go and manage past transactions. You'll have the capability to easily execute voids or refunds and even re-send receipts to your customers if needed. What's great about this feature is it grants you the convenience needed for running your business.

Inventory Tracking

Another added perk is the inventory tracking abilities that prove to be useful. You're able to real-time, specific updates on inventory wherever you are. This gives you the opportunity to manage your inventory accordingly, such as editing item details or adding new items all within our mobile payment app. What's especially useful is how all your devices are interconnected, allowing your updates to be made on one device and it's carried through the rest and back to your dashboard.

Customized Settings

Customized settings is where you have features such as texting or emailing receipts to your customers are always beneficial as it makes it easier for you and your customers, plus you have the advantage of being a little green! You're also able to enable a tip option to present the customer with before processing their payment. The customer can select from three default tip amounts set, or enter a custom tip dollar amount. Lastly, you have an offline mode option which permits you to capture swiped or keyed payments without an internet connection. You should know that offline mode is not compatible with EMV or NFC Mobile Payments (tap payments). Learn more about the app in the Mobile App User Guide. 

3. Dependable & Stress-Free Full Service Payroll

As your business grows, it's important to you to save time, money and stress whenever and wherever you can. Celero offers a solution that can reduce stress for all three of those things! Our Full Service Payroll offers an affordable, dependable and user-friendly service that will assist you with the proper development required to run a successful business. Here are some of our key features:

Unlimited Payrolls

There's no such thing as per-payroll fees with us. All that we require is for you to simply pay a monthly rate, choose your pay schedule you need and run as many payrolls as you like online. Your workers are paid with direct deposit, paychecks or cash. It's really that easy.

Automatic Tax Filing

No more tax filing headaches or mistakes! You're protected from IRS fines with our secure tax filing service and are guaranteed accuracy and if there's an error, we'll take care of it.

Free Expert Support

Payroll as easy as ours can sometimes involve questions you don't have the answers to, which is why we offer free (US-based) support via phone, email or chat to help you with every step of the process. We're available Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST, simply call 877.968.7147 and we'll help!

Free Payroll Setup

What sets us apart from others? Free account setup! If you're strapped for time, it's not a problem. We'll enter your tax, payroll and employee information into your payroll portal for you, for free!

Each business has different needs and while these are the basics of our Full Service Payroll, we have useful add on options to make payroll a more unique and effective experience for your business.

Conclusion: 

We're invested in the growth of our customers and value your experiences with us. Growing your business doesn't have to be difficult or stressful when you have the right tools and support in your corner to help you along the way. The more we can help, the happier we will be!

Acquisition of rapidly growing payments provider strengthens Celero Commerce’s commitment to merchants nationwide

Nashville, TN and Boca Raton, FL – April 7, 2020 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused commerce solutions provider, today announced the acquisition of FlashBanc, a leading provider of electronic payments technology and loyalty  solutions.

The acquisition builds upon Celero’s existing strategy of providing industry-leading payment processing, business management software, data insights, and customer support to SMB customers.  Following the addition of Flashbanc, Celero will serve approximately 28,000 merchants and process approximately $10 billion in annual payment volume, with more than 100 employees in seven offices across the U.S.

“We are excited to join the Celero Commerce family,” said Michael Gross, CEO and Founder of FlashBanc. “Our team is attracted to Celero’s culture and vision as a leader in payments and we are thrilled to have access to their suite of technology solutions to continue to deliver market leading service and support for our customer base. With Celero, our team members will be empowered to help our customers grow by simplifying the acceptance of electronic transactions, providing vertically focused product and technology bundles, and enabling powerful loyalty and social marketing tools.”

“Partnering with Michael and the FlashBanc team presents a great opportunity. FlashBanc has a history of providing solutions focused on helping customers grow. In this unprecedented environment, the acquisition of FlashBanc underscores Celero’s commitment to SMB merchants across the U.S.” said Kevin Jones, CEO of Celero.  As part of this transaction, Celero will maintain operations out of both FlashBanc’s Boca Raton, FL, headquarters and its San Francisco area office.

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business.  Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

Adapt, improvise, and overcome.

As a child, Mary Alice Latta, hairstylist at Glam Salon in tiny Hillsborough, NC, heard these words constantly from her father.

“Since the day I was born, my dad always told me, ‘Life is going to throw you curveballs,’” says Mary Alice, “‘and it’s up to you to adapt, improvise, and overcome.’”

Mary Alice’s upbringing instilled in her the virtues of grit, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which have helped her throughout her career and especially today amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Jessica Batts, owner of Glam Salon, and Mary Alice are longtime friends who both started their stylist careers in 2008 during one of the worst recessions in American history.

“We both know what it takes to survive even in times of economic hardship,” says Mary Alice. “We both know the hard work and determination that it takes to get here.”

Jessica and Mary Alice opened the salon together nearly seven years ago. Since then, they have built a loyal client base throughout Hillsborough and surrounding areas. There aren’t many salons that can boast a perfect 5.0 rating on Facebook with over 50 reviews … but Glam Salon is one of them.

“We have a really incredible community,” Mary Alice says.

She’s had to tap into her natural flair for entrepreneurship recently, as North Carolina has mandated that salons close for at least 30 days in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We knew we needed something,” says Mary Alice. “Clients were reaching out saying, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we going to do?’ Many of them are used to coming in every three or four weeks.”

She came up with an ingenious solution that would keep clients happy while also keeping the salon afloat: She and her fellow stylists began putting together DIY touch-up kits that include everything you need to fix hair color right at home. They come in airtight containers and include developer, color dye, gloves, a cap, a brush, a bowl, and an instructions sheet.

“We sold 55 kits in the first week,” says Mary Alice. “It’s been a great way to keep our clients away from box dye, and to drive sales that keep us going as a small business.”

Glam Salon is offering the kits on a weekly basis, via pickup or delivery, to maintain freshness and ensure that the hair color doesn’t expire by the time it reaches clients. In addition to these innovative, salon-quality color kits, they’re also selling gift cards and retail products as usual. They’re shipping products, like shampoo and styling cream, directly to clients. 

“We have amazing clients who understand the hardships of small businesses right now, and want to support us,” Mary Alice says.

Mary Alice, Jessica, and all of the talented stylists at Glam Salon prove that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the tech sector or big business – it’s seen all the time in small businesses across the nation, which make up the very lifeblood of our economy. We’re proud to share a country with entrepreneurs like Mary Alice, whose uncanny ability to adapt, improvise, and overcome is an inspiration to us all.

Celero Commerce was formed to equip small businesses with products, services, and software tools that help them grow quickly and sustainably. With the outbreak of COVID-19 over the last several weeks, our mission has changed to reflect the gravity of the situation, not only from and individual and public health perspectives, but also with regard to the survival of American small business.

Week by week, we are putting together a variety of resources, both internal and external, to help our merchants weather the storm and survive for the better times that lie ahead. 

Internal Resources:  the Celero COVID-19 Survival Kit 

At the COVID-19 link in our site’s main navigation, you’ll find our Celero COVID-19 Survival Kit, featuring educational materials for merchants on tools like gift cards, e-commerce, virtual payment terminals, and other solutions for staying in business while adhering to social distancing guidance and regulations. 

You’ll also see a variety of Celero News and Insights articles with headlines containing the hashtag, #InThisTogether. Each of these articles offers advice to merchants or shows how restaurateurs and other entrepreneurs are innovating to survive, supporting their communities, and adopting new tools for changing their business models to meet the challenges of the new COVID-19 reality.

External Resources: Government and Industry Rescue/Stimulus Programs

With stimulus and rescue efforts ongoing and from multiple sources, we know our merchants need the latest information on available programs to complement our solutions for the journey back to prosperity. We have compiled a Government and Industry Resource page that features links and information to available programs for small businesses, ranging from forgivable SBA loans for retaining employees (part of the recently-passed CARES Act) to microloans and bridge loans available at state and local levels.

In addition, we are listing industry resources from trade groups (the Electronic Transaction Association, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation), nonprofits (James Beard Foundation, and private companies (UberEats, GrubHub) that support small business.

Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), as we continue to add and update resources for merchants across America.

You can’t beat Jones meats. Since 1980, Jones Country Meats of Climax, Georgia has provided southwest Georgia and surrounding areas with the freshest, tastiest beef and pork around. Unlike many small businesses, they’ve actually seen an uptick in business since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as locals flood in to stock up on quality meats. With help from Tandem, they’ve been able to develop several ways for customers to buy and receive products while minimizing social contact.

“Our local bank approached us about using Tandem, and it was easy access for us,” says GeGe Baggett, who owns Jones Country Meats with her husband, Jerry. “Through Tandem, we were able to set up a portable credit card machine on our porch, so people can pay and pick up their order right from our freezer outside.”

They’re also encouraging customers to call in orders ahead of time and giving them the option to either pay over the phone or in-store, where they’re careful to get people in and out quickly. Customers who pay over the phone can simply grab their orders curbside, and have an employee load the meat into their cars. Between curbside and takeout options, they’ve seen an increase in business. They’re even running two phone lines to cover the increase in call-in orders.

“Whenever we need something material-wise, we can always get it through Tandem,” says GeGe. “Even as we’ve stepped up our sales, our systems haven’t slowed down or failed at all.”

GeGe also enjoys the easy access to help when they need it.

“We can always contact Jake Michaelis, our Tandem partner at First Port City Bank, when we need something, and he always gets back to us quickly,” she says. “I’ve called on a Friday night, on a Sunday, and they always respond quickly to me. I always get the help I need, when I need it.”

In such a devastating time for so many local businesses, we’re happy to see Jones Country Meats thriving. They’ve found innovative ways to drive business, thanks in part to payment processing solutions from Tandem – and, in large part, thanks to their delicious range of humanely sourced beef and pork, as well as jellies, preserves, syrups, sauces, and seasonings. If you find yourself in Southwest Georgia, be sure to stop by Jones Country Meats. Call ahead and you can pick up their premium cuts without even getting out of your car.

A Dallas institution since 1993, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chophouse has set standards not only for its award-winning food, but also for its service, ambiance, and ability to host private parties for up to 100 guests. Anyone that knows the Chamberlain’s experience would forgive their team for feeling sorry for themselves during the outbreak of COVID-19 and its attendant regulations that have shuttered dining rooms nationwide, but that’s not how these Texans operate.

Richard Chamberlain and his staff, like many other small business owners and their teams around the country, are embracing a new normal with resilience and spirit. Now, the restaurant crew is fully-focused on helping its clientele take the Chamberlain’s experience home safely. The upscale restaurant has launched curbside pickup, as well as specials like “Standing Together” days, featuring multi-option, prix fixe menus for patrons to enjoy.  

In addition, Chamberlain’s is running half-price wine days with new selections each week. The restaurant also sells gift cards for those who want to help the restaurant now and enjoy fine food and drink at a later date. For a restaurant focused primarily on the in-person dining experience, with amenities like a cigar bar, Chamberlain’s is adapting to the times with real spirit.

“Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, one of my family’s favorites from our years in Dallas, continues to set great examples for how restaurants can survive COVID-19 and continue to thrive thereafter,” said Celero Commerce Chief Marketing Officer Scott Farace. “For years, they have set an incredible standard for restaurant operations in the DFW area, and now they’re doing it again. You can see a playbook in action here, with online ordering, curbside pickup, special packaging, pricing specials and menu features, along with appeals to its loyal patrons to stand together and be safe. They could complain about social distancing regulations, and instead they offer gratitude to both their Dallas clientele and to America itself. It’s inspiring and practical stuff.”

For more information, check out the Chamberlain’s Steakhouse website at www.chamberlainsteakhouse.com.

We’ve been sharing stories with our readers about small business leaders who are innovating to save their companies in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of these small business owners are also turning to the community to help those who have been laid off or children who would otherwise get their meals at school.

Our financial institution partners at Celero, no strangers to philanthropy and volunteerism in good times, are also rising to the occasion. One such partner is First Financial Northwest Bank, a community bank with more than a dozen locations in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area in western Washington. FFNWB has begun a pair of initiatives that are both fun and heartwarming, as its employees support area charities and restaurants. 

The first campaign, 30 Nonprofits in 30 Days, will see bank employees dip into their own wallets to support charities across its footprint of King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, including multiple food banks and agencies addressing homelessness and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, crime victim support and advocacy, and suicide prevention.  Employees will pick a charity and donate in exchange for dressing down at work, a practice normally reserved for Fridays. From March 23-May 1, employees will be able to dress down for each day they donate. 

Restaurants around the country have been among the hardest-hit businesses due to dining room shutdowns for social distancing, and FFNWB is supporting these western Washington businesses as well. In a campaign known as Thankful Tuesdays, the bank will provide lunch to employees from locally-owned restaurants and feature these establishments on their Facebook page to rally community support. Nominations for Thankful Tuesday nominees will come from the public via email to the bank’s marketing team at marketing@ffnwb.com.

According to Kristia Poppe, Vice President of Bank Relationships at Celero Commerce, the community leadership on display at FFNWB is no surprise. “One of the reasons I love my job so much is getting to work with amazing people like the team at FFNWB,” she said. “They are a fun group, and they are always community-minded. We love that they are finding ways to give back. We know that we’re all in this together to support our communities and our local nonprofits and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s really inspiring to see partners who live that out each day.”

To follow First Financial Northwest Bank’s charitable efforts, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ffnwb or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-financial-northwest-bank/.

Nashville restaurateur Andy Marshall, owner of the iconic local chain Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant with locations in and around Music City, is proving that great small business minds are leading by example during the hard, uncertain times brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Marshall’s team has set up the “AMH Cares Drive-Thru” in the parking lot of the company’s Americana Taphouse location in Franklin, adapting to the new reality of takeout and delivery-only dining, but with a community-driven twist. In the same week that a record number of Americans filed for unemployment, many of whom work in the hospitality industry, Marshall’s team is offering hot meals to go, as well as grocery items (milk, eggs, fresh produce, and more) in what Marshall describes as a drive-through pantry.  Pricing on meals and groceries, taken from surplus food supplies at his area Puckett’s, Deacon’s, and Americana locations, are suggested only.

In a Facebook post, Marshall urged those who needed a hot meal to come by and pay what they can or nothing at all. He offered a special invitation to those temporarily laid off in the hospitality industry. Marshall also pledged that as people pay what they can, he will reinvest those revenues in the new curbside, pay-what-you-can venture. Curbside service and drive-through pantry at Americana Taphouse, located at 94 East Main Street in Franklin, will run each day from 11-7 while supplies last. 

Marshall’s actions certainly provide an incredible example for small business owners who turn their eyes to serving the community in times of great crisis. Since his industry is among the hardest-hit by COVID-19, he is showing a level selflessness that leaves us humbled. We are proud to share our Nashville community with businesspeople like Andy Marshall.

We’re living in a strange and scary time for small businesses. While every business is feeling the effect of COVID-19, some businesses feel it more acutely than others – with small and local operations taking the biggest hit. We’ve been sharing and will continue to share resources on our social media channels, so follow Celero Commerce on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for tips on supporting small businesses safely during this difficult time.

Whether you’re a small business owner who’s had to temporarily close shop or one who’s struggling to stay open, you’ll benefit from keeping in touch with your clients and customers. Amid this national crisis, one of the best ways to do so is through cause marketing. This can be an inexpensive and effective way of maintaining visibility while also helping others in your community.

My career in marketing and sales has taught me the value of networking and building connections in your community and industry. Think about how you can get your company involved in local charitable efforts related to COVID-19, preferably ones that tie into your line of work. For example, if you’re a local restaurant, now would be a great time to start a food donation program. With public schools closed across the nation, children who rely on school for their meals are now more food insecure than ever. If there’s already a program in your community working to get meals to those kids, join in. If not, start one of your own. Many restaurants have extra ingredients that they’d otherwise throw out, which can be used to make free meals instead. The Loyalist Market, a Charlotte, NC-based restaurant, is a great role model for other local restaurants who want to get involved. They’re offering free sandwiches to kids who would normally be eating for free and reduced price at school.

Some small businesses are getting super creative with their cause marketing during the COVID-19 crisis. Several alcohol distilleries, for example, have revamped to produce hand sanitizer that they donate to people in need (i.e. hospitals, food banks). Local boutiques are sewing protective masks to donate to healthcare workers. As these crafty small businesses prove, there’s always something you can do to help out, taking advantage of the resources that you already have at your disposal.

I understand that many small businesses may have too much on their plates and too little in the bank to help out. But, if you can, I encourage you to get involved in cause marketing, even in small ways. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will also increase visibility and grow your brand at a time when that’s desperately needed for so many small and local companies. #InThisTogether #ShopLocal

At Celero Commerce, our mission, our people, and our whole operations are aligned with helping small businesses grow quickly and sustainably. We are dedicated to the success of small businesses around the country, in good times and bad.

Right now, our small businesses nationwide are under serious threat of closure, and nearly two-thirds of the country’s population works for a small business, whether it’s a local store, restaurant, hair salon, or boutique. It’s obvious—we need to be doing everything we can as a people to not only stay healthy, but also keep our friends and neighbors in small business afloat until we see good times again.

Here are some ways you can help us support small business across America: 

1)  Restaurant Takeout and Delivery:  Join us in the Great American Takeout, an initiative to take advantage of takeout and delivery offerings still available at restaurants forced to shut down their dining rooms.

2)  Reschedule Your Events:  Many types of local establishments, whether it’s a restaurant, club, hotel, or other type of venue, have been force dot shut down due to regulations about gathering size. Don’t just cancel—work with these businesses to reschedule for future dates later in the year or next year.

3)  Buy Gift Cards:  This is perhaps the best way to promote small business, outside of legally-compliant purchases for the present. Gift cards get much needed cash into the hands of small business owners now, in exchange for future products and services. Think about buying multiple cards for yourself for all of your favorite local businesses, as well as cards for friends and family to celebrate their special days.

4)  Give Love on Social Media:  In the digital age, strong word-of-mouth can certainly give life to small business. If you enjoy that takeout or unique product you bought online from a local restaurant or boutique, give them a shout-out on Facebook and Twitter. Encourage your friends and family to do the same!

5)  Look for a Local Option:  Before hitting the buy button on an e-commerce site or site of a big box retailer, think about whether you have a local option for purchasing products online for delivery. Know that many businesses around the country are now delivering for the first time, in an effort to stay alive. Honor their innovation and determination.

6)  They Go Virtual, You Go Virtual:  Think about services you purchase, such as a gym membership or a yoga class, and whether that service provider now has an online offering. Just as other businesses are starting to deliver, many others are going virtual. Wouldn’t it be nice to still take that yoga class from the comfort and safety of your home?

7)  Philanthropy: Finally, as you are able, perhaps giving back to those business owners who serve your community is a way you’d like to contribute, whether it’s through a GoFundMe campaign to put operating cash in their hand to pay workers or through donating your time and expertise to help them in ways they can’t afford right now such as with strategy or marketing efforts.

Thank you for joining us in supporting small business in your area. It’s time for all hands on deck—we’re all in this together!

Restaurants from around the country, including national and regional chains as well as local establishments, are coming together on Tuesday, March 24 to launch the Great American Takeout.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 on US shores over the last few weeks, the restaurant industry has taken a massive hit. In addition to many Americans self-isolating in the first few weeks, about half the country is now under orders or advisement to shelter in place.  And in many states, governors have ordered restaurants, bars, and breweries to close their dining rooms.

But many in the restaurant industry believe that they can survive, and in some cases, thrive if they can stay legally compliant with dining room rules while ramping up their takeout and delivery services even more, whether it’s through their own delivery staff or services like DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, and others.

Yesterday, we documented how a Celero customer and Atlanta-area restaurateur managed to steady his own café’s sales through clever neighborhood takeout services.

Celero Commerce is proud to serve thousands of restaurants around the country with a variety of services, including payment processing, point-of-sale terminals, integrated business management applications, and loyalty programs. During these uncertain times, we think it’s important to tell the positive stories of innovation and collaboration in America’s business community.  It’s that remarkable American spirit that will get us through these times, no matter how long our public health crisis lasts.

Join us in the Great American Takeout today, and share your takeout stories with us on our social media channels. We encourage everyone to continue to support their local restaurants via takeout and delivery as you are able to do so. Also know that many of your national and regional chains are owned by local franchisees, so don’t forget to support these neighbors, too!

It’s important that we all continue to support America’s small businesses during the hard times brought upon us by the coronavirus outbreak. From time to time, we’ll share stories that inspire us as we continue to build a company focused on helping small businesses compete and win.

Celero Commerce and its legacy companies like UMS Banking and Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions are proud to serve thousands of restaurants across the country with payment acceptance solutions and integrated services like payroll, scheduling, loyalty programs, and much more.  In just a matter of days, restaurants have faced an apocalypse of sorts, sparked by the immediate spread of COVID-19.

In response to the outbreak and exponential growth of cases on a near-daily basis, many governments at state, county, and municipal levels have made the hard call to close places where the public gathers, with restaurants, bars, and breweries among the hardest-hit small businesses around the country. Many have been asked to close their dining rooms for a couple of weeks, while other orders have given indefinite time frames. Dine-in service is the life-blood for many American restaurants, forcing a survival mode that, as history tells us, spurs innovation.

One of our card processing clients in the Atlanta area recently shared such a success story with us at Tandem.  A café with a long history in the community with multiple locations found itself having to comply with municipal orders to move to takeout and delivery-only sales, effectively ending dine-in service for the foreseeable future.

The owner of the business obviously felt the stress of the situation quickly, as have many restaurant owners around the country. In recent touch with a Celero employee, who also happened to be a neighbor the owner took his suggestion of utilizing their neighborhood email address list to reach lots of prospective customers quickly and inexpensively.  As suggested, the owner asked his neighbors if they’d like lunch delivered and threw in his own incentive as well:  a 10 percent discount for anyone from the neighborhood who wanted lunch from his café that day.

The owner then received nearly two dozen orders in reply to his email overture, personally delivering them from the base of his driveway for safe pickup while maintaining social distancing guidelines. The owner reported that this gesture—and of course the huge response from the neighborhood—helped him achieve his normal daily sales numbers. He’s now so thrilled with the idea and the response that he’s reaching out to friends in many local neighborhoods to replicate the neighborhood takeout strategy.

Jeff Brown—March 20, 2020 We talk a lot about selfless leadership at Celero, and I hope that I live up to that aspiration as much as possible. But what does that mean, day-to-day, beyond simply giving credit where it’s due across the organization?

I believe my job as a leader at Celero, especially with regard to developing a high-performance culture defined by selfless leadership, is to develop people to their full potential. When people achieve their potential, they are more likely to be engaged with the company’s mission and goals and see how the company’s purpose aligns with their own. 

The first step on the road to developing people is ridding them of any sense of entitlement. I’ll start with myself. I’ve had a long, successful career in payments and financial technology, and that perhaps entities me to walk in the door as co-founder of this company. But after that door closes, it entitles me to nothing whatsoever. I have to earn my place and prove my worth all over again.

That mentality is the opposite of entitlement—it’s accountability.  And if I want to help others reach that mentality and run together with me toward goals with confidence and assuredness, I need to take the time to develop them as professionals within our performance framework. Not everyone will make it down this road, because some folks are not coachable or teachable. But if they are, greatness awaits us all. 

In order to develop people, you start with teaching. And by teaching I’m referring directly to the fundamental training our people receive from day one.  I love our training department, because people like Benji Allsep are passionate about taking our people down the first steps of the path and then rejoining them at later times to refresh or add to their knowledge.

Next comes coaching.  Coaching is about reinforcing that training with feedback—both positive and negative—so that people always know where they stand, where they need to improve, and of course what they’re doing correctly.  Coaching is so important here at Celero, because we demand individual and team performance. There’s no place here for the individual performer who has no regard for the team, whether it’s their department or the company itself. So whether you’re the CEO or the manager of a small department, your title may as well be “Coach.”

The final component of development is equipping. People can’t do their jobs to their fullest without the proper resources and tools. While we are now officially too big for me to do everyone’s job, what I can directly control is that my people have the technology and processes in place that put them on a platform to succeed.

When you meet people where they are and teach, coach, and equip them in ways that are powerful and profound, you position them to succeed for themselves and the company. Good people will happily be accountable to high performance standards when you invest in them with knowledge, guidance, and what they need to do their jobs. When we as leaders approach the set of tasks that add up to development with an attitude of humility and accountability, we can truly unleash the power of our entire organization.

Financial well-being is important for business owners and employees and there are plenty of ways it can have an effect on your daily work operations. It's important to provide solutions that allow your workers to be free from stress of any kind while also saving yourself time and money. This is where the benefits of direct deposit can come in handy! Uncover below the perks direct deposit has to offer.

What is Direct Deposit?

Let's cover the basics of what direct deposit is and how it works for businesses. Essentially, direct deposit is the procedure of paying wages where the employer electronically transfers funds from their bank account straight into their worker's checking or savings account. This method of paying employees is becoming increasingly popular amongst many businesses because it's known for its convenience and ease. 

There are a few steps the business requires their employee to complete before direct deposit can take effect. The employee provides their employer with a direct deposit enrollment form along with bank account and routing information for a valid bank account or payroll card, designating what kind of account it is and the name of the account holder. It's possible for employees to arrange for direct deposit to be divided between multiple accounts. This process is simple and easy and hardly requires much effort from the employer or the business owner, but it's necessary in order for the direct deposit to be set up entirely.

Something important to note is that if your employer has direct deposit setup, but you choose not to enroll right away, you're able at any time to provide the proper documentation required to get set-up for direct deposit. 

How is Direct Deposit Beneficial?

There are various advantages when it comes to direct deposit and both the employer and employee can value from it. 

Advantages for Employers

• Less time spent on payroll tasks. What business owner doesn't love to save as much time as possible, especially when it comes to payroll. If you're a business owner and you aren't outsourcing to Full Service Payroll, these tasks can take up a lot of time. Direct deposit allows you to focus on what's necessary and let's you get back to business. Instead of writing, signing, folding checks and stuffing envelopes, you're able to allocate other responsibilities to your employees. Think about the significant amount of time you'll be saving every pay period.
• More money saved. Once again, you don't have to waste efforts by assigning an employee to complete these payroll tasks of writing, printing and mailing checks as this expense is spared with direct deposit. You're also minimizing costs that accompany re-issuing lost or stolen checks and having to investigate when a check has gone missing.
• Your employees are paid on time. It's guaranteed that your employees love to get paid, so give them the satisfaction of always getting paid on time. It's not uncommon for there to be a moment when you're not able to process payroll before the check date, but luckily technology is here to save you. Direct deposit gives your business more control over your funds.
• Your business is more green. In today's society, it's always helpful to take care of the environment when we can, however we can. With paperless payroll you're being more environmentally responsible by reducing your carbon footprint. You can even take it a step further by offering online pay statements that are available 24/7. 
• Reduce the chance of fraud. Direct deposit offers you more electronic security which prevents the opportunity of lost or stolen checks, a common source of identify theft and fraud. With direct deposit, you're also excluding the opportunity for someone to forge a signature. You're minimizing the risk involved with paper checks by having your employee's personal information processed electronically.

Advantages for Employees

• No need to cash their checks. Being one of the most convenient ways to pay your employees, direct deposit greatly benefits employees as they no longer have to deal with the hassle of waiting in line or dealing with crowds to deposit or cash their checks.
• They don't have to be in office to receive their checks. This is particularly beneficial for the employee that works remotely, is out of town or is not in office on pay day. They are still guaranteed payment and it's immediately accessible. 
• Checks won't be lost or stolen. The perk of having a paperless payment option is you no longer have to worry about checks being stolen or lost and it eliminates the chance of the employee's check getting damaged or delayed through mail.
• More control. Direct deposit allows an employee to decide where their paycheck is distributed, providing convenience and freedom. Their funds can go in a savings account, emergency funds account or towards another financial goal.

Conclusion:

Offering convenient solutions for your employees not only benefits them, but it gives the business owners a break as well, especially when it comes to direct deposit. One of the greatest advantages of direct deposit is the much needed relief it provides a business as a whole. 

Celero Commerce’s Matt Moore has earned a place in the Electronic Transaction Association’s annual list of young gamechangers at the intersection of payments and technology, the 2020 ETA 40 Under 40.

The prestigious recognition is based on each individual’s impact and professional character, and the group represents all of the evolving segments of the industry. The 40 Under 40 class for 2020 highlights young executives and professionals whose actions and leadership are driving the payments industry forward.

The Electronic Transactions Association is the leading trade association for the payments industry, representing over 500 companies worldwide involved in electronic transaction processing products and services. The purpose of ETA is to influence, monitor and shape the payments industry by providing leadership through education, advocacy and the exchange of information.

ETAs membership spans the breadth of the payments industry to include independent sales organizations (ISOs), payments networks, financial institutions, transaction processors, mobile payments products and services, payments technologies, and software providers (ISV) and hardware suppliers.

Matt Moore joined Celero Commerce in 2019 through its acquisition of fellow Nashville-area fintech company Elmhurst Financial. Matt  joined Elmhurst in 2005, shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia with dual bachelor’s degrees in international business and French.

During his 15-year tenure at Elmhurst, Moore has pioneered the development of the firm’s all-inclusive BankMax platform, designed to provide large community banks and regional banks with an all-in-one platform for card processing, analytics, and developing strong, sustainable sales cultures that effectively meet commercial depositors’ merchant service needs.  President of Elmhurst’s BankMax division, Matt, is now an emerging leader in Celero’s financial institution channel for developing bank and credit union partnerships nationwide.

“Looking at the list of honorees for this year’s 40 Under 40 leaves me very humble,” Matt said. “These are some great people, many of whom I know and admire professionally, working across a spectrum of payments and fintech companies. Most of all, I think this is a recognition of what we’re doing at Celero to bring greater value to small businesses across the country.”

“Matt’s inclusion in the ETA 40 Under 40 is well-deserved,” said Celero Commerce founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jones.  “He is a real star in this industry, because he’s intelligent, hard-working, and humble.  It’s an honor to work alongside people of Matt’s caliber, and he sets a real example for all of us as we develop a high-performance culture.”

For more on the ETA’s 2020 40 Under 40, visit https://www.electran.org/eta-events-awards/forty-under-40/.

During the 20-minute interview, Kevin shares about his life and payments industry journeys, taking listeners from his time growing up on a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to more recent memories of working with and leading high-performance teams and cultures centered on developing people to their full potential at Paymentech, First American, SignaPay, Anovia, and now Celero. The two also discuss Celero’s emerging value proposition of creating vertical bundles that help drive small business growth quickly and sustainably.

Listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts or play below on Spotify.

It’s a new year, and you’re trying to figure out the best route to take your marketing as a small or mid-sized business, among all the other strategic plans you’re making and implementing right now. Let me share this with you, as you consider your options:  the longer I’ve been in business, the greater value I’ve placed on having a nice blend of internal and external resources on your marketing team.

It’s really important to be able to balance and marshal your internal and external resources out appropriately to give yourself the best opportunity to be successful in the marketplace. First, you need to understand your internal resources and their capabilities. In many small businesses, this may be the owner or founder, or even someone with a different job title than marketing (I’ve seen everything from salespeople to admins who happen to have a knack for this field). No matter their role or background, if someone has a penchant for your brand and how it should be expressed, they should command your respect.

The best part about your internal resources is that they are stewards of your brand. It’s important to them, so they will consider your brand their mission. But are they perfect? Of course, not—none of us are. Sometimes, we can have a blind spot internally, or especially in this era of constantly expanding digital marketing opportunities, we may have a skill set deficit. Regardless of the reason, I find that seeking external resources to blend in with your team can be a real difference-maker, as everyone can play to their strengths and have each other’s backs.

While your internal folks will understand your product or service better than any external person ever could, your external people often bring a missing perspective to your strategic preparation. Often, that missing voice happens to be that of your customer—as a lay person, external marketers can often more closely relate to your customer than you can. They aren’t as prone to use industry vernacular or take certain pieces of knowledge for granted. In addition to adding to your skill set firepower, your external teammates help keep you grounded.

As you can see, having a good team of internal and external marketers, and balancing their skills and perspectives accordingly, can really give you a more well-rounded view of your product or service, how it’s perceived by the public, and how you can be most successful marketing it.

Regardless of medium, strategies, and tactics, having a well-rounded team of external and internal resources really will provide you the tools as a small business to be more successful.  Don’t think you have to do it all yourself, but also, don’t think that it’s best to pitch everything over the fence to an agency while you handle the rest of the business and its needs.

From our team at Celero, best wishes for great success for you and your team in the coming year.

Scott Farace 

I’ve worked in sales and marketing for a long time, and one thing that never fails to return tremendous value to a company is building connections in your community. Every business should get involved in cause marketing or charity work in their communities. The impact on the community as well as on your organization is beyond a simple calculation. And when I say get involved, I mean truly get involved – don’t just write a check to a cause of concern, although that is always needed,  but actually get company members out of the office to help your local community. 

It might mean participating in a charity run as a company. It might mean sponsoring and attending a gala for the local homeless shelter. It might mean spending the day at a local nonprofit with employees, donating your time together. Whichever way you decide to get involved, you will see results, in your community as well as your company. Charity work brings organizations and communities closer together. It reconnects us with the human aspects of our business, and with something much larger than ourselves. 

You may decide to do charity work that aligns strategically with what your company does; for example, an apparel brand might opt to host a clothing drive for those in need, or a professional services firm might offer business leadership training to at-risk youth. You may also decide to choose something that’s simply a feel-good cause, or something of particular importance to your local community. It’s just a matter of what drives you and your organization.  

Beyond the great work that cause marketing and charity projects do in the community, they also build connections with other executives and organizations that may be helpful down the line as you build your business. Cause marketing provides a good opportunity to meet fellow business leaders and develop mutually beneficial relationships.  

I would strongly recommend that business owners look into these opportunities and take advantage of them. The nice thing about cause marketing is that it’s practical for businesses of any size, no matter how big or small. You can spend as much or as little time and/or money as you’re able; there is no minimum to the amount of help you can offer to your community. In fact, in my experience, any amount of help is deeply appreciated. The most important thing is that you and your employees are actively engaged and passionate about getting involved with the cause. 

Kevin Jones February 19, 2020 You’ll often hear me speak of a pair of values that I treasure the most in people, humility and respect.

These two values go hand-in-hand in how we hold them and act upon them. Since any word can have multiple definitions, let’s get some clarity on how I see each of these terms. I like to think of humility as the absence of bad pride or arrogance. You may be curious as to how I see good and bad pride, and the best way I’ve heard this explained is by Seth Avett’s (Avett Brothers) lyrics: “The pride your Momma had and not the kind that makes you bad.”  With respect, it’s having an admiration not for titles or socio-economic status, but what makes people special: their abilities, certain qualities represented in their character, and their achievements, both individually and with others.

One of the reasons I relate so well to these values, and their high esteem in small towns and rural America, is because of my roots in the High Country of western North Carolina. I was raised by a single mom, and she instilled these values in my siblings and me on a daily basis. But she wasn’t unique—that was our culture in Ashe County. In small places like my hometown of West Jefferson, we always knew who the wealthy folks were, who inherited what from whom, and we also knew—because it was most of us—who lived a more humble existence.

We knew who the pastors were, the bank president, the mayor, as well as who owned the big Christmas tree farms (that’s the big industry in my neck of the woods).  And yet, we didn’t confer any status or merit on any of those people, much less their kids or relatives, without them earning it—and some of them certainly did.  These lessons weren’t just said, we just breathed the air of that place, and it permeated these values of humility and respect. The thing that I love most about consistently challenging myself to live these two characteristics, and also consistently responding with these as my top advice, is that you cannot live an entitled existence while striving to be humble and respectful.  Respecting our fellow man (and woman) is the cheapest for us to give, yet most valuable gift they can receive.

As I shared recently with some incredible community leaders in my hometown, I’ve taken these Ashe County values in my travels around the country and around the world and applied them to virtually everything. Nearly every day, some kind of interaction triggers one or both of these perspectives, the dual lenses through which I see the world. When one of my colleagues comes to me for mentoring, I am immediately humbled. I find the respect I give people increasing and decreasing primarily based on my perception of their contributions and core values. 

I am far from perfect, and none of us are expected to be. But my challenge to myself and any of you reading this is to stay constant in pursuit of these virtues of humility and respect. Sometimes, it’s easy. It’s really easy to promote or reward someone, out of respect, when you see them showing initiative, and achieving crazy new levels of greatness. Other times, it’s hard. I’ve left situations that were really good for me when I felt like those around me would not honor these values and therefore failed to treat people right. I simply can’t abide by blatant arrogance and a lack of respect, especially for people who, while they may not have yet arrived in their careers, are giving everything they have and are progressing toward their goals.

But to have sustained success and joy in this journey, there are no other characteristics more critical than humility and respect.

At Celero, we value our customers and take pride in ensuring their experiences are nothing other than the best. We strive to have the best products and services to meet their needs and help improve customers experiences within their businesses. We've put together four useful ways that our products and services can assist you in creating meaningful and significant interactions. Let's explore below how we can help! 

1. Partner With the Right Credit Card Processor for Small Businesses

Before we dive into why it's important to partner with the right credit card processor, let's discuss the different options of credit card processing there are, considering it's in your best interest to go with an option that will meet the needs of your business. As we begin to compare the most common types of credit card processing, you should consider the type of transactions you have, along with the volume of your transactions. After all, supplying your customers with the best payment options gives your business the advantage of being convenient, which we all know customers love.

Basic Terminal

A basic or "traditional" terminal is essentially a device with or without a pin pad that's usually connected to a point-of-sale (POS) system. The easiest way to identify if a business accepts credit card payments is if there is a credit card terminal near the cash register. If you operate a well-established brick-and-mortar store and handle a large amount of credit card transactions per day, this is likely the best option for you. 

It's becoming a necessity that the more modern terminals be equipped to handle swipe cards, EMV chip cards and NFC (near-field communication) payments. This gives the customers who prefer mobile payments, the opportunity to pay that way as well. Also, it will help grow your potential customer base as mobile payments becomes increasingly popular and convenient.

Mobile/On-The-Go Payments

It's not always in a small business owners budget for complex credit card processing equipment — which is why mobile payments are becoming so popular. Accepting mobile credit card payments at your business is not only a trustworthy payment solution, but it permits you to accept payments in a variety of ways such as in person, online or anywhere your business takes you. 

There are three necessities to accept payments via a mobile payment solution: mobile smartphone or tablet, a mobile payment app and a card reader. A mobile point-of-sale, also known as mPOS, is the app that enables you to quickly and securely accept payments from any smartphone or tablet. To get started, just download a mobile app, plug in the card reader (or use Bluetooth), connect to a Wi-Fi or data network, and you’re ready to start accepting mobile payments.

Using a mobile point-of-sale device is a good option for companies in need of flexibility. If you attend festivals, trade shows and other events where you offer products for sale, having a mobile solution can increase the number of transactions you’re able to process while on-site. Every business has different needs and it's important to recognize what they are so you're able to give your customers the attention they deserve.

Online Payments

Incorporating e-commerce into your business can offer many benefits and provide various solutions. Simply put, e-commerce/online payments are a way for a business to accept electronic payments for online transactions. You'll be required to have a virtual terminal in order to process this type of payment, but it grants you a safe and convenient option for your customers.

Having the option of e-commerce for your business will extend your reach beyond local customers, but this means you will need a way to process credit card payments from your website. This is where it's important to choose a merchant services provider that has the capability to manage various types of payments so you aren't put in the position of dealing with data from two different providers. When you make the decision to have e-commerce for your business, you're making it even easier for your customers to buy from you, giving you the opportunity to make your customers happier.

So, What Should You Look For in a Credit Card Processor?

Now that we've discussed what type of processing options there are, we can dive into what to look for when choosing a processor, or a merchant services provider, to give your business what it needs. It can be difficult making a choice when it comes to choosing what credit card option is the best, but a merchant services provider, like Celero, will walk you through your options and help you determine the right fit for you and your business.

When compiling your list of merchant services providers, take the following into consideration: a good reputation, product variety and quality of service. A simple online search will reveal multiple websites, all promoting different merchant services providers — one trusted source would be Google Reviews.  Next, finding a merchant services provider that offers the latest and greatest technology, such as Bluetooth and NFC-enabled mobile EMV readers, will play an important role in preparing your business for the future. Last, but definitely not least, when talking to the merchant services provider, ask what kind of support you can expect in the future. It's best to look for access to reliable installation technicians and 24/7 in-house customer service.

Your business depends on reliable credit card processing, so make sure to conduct your due diligence before deciding who to trust. At Celero we operate on the concept of full disclosure and make it our goal to put you and your business in the best position possible.

2. Utilize Mobile Payment Processing

As previously mentioned, the benefit of mobile payments should not be taken lightly as we transcend more and more into a digital world. Mobile payments at your business is particularly useful for your customers who love convenience. Not only does it have its advantages for your customers, but it offers a great deal of perks for you as a business owner. 

Convenience & Savings

What's better than getting things done quickly and efficiently? Having a mobile payment option available resolves the problem of people having to wait, not to mention, by 2020, experts expect consumers will rely primarily on mobile payments for buying goods and services, sending money and doing business. 

Implementing mobile credit card payments can add convenience to your business by putting money back in your bank account — what's more convenient than extra profit at the end of the month? Celero has many affordable solutions for your small business. 

Provide Security & Business Insights

Your customers value making secure transactions and put their trust in your business that their information stays safe. Providing them with a mobile payment option gives them the benefit of security. Mobile payments have multiple layers of dynamic encryption, making them an extremely secure way to pay. They’re far more secure than magstripe payments and just as secure as EMV chip card payments. Even better, if you choose the right mobile payments partner, they should be able to support mobile payments with EMV.

Mobile payments also equip you with crucial business insights required for you to understand your customers better resulting in you growing your business. Having the ability to pinpoint what is and what isn't selling is fundamental to understanding your customers needs. With mobile payments you have the feature benefit of knowing what time, date and location your product or service sells best (and what doesn't). Mobile payment apps provide dynamic reporting tools that enable you to stay efficient and recognize purchase data to help you make smarter business choices. 

3. Implement a Loyalty Program

Customers love being appreciated! Two-thirds of millennials won’t think twice about being a loyal customer without a good loyalty or rewards program. It’s essential for this to be established with your business to create opportunity for future purchases within your customer base. These rewards and loyalty programs definitely make an impression and give your big spenders a great deal!

There's many benefits to you and your customers when you have a loyalty program in place. For instance, just as much as you like to save, so do your customers. Create this opportunity for them by giving them a chance to save a little by coming back to your business. This is attractive for new customers who are thinking about doing business with you as well. By providing a way for them to save, you're increasing sales opportunities for yourself. 

A well thought out loyalty program only helps you communicate better with your customers. It's a great method to measure engagement and frequency of the products they are purchasing and give you insight on the most popular items being sold. This gives you a way to promote a sale or new product that they could be interested in.

4. Take Advantage of Full Service Payroll

While it's necessary for your business to make sure your customers have an enjoyable experience, it's equally valuable to create that same experience for your employees. Your staff deserves to feel appreciated, since they are the foundation that helps run your business, which is where Full Service Payroll comes in! 

By eliminating the need for a staff member, or yourself, to do these payroll tasks, it gives you more time to focus on other core duties of the business that can really make a difference — saving plenty of time and reducing a tremendous amount of stress. With Full Service Payroll, you'll want to pick a provider that has perks like automatic tax filing like Celero. You are guaranteed accuracy, and if there's an error, we've got you covered. Avoiding tax mistakes that can lead to fines helps save money, which is always a bonus. At Celero, we also offer features such as free account setup and 24/7 support for those tricky moments when you need assistance!

Conclusion:

Excellent customer experience is top of mind for any business owner, but how to achieve that might not always come naturally to some. We're here to ensure that you, as our customers, have the right tools and knowledge to be able to create that for yourself. We do all that we can to make our customers happy!

Abigail Lucier February 10, 2020 I am amazed by the culture we’ve been able to create at Celero and how it’s taking hold across four companies that joined our family last year. One aspect of culture building, that I’ve noticed as especially crucial in a high-growth company that’s pulling together new acquisitions frequently, is communication.

Communication is the conduit of culture. When we’re communicating properly with each other, our culture grows. Conversely, when we aren’t communicating properly, culture withers. So, what does communicating properly look like? It starts with open dialogue, versus dictating what you want from others.

Since I’ve been at Celero, I’ve been learning to become an active listener. Being a great listener, who is not just eager to share their own thoughts, is critical for developing a healthy culture and a workspace where people are free to explore their ideas and collaborate to make them reality. Good listeners acknowledge that effective communication is about both talking and listening. Exchange is a two-way street. We must be able to send a message as well as receive them. While we might not always agree with that message, I do think that it’s important to at least be open to anything that your colleagues are trying to tell you.

To be able to sit down and actively listen to what somebody has to say, whether it’s about the project they’re working on or the difficult day they’re having, or whether it’s something going on at home or something great that’s on the horizon for them---being able to sit there and listen, not only will you gain an incredible amount of insight into their life and work, but you might be surprised to find that you’re also going to gain a significant amount of perspective into your own life and work. I believe that listening with intent is the catalyst to forming a connection with another person and ultimately a stronger bond amongst team members within your workspace.  

These conversations can be very motivating, and they encourage us to lean on each other versus going it alone. When you’re down on a particular day, your colleague can pick you up by helping you gain some perspective. As a result, things might not seem so bad after all, and they can help you find a way to recover and succeed. That project you’re complaining about might not be as difficult as you think, and you may just find yourself receiving the support you never knew you needed.

Being able to communicate your own thoughts effectively, while also actively listening to the contributions of others, is incredibly important.  I’m very thankful that this dynamic of two-way communication is yet another great aspect of our executive team’s approach to leading people. What they understand—and what I now understand as well—is that achieving big goals isn’t always about getting people to “buy in” to one general concept or theme. We are teammates here, not people to be sold on one person’s ideas or strategies. What this ethos speaks to is a willingness to trust each one of our colleagues to contribute their ingredient to Celero’s recipe for success. While creating a team of people that buy in to the program they are a part of is important, the way you go about doing so is far more important. Our executive leaders rely on the feedback of their team members to keep the business engaged and moving forward. If your team is left feeling as though they aren’t welcomed to make contributions, they will most likely feel disconnected from the program and culture.

When we trust each other, and we’re able to communicate that trust, not by trying to persuade each other but through genuine, two-way conversations that promote the best ideas and make us all better collaborators, there’s nothing we can’t achieve together.

Inspired by a shared value of servant leadership and role models, the Celero Commerce executive team created a special award to recognize elite performers who exemplify the company’s values. Now, we are pleased to announce the first quarterly recipient of the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award, Nicole Becher.

A 25-year veteran of Celero legacy company UMS Banking, Nicole currently serves as an Operations Project Manager, reporting to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Brown. During her time at the new Celero Commerce team, Nicole has become a key contributor for the operations team, leading PCI Aperia compliance and integration of the company’s partnership with Womply, a platform that brings reputation management and customer loyalty programs to the company’s thousands of merchants.

Celero’s leadership team created the Michael P. Duffy Leadership Award in honor of fintech industry legend Michael Duffy, who mentored many of Celero’s leaders earlier in their careers as they served in various positions at payments industry leader Chase Paymentech. The Duffy Award is driven by peer nominations, as colleagues recognize each other not only for performance, but also leadership, especially in exhibiting attributes that abide by company values like selflessness and teamwork.

In summarizing her nominations for the Duffy Award, Brown noted that Nicole is “a true culture carrier for Celero. You might think it would be difficult for someone so embedded in another corporate culture for more than two decades to shine in a new one so quickly, but Nicole has done just that.  She genuinely cares about her co-workers, our partner banks, and our merchants. When she tells you she will do something, it’s done.”

“She is always the first to step up and take ownership of a project, and Nicole uses her knowledge of the industry, UMS, and Celero to her benefit and delivers projects on time and on budget.”

As a Duffy Award recipient, Nicole will be invited to attend Celero’s first Leadership Summit, to be held in the spring of 2021 at the company’s headquarters in Nashville.  This annual event will convene leaders across our organization to celebrate their successes and mold future leaders of our organization by discussing strategy, new fintech trends, and Celero’s market position. The summit will include the four quarterly Duffy award recipients, as well as the company’s top 10 percent of performers in other departments. C-suite will lead the session and have some great Nashville entertainment planned for the group as well.

Nicole’s name will be the first engraved on a commemorative Duffy Award plaque at Celero’s corporate offices.

According to CEO Kevin Jones, quantifying Nicole’s honor means that she is a standard-setter for an emerging world-class company. “In a company of more than 100 team members, Nicole’s leadership and performance means that she represents Celero’s top one percent,” Kevin explained. “Her infectious energy and dedication to teamwork are setting a high bar for what we expect of each other here, myself included.”

Others nominated for the inaugural Duffy Award include Vice President of Marketing Lea Telonis, Manager of Training and Development Benji Allsep, and Tony Sandberg, Customer Success Manager at RazorSync. “I am committed to building a team that represents the top 10 percent of the fintech industry, and this group of people—Lea, Benji, Tony, and Nicole—encourages me that we can realize this goal as we continue to hire and grow.”

The next Duffy Award winner will be named in late April.

In a society where people thrive off of most things being quick and convenient, it only makes sense as a business owner to give your customers the benefit of a payment option that is quick and convenient — and let’s not forget, secure. That’s where mobile payments come in. Mobile payment usage in this generation is growing quickly and as more people adjust to the current technology advances, it’s crucial as a business owner that you adapt to the evolving changes. Let’s break down why mobile payments are essential for a business owner today!

What Are Mobile Payments?

First, it’s important to have your basics covered and from there we can learn more about the features and benefits. Mobile payments are considered mobile wallets and mobile money transfers. These are transactions that are managed and take place through a customer’s mobile device. Simply put, a customer has the option to pay digitally in replacement of paying with cash, check or a physical credit or debit card.

Consumers are beginning to favor using mobile payments, as opposed to credit cards, due to it being safer and more convenient. Credit cards store the customer’s information on the merchant’s terminal, while mobile payments do not. When customers take advantage of a mobile payments app, it allows their device to serve as a security token by creating a random code for the transaction, making it safer.

As a business owner, you would use a mobile payment app on your mobile device or tablet to accept payments for your goods or services. You and your employees are able to accept payments anywhere, at any time, with mobile payments.

What Are the Benefits of Mobile Payments?

Now that we’re aware of what mobile payments are, let’s uncover the advantages it has for a business owner and a consumer!

Added Convenience

Unlike a conventional point-of-sale (POS) system, mobile payments don’t require a huge investment and they come with a low learning curve. It’s simple, it only takes a few moments to complete, allowing you to never miss a sale and you’re able to help customer after customer. Quicker checkouts produce happier customers, and that’s your ultimate goal, right?

In order to accept mobile payments at your business all you need is your smartphone or tablet, card reader and a mobile app. Bringing your own device allows you to save even more as you don’t need a terminal or point-of-sale system. At Celero, we have plenty of affordable options for your business. 

Projected Affordability

Is there any business owner that doesn't love the idea of saving money? Let's be honest, it's the greatest advantage when trying something new. Mobile credit card payments can give you the opportunity to have some extra profit at the end of the month by being an affordable solution. For example, Celero can make things convenient by equipping your business with low cost options.

Offers Security

Your customers care about their safety and want to be sure they're protected wherever they spend their money, luckily mobile payments are an extremely safe way to pay due to the numerous layers of encryption. They're equally as safe as EMV chip card payments as opposed to magstripe payments. Something you might want to keep in mind is to choose the right mobile payments partner as they will support mobile payments with EMV, like Celero does.

What Are the Advantages of Mobile Payments for Customers?

Knowing how to tailor your customer experiences to make them more enjoyable is a pretty big priority for most business owners. As the digital industry continuously expands, it's important to make sure that these experiences are pleasant and engaging in-store, online or through a mobile platform. Not only is it expected in society for great customer service, but it's equally appreciated, especially when you have options, such as mobile payments, that fit their needs perfectly! You want your customers to keep coming back, right? Let's give them a reason to.

Loyalty Program & Rewards System

Most millennials won't give it a second thought or even consider being a loyal customer if a business doesn't have a good loyalty or reward program. This is a one of those things that are important to your consumers and it's a valuable feature to have in place — not only for your customers, but for you as a business to create more opportunities for future sales. These loyalty and reward programs do make a big difference with the buyer decision process and as consumers tend to spend more on reward cards, you won't want to miss out!

Text or Email Receipts

Mobile payments, such as Celero's mobile payments app, give you the option to text or email receipts to your customers. In today's day and age, with so many people interested in going paperless, this is key. 

Keeping up with your customers’ on-the-go and busy lifestyle is easy and beneficial when you have the right tools and resources at your fingertips. Having mobile payment processing is convenient and efficient not only for you as a business, but for the people who do business with you.

Conclusion

Every business is different, but they all have the same goal in mind and that's to keep their customers satisfied! Mobile payments are an easy, affordable and secure way to keep up with your customers needs and it helps grow your business at the same time. We're living in a digital generation where things are constantly evolving and growing fast! What will you do to keep up?

All too often, we try to distill the concept of leadership into a philosophy or a set of values. While these are certainly components of establishing a company culture where people thrive, I subscribe to the concept of leadership that’s behavior-driven. Most of all, I think those of us privileged enough to be in positions of leadership must think about everything we do—in addition to everything we think—in order to have people follow us and accomplish great goals.

The notion of “walk the talk” is an oversimplification of what I’m describing. As our company’s chief operating officer and co-founder, I can’t do every single person’s job alongside them. Rather, it’s more about how I act in my own position and how I relate to them that’s relevant to leadership.

My accountabilities in fostering a performance-driven, inspiring company culture at Celero align with how I act toward others here in three key areas:  showing integrity, creating and keeping lines of communication open, and being a good human being.

Showing Integrity

Personal integrity refers to one’ ability to live in accordance with their code of ethics, or values.  When we live by our values—when we walk the talk—we are strengthened by our own internal sense of integrity and are perceived by others as having high credibility. 

When we strive to live with integrity and are perceived by others as having high credibility, this overlapping or alignment of values is what we desire.  For me, it means being authentic, following through on my commitments, and keeping promises. It also means saying no to opportunities that compromise us, our people, or our partners in any way.

Communication, Communication, Communication

When people know they can count on you, the next step is to simply stay in touch, whether that person works next door or in a remote location relative to your own.  Often it means just being seen, present, and accessible.  When we sit down and talk to people, it’s imperative that we’re present, focused, and actively listening.

Communication in a growing company takes on a lot of forms. People need to hear from their leaders when big things like acquisitions happen. But they also need to hear from us frequently on the many projects and pieces of work that drive us forward each day.  If things are going well, they need to hear that praise and credit given appropriately. And if things aren’t going so well, they need us to keep it real and keep it direct. Folks can’t improve at what they’re doing without something real and true for holding themselves accountable.

I have to admit, communicating frequently and appropriately about our progress together is one of the larger challenges of a fast-growing company like Celero.  Better communication is a goal for me this year at work and at home.

Being a Good Human

It’s hard to remember sometimes that we’re all just people. We get wrapped up in everything we’ve got going on, as well as meeting the expectations of others and ourselves at work. Another way for us as leaders to make people feel like they are at a home away from home, a place where they can work safely to achieve their goals, is to offer them constant reminders of our humanity.

This means keeping your door open, figuratively and literally, where people can share with you anything and everything that’s troubling them and impeding their progress, both on work projects and growing as an individual. It’s also important, while you have that door open, to keep yourself open; that is, show all aspects of your personality, whether it’s your sense of humor, irreverence, or alternative ways of thinking. When we as leaders show our complete selves—as opposed to “Work Jeff” versus “Home Jeff”—our people will be more comfortable in their own skin, and our team, our customers, and our partners will see more benefit as well.

When people work in an environment facilitated by honesty, communication, and treating people in ways where we can all express our full humanity, great things happen. We don’t just talk about these things, but rather, we do them. While I’m certainly not perfect, abiding by these principles and acting upon them mindfully as much as I can leads to much of my personal success in working with others.

Kevin Jones January 27, 2020 I recently had an opportunity, a long time in the making, to go back to my hometown in Ashe County, North Carolina and address the latest graduating class of a wonderful regional leadership development program, Leadership Ashe.

While I certainly took a few moments to reminisce about the past, I found it appropriate to think along with these impressive, selfless folks about how we shape the future by how we approach the present. While not an original concept—it’s often attributed to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and seen in faith devotionals—I love the idea that “today is day one.”

What a great idea that is for approaching the new year that’s upon us, the notion that today is day one. It’s about so many things, depending on your context. In a faith journey, for example, today is day one often means shedding the burdens of yesterday, those areas where you fell short of your best, the ways in which you hurt others, or the guilt you carry from these times of your life. Being our best selves means not being self-defeating.

I consistently think of the today is day one concept and try to apply it to my work here at Celero. And when I do so, it’s almost the opposite of that faith journey, where you’re setting yourself free of yesterday’s troubles. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for leaving failure behind, after taking your necessary lessons from that to make yourself stronger. Rather, it’s more about the concept of the value we bring, to our company, to each other, to our customers.

As we sit here in January of 2020, the beginning of year two at Celero, after a very successful first year, it’s still day one. The journey still lies ahead of us. The mistakes, beliefs, and achievements of the past certainly help dictate our starting point, but it’s all in front of us yet again. And most importantly, to stay fresh as leaders, we have to come in and look at things with the perspective that it is our first day on the job. That’s how new leaders and consultants are initially impactful. They don’t have the legacy skeletons, pride of authorship, relationships, and barriers built slowly over time. They come in with fresh eyes, identify the issues, and solve them.  I challenge myself and my generals to do the same every year:  “What would you do if you knew nothing and no one and this was your first day?”

I love how this concept applies to everyone, whether you’re a young high school student, somebody’s grandmama, or a 48-year-old fintech executive like me. Thinking about one of my favorite Avett Brothers lyrics—”Decide what to be, and go be it”—my own concept of day one means that we start all over again. We start all over in proving our value to others, fulfilling our individual purpose, providing for others in our lives, and impacting our communities.  I must do all of these things in my role as CEO at Celero, and day one means being accountable to everyone in my life and my pre-ordained purpose in this world, to use my gifts and the qualities others develop within me to shape a better future.

Yesterday’s gone, today is right in front of us, and tomorrow is coming like a rocket. What will you do today, on your day one, to shape a better future?

Somebody recently asked me what I love about working at Celero, and I thought of an answer much as you’d expect a veteran marketer to give.  Anyone and everyone in the marketing world has accepted the basic foundation of the profession as the “Four Ps.”  The concept that balancing price, product, promotion, and placement is the secret to managing your marketing mix has been marketing canon since 1960, and it’s just as relevant today.

For anyone interested in knowing what working at Celero is like, I’d like to advance that we have our own Four Ps.  The first P for me is People.  From our CEO down to our newest employee, everybody brings something special to work every day. Everyone here is committed to building a high-performance culture, where we set new standards for customer-centered innovation and our commitment to be a high-tech, high touch company. We are a diverse group of women and men, people fresh out of school and industry veterans with decades of experience, from all sorts of socio-economic backgrounds, and as my colleague Abigail Lucier has so eloquently noted, we take that diversity and unify with our sense of purpose to make our company great.

My second P is Productivity.  Our people are driven, and I love working with people who are determined to be successful and are willing to live by daily measurements of success. Those measurements could put a bad P—pressure—on us at times, but at our company, we have a highly collaborative culture. We have big goals, but only because our customers and partners have big needs to fill. At Celero, we want to become the household name for small and midsized merchants looking to grow quickly and sustainably, which is a monumental challenge as we enter year two of our existence. But here’s the rub, and it’s good: You never feel like you’re in it alone, because this team always has your back. We succeed together, and we sometimes fail together, but in all things, we produce together.

The third P of working at Celero is Passion.  We have people who seriously love what they do. We have multiple people at every level of the company who have been working in payments and fintech for decades, and they act like it’s their first day on the job. They love making a difference in the success stories of our small and medium-sized business customers.  They love making our various partner financial institutions more effective for their merchants as well. This passion isn’t just palpable at our offices across the country, it’s also contagious, and it drives you to give your best, too.  

Perhaps most exciting is our fourth P, Possibilities. A driving ethos of our team at Celero is to never accept that we’ve “arrived.” When you’re in the business of technology and working to solve problems for customers, applications and challenges will continue to evolve. Being arrogant about our success will be the first element of our failure, so we are committed to being humble and go about our work each day creating possibilities for the future, for our partners, our merchants, and our people.

I’m sure others could come up with their own ways of expressing why they love working at Celero, but the Four Ps work for me!

It’s looking like 2020 is going to be a big year for many things, specifically in the digital payments industry. While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly pay attention to trends from previous years. Let's take a closer look at what’s currently happening and see how things are starting to shape up. Are you ready to dive into what we can expect from the digital payments market this year? We are! 

Enhanced Payment Transactions With Ease-of-Use

Enabling merchants to enhance payment transactions with greater functionality and convenience can help your clients build customer loyalty and retention — and by providing your clients with the solutions they need, you may also find your clients are more loyal to you. 

It’s predicted that digital payment processing will gain quick momentum in 2020 and for years to come due to the simple fact that it's easy and convenient for all parties involved. The need for cash is seemingly becoming a thing of the past as most transactions are electronic, getting rid of the need to stop at an ATM or request for cash back at grocery stores. At Celero, we are tracking right along with this trend, as we provide credit card processing that’s easy and inexpensive. We offer various types of payment processing solutions with the capability to accept payments anywhere. Not only is this convenient for the customer, but a merchant can adapt seamlessly.

FACT: We can also look forward to support from the government to improve the digitized payment processes — with an increased focus on a cashless economy, growth in this market is sure to continually escalate in the future.

Never Trading Security for Convenience 

Along with payment trends toward consumer convenience is the trend to continually make payment security a top priority. Most companies are working to keep up with the increase of technology and expansion of the digital market and are attempting to create solutions that are both convenient and safe. Luckily, at Celero, we have plenty of options that include both. It’s our goal to ensure that our customers and their customers have secure payment transactions while not having to endure a stressful and expensive process.

Mobile payments are a convenient and affordable way for merchants, young or experienced, to conduct business securely. Accepting EMV chip card technology within your business will not only protect your customer, but it helps significantly reduce the risk of fraud for the merchant. EMV chip card technology is the best available technology to validate credit and debit cards while reducing the risk of accepting fake cards.

Something else to consider for security with digital payment processing is to take advantage of a payment gateway for online payments. A payment gateway is the best way to accept online payments since it takes care of the authorization of the payment while ensuring the data entered is enough to be completed. The gateway is what protects credit card details by encrypting the stored sensitive data and guarantees that private details proceed safely between the customer and merchant.

Lastly, it’s extremely crucial to check your PCI compliance status as this is the most important security standard to keep up with as it determines how you store, handle and transmit cardholder data creating protection of your customers’ payment details and keeps your business safe from fraud. To get the most out of safety and fraud prevention you’ll want to guarantee that your business has met all the guidelines and avoid a non-compliance fee.

Expansion of the Digital Payments Market

As the future unfolds, turns out the younger generation is responsible for stepping up and growing the digital payment market. This tech-savvy generation is forcing the need for a digital solution when it comes to payment processing. With all of this in mind, it’s crucial that the digital payments market expands, making way for more affordable and advanced products to assist the developing market.

Organizations, such as Celero, have already taken essential steps to adjust to the growing digital market by offering technology-driven products and services like mobile payment processing. Accepting mobile payments has plenty of advantages such as being convenient and affordable. These are two very important things for the younger generation as they run on a fast-paced environment. Mobile payment processing allows you the ability to accept payments on devices such as a smartphone or tablet. As the younger population begins to lead the expansion of this market, it’s a valuable option for them to have as they are becoming small business owners.

Conclusion:

One thing is certain for 2020, we can expect to see a lot of growth in the digital payments world along with the technology involved to accompany it. While the younger generation expands and increases the need for more innovative technology surrounding digital payment processing, organizations and businesses are responsible for adapting to their needs in a simple and secure way

Abigail Lucier December 20, 2019 In the digital era, society has created what I think of as a cult of leadership. Whether it’s somebody like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk (and I could go on and on), we’re groomed to worship these super-geniuses. As I think about culture, it dawns on me that we never hear about any of the thousands of people who work for these companies. Do you really think that Steve Jobs, or his successor, Tim Cook, had or has all of the great ideas at Apple? That’s silly, but it’s also where we are as a society.

As we are celebrating Celero’s first year, I’ve found a particular aspect of our emerging culture not only noteworthy, but also something that’s actually changed how I choose to interact with my colleagues here. I’ve witnessed this dynamic on a daily basis, so I know it’s not a fad or a fluke. What I’m talking about is selfless leadership.

Many of us are taught that in order to compete and win in corporate life, we need to be a little selfish and make sure we take credit for successful outcomes. What I witness here, from leaders like Jeff Brown, Kevin Jones, and many others, is a simple sharing of the wealth or giving credit to any and all who deserve it and doing so openly.  

My job is in project management, and at a startup like Celero, those projects can be anything from overseeing an office buildout, managing an integration, or guiding a workstream. When I think about getting in the weeds of a project, the day-to-day grind, and the overall amount of calories that we’re all spending together on a project, I often pause to also think of the amount of people, intellect, and the overall amount of blood, sweat and tears that can go into every project all the way through to completion. It’s humbling to think of all the people that are involved in everything we do. And then I think about the number of times that I have heard our leaders Jeff or Kevin, or Scott Farace or Jim Harris, call out people who played pivotal roles in a project’s success.  When they give this credit, they not only do so publicly, but also never take credit themselves. For our leaders, it’s all about the team. While they are all industry veterans and actual thought leaders in payments and fintech, you’ll never see cults of leadership developing around them, because they prefer to share the success.

To me, this selfless leadership dynamic is perhaps one of the most inspiring things that I’ve witnessed since joining Celero. To see how natural it is for these guys to sit there and publicly give credit where it’s due, and to really make it a point to not stand up and say “I did it, it was me,” and to actually do the opposite of that. To not take credit for anything, to stand back and say, “I could not have done this without you, you, you, and you,” well, that’s significant.

Furthermore, the people they recognize are often those who probably think that their names would never be recognized or brought up in conversation. For me, this kind of recognition, whether fulfilled or neglected, can be what makes or breaks an employee—I firmly believe that. So being able to win as a team and to lose as a team, but to also give credit and to pat someone on the back when they have done an incredible job is incredibly noteworthy. This culture of the selfless leader is one of the driving forces behind our culture at Celero, and as we grow, our leadership will naturally expand to include many others. I am confident that this element of our culture is something that we will continue to embed in who we are and prove foundational to our success as we move forward.

More than 25 years ago, Celero founder Kevin Jones left his hometown of West Jefferson, North Carolina, with a dream of becoming a CEO in the financial industry. But unlike those who leave small towns and “never look back,” Jones has kept his hometown and the surrounding High Country of western NC close to his heart, as his career has taken him across America and around the world.

Last week, Jones drove the country roads between Music City and his beloved hometown, to join Ashe County family, friends, and residents in congratulating the 2019 graduates of Leadership Ashe, the leadership development program designed to meet the county’s need for active participation of informed and educated citizens and leaders. The class enjoyed a graduation ceremony keynoted by Jones, who focused on how his hometown leaders could set themselves apart by staying true to their roots, uniquely defining success for themselves, and working with others to make great ideas become reality.

Leadership Ashe is an innovative leadership development program sponsored by the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce in coordination with the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College. The goal of the program is to identify potential leaders and provide them with the community information and encouragement needed to spur local action and involvement. Graduates are challenged to apply their talents throughout the community by becoming a part of community organizations, including public boards, non-profit groups, civic clubs, and the Ashe County Chamber.

Leadership Ashe participants and their employers make a major time commitment to 10 sessions, beginning with a day-long retreat in August and closing with a graduation session and ceremony in December. A series of eight half-day sessions provides information about local businesses and includes tours of area businesses, organizations, and facilities. Sessions are designed to stimulate interest and awareness and will include an opportunity to interact and facilitate discussion with the speakers.

Each class of Leadership Ashe is open to as many as 20 participants, and each class represents a diverse array of entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and public servants.

“This was an emotional night for me, coming home to address those who give so much of themselves to make my home such a wonderful place to live and work,” said Jones. “As I shared with the group, my career has taken me all around the world, and my best characteristics and lessons are from Ashe County, North Carolina. It really is the coolest corner of NC, or anywhere else.”

“Growing up here, the son of a single mom, I learned values like humility and respect, and how to appreciate people’s individuality. It’s no surprise that a county with 27,000 people is successfully emulating leadership development programs we see in much bigger places, including here in Nashville. Mountain life gives us a competitive, hardworking edge, and we know that we when we have faith in ourselves and each other, nothing can stop us.”

Congratulations to the 2019 graduating class of Leadership Ashe, from your friends at Celero Commerce. For more information on this game-changing program, visit https://ashechamber.com/leadership-ashe.php.

There are most definitely benefits to having mobile payments at your business, but what are the risks involved? How do you bypass them? While mobile payments are a great way to help your company keep up with the changes of our fast-paced society, there are potential security threats you should pay attention to. Let's dive into the risks and benefits involved below.

Benefits of Mobile Payment Processing

Quick, Convenient & Inexpensive 

Not only are mobile payments convenient but, unlike a traditional point-of-sale system, mobile payments don’t require a large investment and they come with a low learning curve. Mobile payments only take a few seconds to complete, meaning you can help the next customer faster — quicker checkouts tends to mean happier customers. 

In order to accept mobile payments at your business all you need is your smartphone or tablet, card reader and a mobile app. Bringing your own device allows you to save even more as you don’t need a terminal or point-of-sale system. At Celero, we have plenty of affordable options for your business. 

EMV Chip Card Technology 

Accepting EMV chip card technology with mobile payments gives your customers the benefit of a secure payment method due to the multiple layers of encryption. EMV chip card technology is definitely safer than a magstripe payment, but you’ll want to be sure to choose the right mobile payments partner — one that allows the support of your mobile payments with EMV, just like Celero does. Our mobile credit card processing app allows merchants to quickly and securely accept mobile EMV credit card payments from any smartphone or tablet.

Business Insights

When you understand your customer, it allows you to make better business choices. Mobile payments provide insights into your customers’ buying habits as well as give you a look into your inventory levels. Being able to see these purchasing patterns shows you what’s popular and in demand and can help you keep your inventory stocked, allowing you to cater to your customers more effectively.

Mobile payment apps, such as Celero’ mobile credit card processing app, provide great reporting tools that enable you to stay efficient and recognize purchase data to help you make smarter business decisions.

Risks Involved with Mobile Payments:

Fraud

Small businesses are a target for fraud, considering the outdated technology many of them rely upon for payment processing. But it’s not just the time or effort wasted on fighting chargebacks that causes the biggest damage — fraud can have heavy financial implications, to the point of forcing owners to go out of business. Mobile credit card processing from Celero matches the latest security guidelines, including EMV and PCI standards. 

Data Security

One risk that comes along with mobile payments is the safety of your customers' data. There are criminals all over who thrive off of hacking mobile payment systems, especially during the holiday season, to steal credentials of your customers for fraudulent activity. This is why it’s extremely crucial for your business to be PCI compliant. Being PCI compliant allows your customers’ payment details to be protected. It determines how you will store, handle and transmit cardholder data. By not meeting those compliance guidelines, you could face non-compliant fees. Luckily, with Celero, we are a compliant payment processor and will provide you with tools to help you remain compliant as well.

Conclusion:

While there are both benefits and risks involved with mobile payments, there are ways for you to reduce the risks —  take proactive security measure to be sure that your business and your customers' information is safe. Making sure you keep yourself educated and prepared will certainly set you up to run a successful business! Mobile payments are a cost-effective solution for millions of small and mid-sized businesses. Stay ahead of the competition and grow your business with your new mobile payment solutions!

Kevin Jones November 26, 2019 Growing up in the High Country of my native North Carolina, I’ve always loved to ski. For a mountain boy like me, being on a snowy slope with friends or family is truly my happy place.

I can remember the first time I went skiing with a few good friends, included among them was Travis Mash, my best friend to this day. My first trip to the local slopes was a big one—we skied for three days straight. The first day, we all fell down A LOT, and we laughed about it together that night. The next day, Travis and I continued to fall quite a bit, while one of our friends fell a little, and two guys in our party of five didn’t fall once!

On the final day, Travis and I still fell down a ton, one guy fell a few times, and those same two guys didn’t fall at all.  You’d be accused of being reasonable if you thought that the two guys who quit falling after day one were the smart ones in our group. And maybe they were, in the eyes of some.  But only two of us were skiing the most difficult slopes—known in ski parlance as black diamonds. And while I don’t know about those other three, I’m still skiing those black diamonds.

There are a few good lessons here. First, you need to set high goals for yourself, and everyone knows this to be true. But the second lesson is just as important, if not more so:  to succeed, you have to be willing to fall down to progress. Third, it’s always easier to push yourself to take risks and succeed when you see others around you doing the same. Thanks, Travis, for inspiring me way back then and even today. 

As we continue to talk about building a high-performance culture, I’m often asked what the driving ethos of a company should be, in order to reach this aim. Many people mistakenly think that it’s simply down to setting big goals and holding people accountable to them. While pushing people to achieve big things is certainly a fundamental behavior to success, every behavior stems from a mentality or philosophical approach.

Not all of these mentalities or approaches are good. Many are as simple as giving big rewards to those who close business and firing those who don’t—think of it as the Glengarry Glen Ross philosophy (“Coffee is for closers!”). While that makes for a fun movie experience, it’s not a recipe for leading people to big, sustainable success. Neither is the “getting people to buy in” approach—leading people to achieve new heights isn’t about persuasion.

So, what’s it all about? If you think about it, building a business successfully, whether you’re performing a role here at Celero or working in a small business, is about freedom.  It’s about the freedom to think, the freedom to create, and the freedom to necessarily reinvent yourself and your strategy on a daily basis. To achieve sustained growth, you can’t just repeat what made you successful yesterday. Every business in America has competition, and those who rest on yesterday’s ideas get their lunch eaten today and tomorrow.

So how do we get this freedom we’re talking about, if we’re not the CEO or business owner. In the case of Celero, it’s about granting every person here that freedom. And it’s not just saying, “Be free and have success!”  That’s as silly as it sounds when you read it aloud. Rather, it’s the opposite—we have to free each other of fear. We can’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and be bold.

I say those three things—taking risks, making mistakes, and being bold—in a certain order for a reason. My team has set some pretty high goals for themselves by which we measure our performance. In fact, like most good teams, we’re constantly raising our standards, based on where our competition lies and especially on customer needs. In order to maintain this commitment to continuous improvement, we don’t need buy-in. We need for people to take risks. It’s only when we take risks that we can better what we did yesterday.

When you take risks in business, as Travis and I did on those black diamonds, you sometimes make mistakes and fail. I happen to believe and know that we hire really intelligent people at Celero—people like Deidra Parsons make sure of that. One thing I’ve observed through the years is that intelligent people aren’t submissive, and they don’t shrink from the challenges they face simply because they’ve failed or made a mistake. They come back harder and stronger—they’re emboldened by their failure to produce and what they’ve learned from it. While nobody likes failure in the moment, the kind of people I’m describing—those true high performers and leaders—begin relishing the challenge all over again even before the wounds have healed.

The best people, who are leaders no matter where they function within an organizational chart, are what I like to call “battle-hardened,” and you can’t be battle-hardened without losing a few along the way. Losing breeds resilience, and resilience is what fuels us for the long haul in life and in business.

Every day, I approach my teams and individuals, listening to their approaches—to see if they’re thinking big enough—and watching how they go about achieving their goals—to see if they are taking those necessary risks to achieve more than they did yesterday. If they’re not thinking big enough and risking enough to sometimes make mistakes, it’s my job to give them that freedom all over again.

And while for each of them it’s about that freedom, for me, it’s simply about cashing that check that I’ve written. The way you give freedom often has less to do with encouraging risk than it does to do with punishing failure. While we can’t tolerate recklessness, we have to give grace to those who abide by these principles of taking risks, making mistakes, and being bold. I find that when you give people even just a little room to see their ideas through, their wild successes far outweigh any temporary setbacks.

Abigail Lucier November 22, 2019 As I continue to think about our culture and what will make it strong, I notice that many companies fall short of creating great cultures because they only focus on the positive. While positive recognition is certainly very important and completely missing in many workplaces, it’s only half of the equation.

It’s important to recognize hard work, great efforts, and outstanding performance results, but you’ll fail to optimize your culture if you neglect to recognize and accept mistakes as genuine human error. This second piece is equally, if not more, important as you give people the time to find the right answers and prevent the same mistakes in the future. To achieve this, our leaders must extend a measure of grace to each of us, and they should know our capabilities and motivations well enough to know that we’ll get things right when given the opportunity to grow and learn from a mistake.

Personally, I don’t think that all leaders are capable of this. In fact, this is probably one of the biggest factors that separates the great leaders from the mediocre ones. One thing that seems to unite all of us as humans is not our capabilities, but rather our ability to fall short of a goal. We are united in the fact that we all mess up from time to time. Nobody is perfect. We messed up yesterday, we might mess up today, and we could fall short tomorrow! I think what’s important is what you learn from these shortcomings and failures. If you have a leader that’s there to coach you through a mistake and help prevent it in the future, that’s worth its weight in gold. Instead of beating you over the head with your mistakes, a great leader will position you for success moving forward. You’re ultimately going to win in that situation, every single time.

Don’t get me wrong, while I firmly believe we should all extend a certain amount of tolerance for honest mistakes, that does not excuse poor performance on a consistent basis. The employee must display an aptitude for personal and professional development for these methods to work effectively, or you could find yourself spending calories on someone that would be better suited in another position altogether.

When leaders work with their people to create a culture of grace and equip people to do better—as good people want to do—the right culture is going to emerge. Then, you will have a cultural cornerstone of honesty, where leaders are free to say, “Hey, you made a mistake and I didn’t like it, but here’s what we’re going to have to do to make up for it as we move forward.” At the end of the day, if that same leader can stress to you how important you are to the team, and how they cannot do this without you and they don’t want do this without you, you’ll be able to forge a genuine bond and trust. Leadership that understands human error is inevitable and coaches their team through failures, will not only create a happier workplace but a more productive one as well.

Honesty and trust. Grace and equipping. These are the values upon which we are building a great culture here at Celero.

Scott Farace November 20, 2019 If you’re a small business owner, there are a lot of different marketing tools that are available for you that happen to be high-performance, cost-effective, and easy to execute.  Some of these methods are tried-and-true, while others are newer and already proving to deliver.

Cause Marketing

I’ve always loved cause marketing for the reasons it helps connect you to your audience in a meaningful and impactful way. There are so many ways to get involved   in the community where you do business.

For a small business that could be anything from sponsoring a local high school fundraiser, the local relay for life event, or working with the local homeless shelter. What’s great about this marketing tool is that it enables your business to meet your customers where they live and reside, touch them close to their hearts, and in many cases, involve your entire company, too. Instead of always being salesy, you’re promoting the organizations and missions they hold dear. 

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a newer option that’s available to all business owners, no matter the size of your business, due to the democratizing effect of technology. You can find options at any price point

Once you define your target segments, you can set a realistic budget, test messages and different delivery techniques like pay-per-click advertising and banner ads, and track your results to see what resonates with your target audience.

Content Marketing

Using content marketing to express your brand and value proposition is now essential for businesses of all sizes. When you’re able to have the right content, whether it’s a blog, a podcast, a white paper, or short video, you’ll be able to find out quickly what resonates with your audience.

Best of all, today’s digital world provides you with low-cost ways to distribute this wide spectrum of content, whether it’s through an optimized website, PR distribution engine, and especially social media. Social media is the optimal no-to-low cost  (by boosting posts or promoting tweets, for example) vehicle  to  deliver content to a very homed-in  target audience.

At Celero, we enjoy helping small and mid-sized businesses, the backbone of the American economy, compete and win. I’ve been there myself, running my own boutique agency for several years, and I know the pressures that small business owners face. I’m always happy to share any experience or expertise that might help relieve those pressures and foster growth!

Have you ever thought about how much it really costs your company to process paper invoices? It’s important to take into consideration the time and potential errors involved with processing invoices manually versus electronically.

Studies have shown that companies spend an average of $12 to $30 to process an individual invoice. What you want to think about is that this price involves the complexity of your accounts payable function and its efficiency. Another thing this price range depends on is whether you’re using an automated invoice system or doing things manually.

It’s important for your small business to research electronic, cloud-based options that will ultimately save your company money and stress. There are great benefits involved with electronic invoicing. Maybe you’re not ready to make the switch until you see what it really costs your small business. Let’s take a look at the expenses involved with paper invoicing.

Direct Expenses

Direct expenses are those expenses related to paper, ink and postage costs involved with paper invoicing. While these expenses vary from business to business, the postage costs of mailing a first-class letter will put you back. It might not seem like a lot of money but keep in mind how many invoices you send out per week — you can see how this could add up for a small business.

Indirect Expenses

An indirect expense involves what it takes to complete a specific task related to invoicing. For example, what are you paying your employee to put paper invoices into envelopes? Think about how much time it takes for your employee to enter all of the relevant data needed to put together an invoice. These are the costs that matter when you take into account how much you’re actually paying for paper invoices.

Hidden Costs

There might be several hidden costs that you’re not thinking about when it comes to invoicing. You want to remember the time involved with sending invoices and then the time waiting to receiving a payment — don't forget to take into consideration if a check (or invoice for that matter) gets lost in the mail. This could cause your small business to slip into a negative cash flow situation, incurring some unwanted and unnecessary fees. If this happens frequently enough, it might hurt you to the point that you’re not able to pay your other bills.

Be sure you think of how much it costs to store invoices, the investments of storage and scanners, all while you pay someone to organize these documents — all of this adds up, whether you’re aware of it or not.

Calculating Your Costs

To get a more accurate calculation of your own invoicing expenses, consider examining the following:

• How much time is spent on invoice processing (including time in the post office)
• Total time spent assessing invoices
• Time spent identifying and correcting data entry errors
• Storing and shipping costs for physical invoices
• The number of hours of productivity lost
• Discounts lost and penalties incurred due to late payments, errors, etc.
• Time spent by staff performing invoicing tasks
  
  

Conclusion:

Saving time and money is important for your small business and switching to electronic invoicing will definitely aid in those efforts. You’re starting off great by minimizing the costs with paper, ink and postage. What’s even better is that you’ll be saving on time spent for a staff member to create, process, manage and organize these documents. Not only is electronic invoicing beneficial for saving time and money, but it accelerates the cash flow and can be safely backed-up on the cloud for easy access. After all, who doesn’t love helping the environment while also helping themselves? Just another added perk to electronic invoicing.

Simplify your invoicing with Celero Commerce today. With our Pi Integrated Payments solution, e-invoicing allows merchants to invoice via email and SMS while allowing customers to make payments via an embedded link. Widely used for B2B and direct customer billing, invoices are generated with line by line detailed information and the ability to customize/brand the email sent to the customer. Learn more today!

Abigail Lucier November 8, 2019 A lot of companies talk about their culture, and it’s often a misapplication of the term, when they are really talking about values or drivers of their work. Values without daily action is just an empty gesture, but the way we live our values—and do so together—is when you begin to cultivate a culture. 

When I think of culture, in the world as well as in the workplace, the one word that comes to mind is unity. I think of people coming together with genuine acceptance of one another and individuals being recognized and appreciated for who they are.

Celero is a large and fast-growing company with a wealth of diversity in thought and backgrounds. It’s this unique combination of individuals coming together that makes working at Celero special. I’ve developed an appreciation for this diversity that helps me become a better project manager.

It’s important to recognize that diversity brings many life and work perspectives to the table. We see the value of diversity, in our operations at Celero, on a daily basis. Each employee has something different to offer the company, whether they have 20 years in the industry or are coming to Celero fresh from other sectors.

I think that we, not only as a society but also as a working team, must recognize that it is through our differences and our individual qualities that we can actually become united in one thing. And that one thing is that we are all different, and we all have something unique to offer.

At Celero, unity doesn’t mean we all have to think or believe the same things; it’s quite the opposite, actually. We welcome a variety of thoughts and opinions, and we believe that our differences make us a stronger team. A strong, unified sense of teamwork can be felt in both our internal communications as a company, and in what we do for our clients.

When it comes to culture, I don’t believe that one person is more impactful than the other as none of us can do this independently, without the help or assistance of other team members. The moment you try to identify the impact one can have or contribution one should make, based on something like title, is the moment you will start to limit one’s ability to make an impact. This could be counterproductive to establishing a strong culture as I believe a healthy culture is one that empowers each team member to be held to the same standard.   

The power of having a strong company culture shouldn’t be underestimated, as there is a remarkable amount of trust that transpires for this to happen successfully. We don’t just work alongside each other at Celero; we take individual ownership in what we do. Each person is expected to carry their responsibilities by owning them. We’ve found that team members are genuinely happier, as well as more productive, when they can cultivate freely. When you are trusted to do a job, you feel empowered and inspired to do more and this is a significant indicator of what our culture is like at Celero. 

Every company culture is going to be different.  Regardless of the individual characteristics that make your company special, unity is an inherent part of any strong company culture. It is through these differentiating, individual characteristics that we can come together as one team.

As you’re preparing for year-end payroll tax duties, it’s important to keep in mind the new year tasks involved as well! TIP: If you use Celero’s full-service payroll, you'll only need to focus on distributing W-2s to your employees — we handle the rest of your tax filing!

Keep yourself organized with the checklist below and be sure to finalize the required payroll tax tasks on time. We have provided a downloadable and printable End-of-Year Payroll Checklist for free!

Before Year-End

If you haven’t completed the following year-end payroll tasks, we suggest you reach out to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to determine the best way to abide by all tax laws and regulations. You want to avoid facing costly IRS penalties by incorrectly handling your payroll and employment taxes. If you find that you struggle with taxes, outsourcing payroll is a reliable option that could work for you.

𝥁 Confirm identifying information for all employees.

𝥁 Legal names

𝥁 Social Security numbers

𝥁 Current addresses of residence

𝥁 Make sure all paychecks from the year are correctly recorded. Include:

𝥁 Commissions, bonus pay or anything run outside of the normal payroll

𝥁 Handwritten checks

𝥁 Voided paychecks

𝥁 Verify employee wages, benefits and deductions.

𝥁 Look up remaining sick days, vacation time and other permitted time off for each employee.

𝥁 Based on your policies, find out if employees want to roll over the time to next year or cash it out. If you have a use-it-or-lose-it policy, notify employees of how much  time they have left and when they need to use it by.

𝥁 Order Form W-2 and Form W-3 from the IRS or another authorized provider.

𝥁 Get updated labor law posters to hang up next year. You must meet both federal and state labor law posting requirements.

𝥁 Check your tax rates for federal, state and local taxes.

𝥁 Federal income tax

𝥁 Federal unemployment tax (FUTA tax)

𝥁 Social Security tax

𝥁 Medicare tax

𝥁 State income tax

𝥁 State unemployment tax (SUTA tax)

𝥁 Local income tax

𝥁 Have employees review their withholding allowances for federal and state income tax withholdings.

𝥁 Employees indicate federal withholding allowances on Form W-4.

𝥁 Employees might also need a state withholding allowances form.

𝥁 Determine next year’s deposit schedule for federal income tax and FICA taxes. You must pay these taxes on a monthly or semiweekly basis. Your deposit schedule is based on a lookback period.

After Year-End

Don’t forget those New Year tax responsibilities as well! You want to be sure that as you complete everything for year-end, you keep in mind what needs to be done for the beginning of the year as well. Keeping yourself aware of what needs to be accomplished in the future is a sure way to help you stay prepared! Remember, you don’t want to face the risk of costly IRS penalties.

𝥁 Update new wage rates, withholding allowances and other deductions.

𝥁 Give a Form W-2 to each employee by January 31.

𝥁 File Forms W-2 and W-3 with federal, state and local governments by January 31.

𝥁 For the federal government, file with the Social Security Administration.

𝥁 For states or localities with income taxes, file with the appropriate state and local governments.

𝥁 Some employment taxes from the previous year are filed in the new year.

𝥁 File FUTA taxes on Form 940 by January 31. Fourth quarter FUTA taxes are also due by January 31.

𝥁 File federal income taxes and FICA taxes by January 31. Most employers will use Form 941, but some employers can use Form 944

Scott Farace October 28, 2019 For small business owners just beginning their marketing journey, setting your company’s brand apart should be the number-one priority. In nearly three decades of strategic marketing for businesses and nonprofits of various sizes, I’ve seen day-in and day-out the importance of developing a unique and consistent brand message to connect authentically with audiences. A strong brand can drive growth and it starts with determining your business’ point of difference.

Starting out, building your brand will take some analysis of where your company stands and its biggest strengths. It’s crucial to ask yourself, “What makes my business special or different in the market? What makes it the best of its kind?” After homing in on that factor, your next step is to expound upon it to create a brand message. Then, you can circulate that message to your entire organization from sales to customer service, and product teams. It’s vital that the message be cohesive across all corners of the organization for brand consistency. And even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, branding yourself can pay huge dividends early on. When people can tell you take yourself and your business seriously, they’ll respect you for the professional you are.

Once everyone in your organization is familiar with your brand message, you can begin conveying it across various marketing tools. Utilize digital marketing, social media marketing, and traditional marketing methods to reach the widest possible target audience on a daily basis. The more prospective customers you reach, the better. And once again, I can’t stress enough how important it is for your messaging to be consistent and fully integrated, across your sales materials, product sheets, websites, direct mail programs, and anywhere else you talk about yourself.

If you’re not sure where to allocate marketing funds early on, you can make things simple. Think about where you touch the most customers, and then work backwards from there. Whether that means your staff, your website, your store, or your team members who are out visiting people, you should always play to your strengths so you can sharpen them. Just keep it simple, and then build as you go along. 

Focus on those touchpoints where you already have strong audiences who are likely to be loyal to your brand. If your website gets the most visitors, allocate dollars toward web design. If a particular team interacts with the most customers, put in the time to train them on speaking to that brand message. That way, regardless of whether you’ve got a dollar or ten million dollars to spend, you can focus on getting the most out of it with the most effective possible use of your marketing dollars.

These steps will help set your business apart by creating a cohesive, distinctive brand to build loyalty, which will in turn boost revenue. If you follow this path, there’s no telling how far your business’ success will take you. Just focus, keep it simple, and execute. While the rewards of branding aren’t often immediate, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you do see results.

Nashville fintech startup enters partnership with NFL team to make positive impact in hometown

Nashville, TN – October 22, 2019 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused, integrated commerce solutions provider, is now the preferred payments partner of the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans. The Nashville startup will provide payment processing services to the Titans via its ongoing merchant processing relationship with the official bank of the Titans, Pinnacle Financial Partners, also based in Nashville, TN.

Launched in December 2018, fast-growing Celero is now the 16th largest non-bank credit card processor in the country through its acquisitions of Brentwood-based Elmhurst Financial, UMS Banking of Los Angeles, and Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions, based in Greenville, South Carolina. Pinnacle, an exclusive sponsor of the Titans, is Nashville’s largest bank and number three bank in the state of Tennessee by market share. Celero Commerce, through their acquisition of Elmhurst Financial, has provided merchant processing services for Pinnacle for over a decade.

“Like the Titans, we chose Nashville to be our home,” stated Celero Commerce founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jones. “We are committed to being involved in our hometown community as a good corporate citizen. The Tennessee Titans are already a part of the fabric of Nashville and have set an example of how to do meaningful work in the city we call home. A major part of our partnership will be focused on working with the Titans on initiatives that benefit the people of Nashville. Given our existing relationship with Pinnacle, a bank that’s really driven a lot of economic development and opportunity in the area, this makes perfect sense.”

“The Tennessee Titans are honored to partner with Celero Commerce.”, stated Ralph Ockenfels, VP of Corporate Partnerships, “We look forward to working with them to make a meaningful impact in the Nashville community.”

For more information about Celero Commerce, visit www.celerocommerce.com

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

150 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219 (844) 4CELERO www.celerocommerce.com

About the Tennessee Titans

The National Football League’s Tennessee Titans enter their second season under the direction of head coach Mike Vrabel in 2019. General manager Jon Robinson is in his fourth year with the club, having constructed three consecutive winning seasons from 2016 through 2018.

Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk has committed resources to make the Titans a perennial contender on the field and to establish the Titans as a leader off the gridiron. The franchise celebrated its 20th season as the Titans and unveiled all-new uniforms in 2018. The Titans also launched “We Stand For,” an organizational initiative to support causes and charities that are important to its players, coaches and front office members. Strunk’s efforts helped bring the NFL Draft to Nashville in April 2019, and the event set records with more than 600,000 fans in attendance and more than 45 million television viewers.

Originally founded as the Houston Oilers in 1960, the club moved to Tennessee in 1997 and changed its name to the Titans in 1999, the same year its new home, Nissan Stadium, opened in downtown Nashville on the east bank of the Cumberland River. Since then, the Titans have become a fixture in the community and provided national visibility to Tennessee and the city of Nashville.

For information and tickets, visit www.TitansOnline.com.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer scottf@celerocommerce.com 972-533-5655

Being proactive when it comes to protecting your small business against cyberattacks is in your best interest, especially as a retailer. Cybersecurity involves security prevention in more than just one way. Whether your business is online or a traditional brick-and-mortar store, you’re susceptible to cyberattacks and you want to make sure you stay educated on what to do to minimize your risks.

So, what exactly is cybersecurity or a cyberattack? Well, cybersecurity is the state of being protected against a criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this. Cyberattacks are an attempt by hackers to damage or destroy a computer network or system. Now that we've clarified a few things, let's dive into what you can do to protect your business.

Become Proactive

As a retailer, you’re more prone to cyberattacks because you house a wealth of customer data. This doesn't mean you aren't able to still protect your business; it just means you have to take action now for the future. Getting started with preventative security measures ahead of time already puts you in a great place for protecting your business — you want to be sure you know what you can do so you don't remain or feel helpless. Staying informed on what you can do to protect your business not only helps with that but it will ultimately improve your customer experience and make you a more credible retailer. Your customers will know that they can trust your business to keep their information safe.

Below are some tips you can use to be proactive with cybersecurity.

1. Educate yourself. Learn about what cybersecurity is and take a free workshop to really get the basics down — trust us, it will be worth it in the long run.
2. Have a plan set in place. Once you’ve learned about cybersecurity, put proper steps into action of what to do in case of a cyberattack.
3. Increase email security. Be aware of the basic email security precautions, such as avoiding suspicious links or attachments. This is the quickest and easiest way to prevent a malicious email from getting through.
4. Include extra details when setting passwords. Making a complicated password is in your best interest. Your business contains sensitive data and you want to make sure it’s not easily accessible.

Get PCI Compliant & Maintain Your Status 

There are other ways to make sure your customer data is protected, not only from cyberattacks, but protected in general. PCI is the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) requirements for merchants that store, process or transmit cardholder data. There are 12 core requirements and roughly 250 controls. Meeting the most important standard in the payments industry allows your customers’ payment details (and your business) to stay protected.

Being PCI compliant enables the allowed stored credit card information to be done so only through required security standards. Now, when you aren't compliant, it puts you more at risk and exposes you to heavy financial threat since it's a requirement for merchants who process credit/debit cards in person or online. But, this shouldn't worry you because compliance is simple. If you already accept EMV chip cards, you're most likely in good standing.

Adopt EMV Chip Card Payment Technology

Another way to protect your business is to adopt EMV chip card technology at your business. EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is the technology behind that tiny microchip on credit and debit cards everywhere in the U.S. This chip has huge benefits when it comes to protecting against fraud for card-present transactions. It offers better data security than magnetic stripe transactions and makes counterfeiting a card next to impossible.

Not accepting EMV chip cards puts you at unnecessary risk for fraud and chargebacks. But with EMV chip card technology, it significantly reduces the chance of accepting fake cards and having any fraudulent activity. Choosing to accept EMV chip cards at your business grants you, as the merchant, the benefit of dual verification, protecting you from liability. Dual verification authenticates the person using the card is the owner, resulting in a reduced opportunity of fraud. 

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter if your business is online or in a brick-and-mortar store, you are still at risk for cyberattacks. What does matter is how you take initiative as a business and prevent those potential risks from coming in and taking over your company. It’s important to not place all of your eggs in one basket with just one cybersecurity prevention measure, there are multiple ways to stay safe!

Celero is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Nashville headquarters with the addition of an Operations Center at Harpeth on the Green IV in Brentwood, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. The space, which is set to accommodate approximately 75 people, will be home to Celero Operations starting early 2020. This represents a major expansion for Celero’s headquarters, which currently resides at WeWork in downtown Nashville.

Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Brown, Project Manager Abigail Lucier has worked collectively with the CBRE Group and Celero leadership team to scout and design the company’s expanded Music City workspace.

“At the new space, we want you to walk in and feel not only a connection to the fintech industry, but to Nashville as well,” says Lucier. “This city is where our team decided to plant the Celero seed, and we can’t wait to watch it grow.”

The entire layout and design of Celero’s new HQ is geared toward collaboration. It’s open and spacious, with large wraparound windows that surround the building and make it feel even bigger, as they offer a gorgeous view of Tennessee greenery.

“Being Tennessee-born and raised, I can really appreciate how green this state is, all its different colors and seasons,” says Abigail. “It’s called Harpeth on the Green for a reason; not only are there windows wrapping around the whole office, but it’s also surrounded by large trees and beautiful foliage.”

The exposed ceiling lends an industrial, Silicon Valley-like tech atmosphere. There are multiple collaborative workstations and huddle rooms where team members can gather. Even the private offices have glass fronts, promoting better openness and cohesion. CEO Kevin Jones is known for having a strict open-door policy.

“It’s deeply important to our culture and to Kevin that we all have the mindset of working together and collaborating in a fast-paced environment,” Abigail says. “Culture is the most important thing to Kevin, and your office space is key in creating a cohesive team.” 

Abigail, Kevin, and Jeff toured several office spaces before going with “what felt right.” They searched for places with ample light, plenty of windows, and an overall feeling of openness.

“While everyone has their own personalized space, you’re able to look up from your workstation or office and still feel connected to a team member that might be in a completely different department than you,” says Abigail. “You feed off the energy you see around you. So, if I can see other people creating and getting things done, it’s going to inspire me to do the same.”

One of Celero’s main goals in this project is to create a space that not only attracts, but also retains talent; somewhere that people look forward to going every day. The natural beauty of the space, as well as its contemporary warehouse vibe, are sure to help with that. So too will the ease of working together and communicating in the new space. 

“Harpeth on the Green is directly in line with the overall theme we were going for,” Abigail says. “We want it to embody everything Celero is and will be in the future.”

One thing Celero will be in the future is a whole lot bigger. The Nashville-based company has already experienced rapid growth since its inception and is expected to increase job growth by 250 percent in 2021.

“We want to both attract talent and create a place where people can grow professionally and personally,” says Abigail.

The future of Celero is looking good – almost as good as that view from the new HQ.

Kevin Jones October 1, 2019 I’ve been tasked with leadership for most of my career. People often ask me what it takes to be an effective leader, and I often answer that to become a good leader, you need to be a good follower first. Subscribing to this maxim is important for people at all levels of an organization. Even as a CEO, I must follow the leadership of my board of directors, which includes some of my most trusted advisors and investors.

Here are just a few of the important ways we can develop ourselves as followers, so that our leaders can help us reach our full potential.

Be Character-Driven

Being a leader or follower takes character, because having character is the foundation upon which we build trust with others. Being character-driven yields great credibility in friendships, marriage, and parent-child relationships, and it’s just as effective in professional life.

Anyone who reads my work knows that there are two character-defining values that I hold above all others:  respect and humility.  Those who respect others—not based on job titles or perception of power—but on personal merit, show that they are open to learning. When you place respect on others, you are, in fact, anointing them to share their views as equals. Respect shows honor, and you’ll get honor in return.

The other big character-driver for me, the yang to respect’s yin, is humility.  When you are humble, you are literally placing your own ego in submission to your desire to learn. In effect, it’s doubling down on the respect you place on those who merit that respect. You’re effectively saying to them, I can’t do this alone, and I know you have something valuable to contribute. When a true leader detects both respect and humility on your part, there is no limit to what you can achieve together.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

I work very hard to create cultures where my team and I can take risks in the service of our clients, stakeholders, and each other. When you’re all in it together, there should be room for everyone to take the risks necessary to raise their performance standards higher day after day. I often tell team members that you will not ever “ski the blacks” unless you are willing to fall.

To be a good follower and leader, it’s imperative that you take risks. No leader can afford to manage to the status quo, which is the enemy of growth. Rather than covering your behind, you need to put yourself forward, knowing that you’re going to fail sometimes. A true leader will recognize those who fail, learn from those failures, and achieve even bigger success along the way as the greatest assets of their organization.

Be Accountable

While it’s fine to take risks and make mistakes, it’s unacceptable to lack accountability. Accountability, like respect and humility, is a character-driver and trust-builder. When your leaders know you are accountable, they are more likely to give you plum assignments that will help you grow, because they trust you. Whenever I need to delegate leadership in an area, a person’s accountability is just as important as their performance. Just like a mutual fund disclaimer—past performance is not an indication of future returns—we know that counting on someone means that you’re able to trust them when the chips inevitably are down.

It’s also critical to helping your leadership assess where real problems lie in an organization or externally. If you’re willing to step up and own your mistakes, it’s that much easier—in this business world that often feels like it moves at the speed of light—for everyone to re-chart the course necessary to achieve the goal.   Being accountable is not only right from a moral perspective, but also from a practical point-of-view. Accountability increases efficiency. The fact of the matter is that any good business is going to make mistakes, and the higher the accountability in the organization, the more time we spend fixing problems and the less time wasted on figuring them out.  

Seek Mentorship

This world is bigger than all of us, so we need to know that we’re in it together, not just as teams, but with someone who has our back. At every level of my career—performer, manager, middle manager, executive, founder, and CEO—I’ve had at least one, if not several go-to mentors. 

Mentors can do many great things for you. They can validate your great ideas, shoot down your terrible concepts, or help you work through those that deserve more attention. They can help you trust your instincts or help you identify situations where you might need to gather more data versus making a gut move.

Perhaps most of all, mentors can help us by simply being good humans. Those of us who care about being the best we can be at home and at work can be our own worst critics. I can tell you genuinely that one of my favorite aspects of mentoring is helping someone I love to pick themselves up after a failure.  Giving that energy back to someone who works hard, is trustworthy, and is full of that humility and respect I covet is a real blessing to me.  

See a Bigger Picture than Your Own

When you decide to become a great follower, it’s also imperative that you’re able to see a bigger picture than the one that’s your routine perspective. We have to empathize with our leaders to know how they contextualize their decisions, so that we can have greater understanding and meet the needs of their organization.

There’s always a bigger picture. If you’re a sales performer, your manager may have full profit-and-loss responsibility that forces certain frameworks on their decisions, contrary to your own context that’s centered on revenue.  Even as wide and complicated of a perspective as I have in my CEO role, does my leadership at LLR, our major investor, have a bigger picture than Celero? Of course they do, and what we achieve needs to fit in the context of their entire investment portfolio.

It’s easier to see how to be a good follower when you don’t have any management or leadership responsibilities. Many of you reading these thoughts of mine, however, have those kinds of responsibilities. You must be extra diligent to not only build your leadership, but also strive to become a better follower every day. Here’s the best part—doing both adds up to being a successful professional, and more importantly, a better person.

Celero employees, including CEO Kevin Jones, COO Jeff Brown, and Project Manager Abigail Lucier enjoyed a whirlwind visit to Washington last as they accompanied the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) on its annual Payments Fly-In on Capitol Hill.

“There was so much to take in and so much enthusiasm,” Lucier said. “There’s really nothing quite like being not only in D.C., but on the Hill, at the heart of all the hustle and bustle.” 

More than 35 executives from ETA member companies like Celero participated in the Fly-In, which gives payments industry leaders the opportunity to meet with policymakers in Congress and across the government. ETA members advocated for payments technology growth and innovation, as well as a uniform national privacy standard.

“They were genuinely engaged and open to what we had to say,” said Brown, an industry veteran with more than two decades as a payments and fintech executive. “It’s great to see how hard folks on both sides of the aisle work to understand our industry’s challenges and want to work with us to create an optimal regulatory environment for the payments and fintech industries.”

The lack of a uniform privacy standard at the federal level makes it hard for businesses to operate across multiple states. Having to comply with multiple, differing standards places a heavy burden on small and mid-sized companies in particular.

“It creates a lot of confusion, having to study these laws and then comply with each and every one of them,” explained Jones, the current President and Chairman of the ETA’s Board of Directors. “It unintentionally sets these businesses up to fail in compliance. But if there’s one nationwide standard, it will not only protect businesses and consumers, but also allow for innovation – for people to go out and do business as it should be done, rather than spending all their time and money on figuring out how to be compliant.”

On the first day of the Fly-In, ETA members met with Congress members such as Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), and Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WVA). They also met with federal regulators from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Administration.

“As someone who’s fairly new to the industry, it was very heartening to meet public servants who were eager to engage with us and understand our needs,” said Lucier.

On day two, participants got to sit down and listen as several legislators and Celero’s very own Kevin Jones gave speeches. In addition to payments innovation and uniform privacy standards, they also touched on the importance of personally identifiable information, often called “PII data.” The permissible use of such data can be used as a powerful tool to fight fraud.

“People have this assumption that the less data you have out there, the less likely you are to fall victim to identity fraud,” Brown explained, “but it’s actually the opposite. PII data is crucial to preventing fraud, because it makes it a lot harder for another person to steal your identity or process a payment on your behalf.”

Abigail reported that she was impressed with the ETA as a whole, both its representation and leaders. Her “sherpa” for the visit, Jeff Patchen, Manager of Government Affairs at the ETA, was extremely helpful in facilitating introductions and productive conversations. She also praised Scott Talbott, Senior VP of Government Relations, for his enthusiasm and expert handling of the event.

“Scott is in there every single day advocating for this industry on behalf of businesses and consumers alike,” she said. “You can just tell by his enthusiasm and the way he orchestrated this event, he’s in the right place. It’s good to know he’s there every day, representing us, as we go about our day-to-day building Celero for our partners and customers.”

Thank you to the ETA for letting Celero be a part of this opportunity. Please visit https://www.electran.org/ to learn more about the ETA and its advocacy work in the electronic payments sector.

Kevin Jones, ETA President and Chairman, and CEO, Celero Commerce September 16, 2019 It was a pleasure to spend two days in Washington, D.C. advocating on behalf of Electronic Transaction Association (ETA) members during our annual Fly-In and ETA FinTech Policy Forum.  Across the events, ETA members exchanged ideas and provided essential input on our industry to Members of Congress and policymakers across the government.

It’s exciting to serve as the President of ETA at this time of tremendous growth – in both size and importance – of the payments technology industry. ETA members, from startups to public companies, drive the future of commerce. Through innovative distribution and payment acceptance models for credit, debit, and prepaid cards, electronic payments are more important to American businesses and consumers than ever before. As we head into the final quarter of 2019, we have many reasons to be excited about the state of payments and financial technology, as well as the future of our association.

Since I joined the payments industry at the start of the new millennium, the total number of credit card transactions in the U.S. has doubled to over 33 billion per year. The payments industry now fuels annually $7 trillion in payments across North America and a staggering $21 trillion globally.

I witnessed  firsthand the enthusiasm for the products and services our industry is delivering during my two days in D.C. Our work truly speaks for itself – you can tell our government leaders are just as excited as we are about our industry’s achievements and where we are headed.

A key example is how payments technology is helping the underserved and democratizing access to financial services.  More people today own a cell phone than have a bank account. FinTech enables a simple app on your phone to make a payment, take a payment, transfer money to a friend, or even allow a small business to submit a loan application. With advances like these, fintech has the power to help Americans of all incomes and businesses of all sizes.

With the power of the internet, merchants of virtually any size can instantly operate in all 50 states and around the globe.  Part of our advocacy efforts was to encourage policymakers to provide clarity with a uniform national privacy law. Complying with a patchwork of unique state privacy laws would be confusing to customers and daunting, logistically difficult, and costly for payments businesses of all sizes to ensure compliance.

ETA’s advocacy on this issue is critical since data plays an important role in supporting our industry’s continuous effort to fight fraud.   Our long-standing commitment to fighting fraud is essential to the profitability of our businesses. One of our industry’s greatest achievements was the rollout of EMV cards.  With tokenization brought by EMV cards, counterfeit fraud was reduced by 87% in the U.S. and made that fraud less profitable.  But our industry’s fight against fraud online is far from finished.

Now, real-time monitoring allows for malicious actors to be identified even before a fraudulent transaction is executed. Tools like biometrics, geo-location, and tokenization—all recent innovations—are key to efforts in fighting fraud. These technologies are powered by the responsible use of data to create smart and sophisticated tools that prevent and detect fraud. It’s essential that we as payments advocates speak up for a policy environment that supports them.

From my seat on the ETA Board of Directors, I see how vital ETA is, both in Washington and around the country, to help our industry grow.  Under the new leadership of Jodie Kelley, we are bringing fresh energy to our work with policymakers on pro-payments legislation that helps all consumers and business move forward and strengthen the American economy.

Innovation, collaboration, and a motivation that’s built on positioning American businesses and consumers for financial success—these are the defining qualities of our industry and of ETA.

This article originally ran on TransactionTrends.com, the official news site of ETA. Click here to subscribe to Transaction Trends Weekly to receive weekly payments industry news and analysis from ETA.

Integrated payments and customer insights help more companies stay in business, earn more revenue and repeat business more efficiently.

Nashville, TN – September 5, 2019 –  Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused, integrated commerce solutions provider, today announced it has partnered with Womply, the leader in front office software for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), to offer Celero merchants a web-based software suite that helps them attract more customers and keep them loyal.

The all-in-one software solution brings together reputation and customer relationship management, marketing automation, business intelligence, and payments processing for the SMB space.

“Historically, small businesses have been underserved by technology, tipping the balance of power in favor of larger companies,” says Cory Capoccia, President of Womply. “We’re excited to partner with Celero in an effort to bring powerful digital tools to brick-and-mortar businesses that sorely need them to get an edge and stay competitive.”

By integrating sales data from the company’s payments processing activity and Womply’s business intelligence and marketing automation, Celero’s merchants can now:

●      Attract new customers by taking control of their online reputation. Merchants can see all their reviews in one place, automate responses, and encourage happy customers to share their feedback privately and publicly on sites like Yelp, Google, Facebook, and TripAdvisor.

●      Engage customers through email marketing to increase highly valuable return visits. The platform automatically creates and updates a complete customer directory, appends contact information, and sends timely, targeted marketing campaigns to prompt repeat business.

●      Monitor their business to know where they stand in relation to market trends and competitors. Merchants can see daily and historical sales trends for their business, compare against similar businesses nearby, and easily see consumer spending patterns locally.

Merchants who use Womply average 20 percent more revenue and 22 percent more repeat customer visits, all while saving an average of 10 hours of work per week.

“This partnership means more revenue in the merchant’s hands, enhanced customer retention and growth, as well as operational efficiency—all key metrics that will determine the ultimate ability of any business to survive and thrive,” said Celero Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Jones. “While minimizing processing rates is helpful and marginally lowers expenses, almost every business owner prefers a partner that has a solution designed to help them increase their revenue and thrive in a competitive environment.” 

About Womply

Womply’s mission is to help small businesses thrive in a digital world. Our AI-powered data platform enhances our comprehensive small business management software, which includes the world’s only pre-populated CRM plus small business intelligence, reputation management, marketing automation, and integrated payments. We serve more than 150,000 small businesses across 400+ verticals, in every corner of America, every day. To learn more, visit www.womply.com or email info@womply.com. 

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

In a time when reaching customers and standing out from the crowd is growing increasingly difficult, the breakout session will fulfill a vital need. It will serve as a key resource for brand-builders who are seeing their reach decline, ad costs rise, and engagement falter. Panelists at this session will discuss how to build stronger credibility, increase customer reach, and develop more creative, engaging content that drives better business results.

Lane Conner, founder and CEO of Fuzse, will moderate the discussion. Following a 15-minute presentation, the 30-minute panel will feature insights from Anis Makaren, partner at DYAD Ventures; Peggy Olson, President and CEO of Strategic Marketing; and Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer at Celero Commerce.

Farace brings over 30 years of expertise in brand-building, advertising, and customer experience across numerous industry sectors. He has worked with brands at every stage of the business lifecycle. Prior to Celero, he served as head of strategy and partner at various marketing and advertising agencies, including S-Squared Creative, a Dallas-based branding and creative solutions firm.

Farace has developed branding and communications strategies for myriad Fortune 1000 household names in retail (e.g. Albertson’s), technology (AT&T), auto manufacturers (General Motors), and shipping (UPS). But most noteworthy is his experience in the financial services industry: He has worked with a wide array of financial technology brands including Chase Paymentech, Bank of America, Capital One, MasterCard, Allstate, and Northwestern Mutual.

According to Farace, his extensive financial services and marketing experience will inform his insights at the WSAA panel.  "It’s always rewarding to share my perspective on the ever-changing world of marketing and advertising, especially with regard to the booming fintech sector,” Farace said. “I'm really excited to share some examples of how we’re building one of the best brands in fintech here at Celero. As we continue to craft the ultimate platform that helps small and mid-sized businesses compete and win, telling our story in the marketplace will help us reach more people who need our services, as well as the strategic partners who will help us continue to build value in the future.

The panel event is one of many hosted by the WSAA, a not-for-profit organization that produces various educational seminars and breakout sessions on the evolving needs of the financial services industry. All WSAA events are tailored for professional bankcard sales representatives, including acquirers, ISOs, and MLSs in the retail and e-commerce sectors. The WSAA funds its events through exhibitor sponsorships and attendee registration fees. For more information, visit the WSAA website at https://westernstatesacquirers.net/agenda/.

Much has been written and discussed on the notion of the performance-based culture. This is a concept that I bought into as a very young manager, and I’ve expanded on it through my years leading larger and larger groups of people as they accomplish great things together.

Focusing on people doesn’t just mean hiring right, nor does it stop at training. It means a commitment to their development, helping them align their own built-in purpose to the needs of your organization, so you can grow together and succeed together.

Values Alignment

I’ve always had the thrill of managing very diverse teams, people coming from all walks of life. Maybe it’s just my upbringing in the North Carolina mountains, where we all scrapped to make a living and take care of each other, but I never ascribed any kind of merit or status based on somebody’s wealth, skin color, or whose son or daughter they were.

To the contrary, it was ingrained in me, as I was raised by my single mom, to be humble and respectful, and to honor those who showed humility and respect for others.  I took this to heart in a big way—I’ve collected many friends along my journey through life, and these are the two common denominators in those I value most. To a person, the men and women in my life work hard at whatever they do, and they do so humbly, going out of their way to show respect to others. And the values they have transcend all walks of life, so you naturally find yourself surrounded by men and women, people of different races and ethnicities, rich, poor and middle class, and any of the other ways in which society is happy to differentiate us.

Challenging Mediocrity

I think with any large group of people, you’re going to have some application of the 80/20 rule, where your top 20 percent pulls the team goalward, or a bell curve, where you have some at the high-performance end, some pretty weak performers, and a fat middle who range from those who just need a little boost before they become top performers to those just another cycle away from joining the bottom-feeders. 

Whatever diagram applies to your group, it’s important for all to challenge mediocrity. When you consistently challenge your team to do more, to do better, to do things more simply, and to do those things faster, you find out where the leaders are. I’ve always prided myself on doing the work necessary at leadership level to take this ethos a step further.  If you want to know my opinion on the secret sauce to success—and more specifically, what I feel has helped to drive the success of my teams—it’s that I consistently challenge mediocrity in all its shapes and forms at individual level.

Anybody can—and should—reward top performers with raises, bonuses, and promotions. But the real reward for leaders comes from startups, and better yet from turnaround projects, and we need to think of those possibilities not just in the organizations we lead, but in the individual sense.

From Worst to First 

I’ll give you an example of employing this strategy with individuals. At 27, I found myself leading 10 branch offices of a regional bank. Each office had a manager, assistant manager, and about five entry level sales executive employees. The leader of our division, one of my earliest and best mentors, was committed to building a high-performance culture, and it was great for me to gain early exposure to this concept in a bank environment.

My own path showed just how exciting of a culture my early mentor was building. Within just over a year, I had earned three promotions after leading my division as an individual, as a branch manager, and as a regional manager in new loans generated. Our entire team was known as a group of champions.

I learned one of my bigger lessons in leadership, when I was handed a new opportunity to double the size of my region. Instinctively, since I was raised to treat people with respect as individuals, I began studying my new employees and surveying their managers and peers. This process armed me with the information I’d need to tailor a management style to each individual’s needs.  

One of the first things I did was to confront our team’s weakest links. My theory was that the team would win if these folks did better, or if they left. What I discovered, by focusing on each individual’s needs, is that sometimes when you meet people where they are, without sacrificing your standards, you’ll see people that can actually go from worst to first.

One of the more important people in my life is just such an example. He’s one of those I confronted after taking over additional branches. The word on this guy was that he was very bright, but his poor attitude reflected not only in his own performance (or lack thereof), but also in the flagging performances of those he’d befriended most.

Tough Love Works When People Need It

I chose an approach of tough love. When I confronted him, I let him know how much potential I thought he had—in fact, I let him know that he could become our best performers in the entire region (and one of the bank’s stars) based on his grasp of the business and his people skills. I also let him know that should he rise to my expectations, raises, promotions, and the thrill of every success awaited, and in short order.

But I also told him that there was another path. He could do us all a favor—especially himself—and find another job where he might be more self-motivated and ultimately happier. Needless to say, and the reason I’m obviously sharing this example with you, our bottom performer chose the harder path and stayed. And he didn’t just stay. He excelled in every aspect of his job, becoming one of the best examples and motivators to others. I ended up putting this guy—who himself came within an inch of being fired—in charge of all of my region’s hiring and training! 

It’s About Them, Not You

That level of success that we achieved together was eye-opening for me. People have different needs, and managers and leaders should uncover those needs and respond to them in kind. Our bottom performer, it turns out, needed to be challenged more creatively. In any profession, there are lots of problems that require creative minds to find solutions. I found him to be an incredible strategic partner, and my role in his success was simply to help him find ways to unleash his creativity. Now, nearly a quarter-century later, he holds a very important role here at Celero.

I believe strongly that an effective CEO should focus on facilitating great decisions, as opposed to always making decisions ourselves. That requires a lot of work and focusing on culture, so that people can perform in ways that fulfill their purpose and hit your goals, too.

A performance-based culture is a fair culture that rewards team members who create value. It challenges the top performers and keeps them engaged. I have found that in the day-to-day, some team members prefer comfort, but over time, they will leave if you aren’t cultivating them to reach their potential.

I think intentionally about those who report to me and work in my organizations. A driving thought is ensuring that if they chose me as a mentor or my organization as home, that I have high expectations for myself, as we them to reach their full potential. Through my career, my greatest joy and success is playing that role with others:  recognizing and cultivating excellence in the individuals on my team and witnessing their growth, in their careers and in life.

Kevin Jones - August 22, 2019 As I look across the banking industry, I often see trends that I find disturbing. Over the last few years, I’ve observed a widening gulf in the amount of deposits that community banks attract versus the loan dollars they generate, mostly to small businesses.

A specific statistic that illustrates this point comes from a market study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) a nonprofit dedicated to helping communities grow sustainably from several angles, including banking, broadband, energy, and waste. According to the ILSR, community banks issue a whopping 52 percent of all small business loans, while they hold only 16 percent of the nation’s assets.  

There are many contributing factors to this dynamic, which isn’t in itself sustainable, as banking is predicated on a balance of maintaining appropriate levels of deposits, both demand and time, with the issuance of loans and lines of credit to individuals and businesses.  The community banking conundrum is driven by multiple converging factors, among them competition from big banks for deposits—especially those of a commercial nature—as well as geographic limitations (many community banks have operated more consistently in less wealthy communities, going to places the big banks have avoided). The localized lending that community banks do is a cornerstone of enabling financial inclusion and energizing the American dream.

As a fintech leader, I find it disturbing that one of the larger perceived pressures of community banking comes from our sector. Technology companies in areas such as lending are threatening areas of profitability for community banks. It’s one thing to have your deposit base eroded, but it becomes difficult for community banks to survive this phenomenon in tandem with the erosion of their loan base, especially in small business lending.

I see this differently.

One person’s threat is another’s opportunity.  While I’ll let other fintechs speak to their own models and motivations, I can tell you with complete authenticity that Celero and its brands are developing leading-edge technology, in payments, software-as-a-service, analytics, business intelligence, social monitoring, and sales tools, and we are doing so to fulfill our commitment to help our community bank partners and their small business customers compete and win.

And we don’t limit ourselves to simply selling our own products and services. In our role as strategic partners and advisors, we not only help our community bankers realize a more expansive relationship with their clients, but we also help them connect the dots with regard to all of the tools at their disposal. My colleague and co-founder, Jeff Brown, exemplified this ethos recently, as he explained how our bank partners can increase fee income and deposit balances through payments and funding accounts earmarked for asset-based lending. Deposits are the launchpad for lending capability, and community bank loans provide a significantly healthier injection of capital than alternative lending options. As I stated before, these loans fuel innovative small businesses in towns all across America.

We are convinced that in order for community banks to fulfill their mission and continue to better serve rural Americans, as well as those in small towns and underserved urban neighborhoods, they need the right strategic partners, the right products, and the right tools to succeed.

Last year, when I began acquiring the strategic pieces of Celero and combining that with my dream team of executives, managers, and performers, I was grateful to find that our stakeholders completely embraced our vision to bring enterprise-level technology in terms of best-in-class payments capabilities and consumable technology tools, to small and mid-sized companies across the country. It’s obvious to me that when you give community bankers—some of the smartest people who are driven to help their business clients as much as they can—the tools to help their customers succeed, you can achieve your own bottom line goals, while helping your partners and their customers achieve theirs, too. Accelerating the growth of our partners and business customers is the core focus. Combining community bank products and services with our fintech offerings creates a formula that positions these small to mid-size businesses to not only survive and compete, but to lead and thrive in a sustainable way.

Aligning your own success to that of your partners and their customers isn’t original, nor should it be particularly noteworthy. But at this point in our history, our community banks need all of us operating on this principle, doing everything we can to work together to serve American business. According to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, firms with fewer than 20 employees account for more than 89 percent of American businesses. That statistic alone tells you the magnitude of what we’re facing here, but I’m glad to know we are partnering with some of the most capable people in business, and commit that Celero will strive to hold up its end of the deal, passionately cultivating the success of our bank partners.

Jeff Brown-July 25, 2019 If you read anything by or about Celero, you’ll see the word “integration” in lots of places. That’s one of the hallmarks of our company, a diligence we take into everything we do. It’s about delivering value on multiple fronts for our partners and merchants.

We normally speak of integration with regard to helping small and mid-sized merchants get a competitive edge, by merging payments with SaaS solutions, analytics, and other tools for financial management, operations management, and business-building. And while we are laser-focused on developing the ultimate one-stop commerce solutions shop for SMBs, that doesn’t mean we’re not looking for similar synergies for our partner institutions, chief among them community and regional banks.

That’s where our recent acquisition of Elmhurst Financial really makes sense.

While we really liked everything about this company—the exclusive focus on community and regional banks, the white glove service, great technology, and their ability to walk in their partners’ shoes—what I liked best about this team was their ability to bring all of that together and deliver an experience that makes doing business with Elmhurst easy.

Perhaps the best example of how Elmhurst approaches solving challenges for financial institutions is their BANKMAX program. This team seems to take nothing for granted. While I know we have competitors with good pricing and solid training programs, Elmhurst’s BANKMAX is the most comprehensive approach to partnering we’ve seen in this industry. In addition to competitive products and services and access to an elite inside sales team, what’s special about this program is how it helps regional banks create an ethical sales culture.

How do they accomplish this? Technology. When you’re able to help your merchants find real savings in the payments ecosystem, giving them real data in contrast to the smoke-and-mirrors approach they see in other quarters, that’s a commitment to doing business the right way for both merchants and the banks they trust, day-in and day-out.  

BANKMAX is all about putting our partners in position to win, since their victories are aligned to the success of their merchants. Happy merchants—those who have the payments capabilities they need at competitive prices they can understand—will see their bankers as partners who share in their success, rather than simply trying to maximize their own income at product level.  

If you’re into the numbers of this business, like we are at Celero, it’s hard to look at the tools and reporting included in BANKMAX and not geek out at the insights available to financial institution partners. The level of detail captured in sales and merchant reporting, as long as the ongoing portfolio analysis, is certainly equal to any technology that commercial bankers enjoy at large banks with in-house merchant departments.  That’s precisely our value proposition, and why we’ve felt so aligned to our teammates from Elmhurst from day one, that quest to give community banks the technology and tools to compete with much larger competitors, so that they, in turn, can equip small merchants in ways only large companies take as routine.

We welcome the Elmhurst team to Celero, and we are excited by all of the possibilities for us to all grow together.

Let's face it, most small businesses need a convenient way to accept credit card payments — customers expect to be able to pay this way and not offering this option can limit your cash flow for sure. 

So, Why Accept Credit Cards?

With the percentage of shoppers using credit cards to make purchases increasing each year, whether you operate out of a brick-and-mortar location or run the majority of your transactions on the road, it’s essential to have a reliable method for processing credit cards.

Did you know that in addition to making payments more convenient for your customers, accepting credit payments can make your business more lucrative? Customers tend to spend 12 to 18 percent more when using credit cards in comparison to other payment methods, and this money goes straight to your bank account. Credit card payments don’t bounce the way checks can and there’s no need to make separate trips to the bank to deposit your earnings.

What Credit Card Processing Options Are There?

In order to select the best method of accepting credit card payments at your business you'll need to look for an option intended to meet the needs of your business, while at the same time one that will provide satisfaction and convenience to your customers. Let's compare and contrast some of the most common options — as we do so, you'll want to consider the type and number of transactions you commonly handle, where you make the largest number of sales, and whether or not your company engages in e-commerce.

Basic Terminal

The  basic terminal — credit card terminals accompanying cash registers are still the easiest way to recognize if a business accepts credit card payments. If you operate a well-established brick-and-mortar location and handle a big number of credit card transactions each day, this is likely your best option.

These days, the more modern terminals should be equipped to handle swipe cards, EMV chip cards and NFC (near-field communication) payments. This means that your customers who prefer mobile payments will have the option to pay in this way. This will also help expand your potential customer base, given a good portion of customers find mobile payments to be the most convenient. 

Mobile Credit Card Payments  

Let's face it, not all small businesses have the budget for complex credit card processing equipment — luckily there are other options, such as accepting mobile credit card payments at your business. Mobile payments are a truly reliable payment solution that can empower businesses to accept payments in person, online and anywhere their business takes them. This is one reason why mobile payments are becoming an increasingly attractive option for businesses of all sizes, industries and locations.

Using a mobile point-of-sale device is a good option for companies in need of flexibility. If you attend festivals, trade shows and other events where you offer products for sale, having a mobile solution can increase the number of transactions you’re able to process.

To accept payments via a mobile payment solution, you need three things: mobile smartphone or tablet, a mobile payment app and a card reader. A mobile point-of-sale, also known as mPOS, is the app that enables you to quickly and securely accept payments from any smartphone or tablet. To get started, just download a mobile app, plug in the card reader (or use Bluetooth), connect to a Wi-Fi or data network, and you’re ready to start accepting mobile payments.

Accept Payments Online

Making the decision to add e-commerce to your business will extend your reach beyond just your local customers, but will require a way to process credit card payments from your website. Choose a merchant services provider with the ability to handle all types of payments so that you don’t wind up trying to juggle data from two different providers.

This represents a significant audience of potential customers, including a large number of mobile shoppers. Online payment options should make shopping and payment as easy as possible for this audience.

Choosing the Best Credit Card Processor

Once you’ve decided on a credit card payment option, it’s time to find a credit card processor, often referred to as a merchant services provider, that offers this particular option, with all the capabilities your business needs. If you're still unsure which credit card option is best for you, a merchant services provider, like Celero, will walk you through your options and help you determine the right fit for you and your business. 

Research is key. You'll want to look into each credit card processing option to find the right fit for your business and customer base. Compare rates, fees and features, including which major cards you can process. By choosing a convenient, low-cost option with the ability to integrate with e-commerce solutions, you can offer the best service to every customer of yours who wants to pay using a credit or debit card.

So what should you look for in a payment processing company? Consider these criteria when putting together your list of merchant services providers: good reputation, product variety and quality of service. A simple online search will reveal multiple websites, all promoting different merchant services providers — one trusted source would be Google Reviews.  Nexd, finding a merchant services provider that offers the latest and greatest technology, such as Bluetooth and NFC-enabled mobile EMV readers, will play an important role in preparing your business for the future. Last, but definitely not least, when talking to the merchant services provider, ask what kind of support you can expect in the future. It's best to look for access to reliable installation technicians and 24/7 in-house customer service.

Your business depends on reliable credit card processing, so make sure to conduct your due diligence before deciding who to trust. At Celero we operate on the concept of full disclosure and make it our goal to put you and your business in the best position possible.

Jeff Brown-July 18, 2019 Practically all commercial banking financial institutions (FI) engage in some form of asset-based lending.  These loans, which take the form of revolving lines of credit or term loans, are secured by the borrower’s assets (as the name implies). How much credit a borrower can access is primarily determined by the quality and value of the collateral, which can range from accounts receivables and inventory to equipment and real estate. 

The purpose of these loans range from working capital augmentation, acquisition, and recapitalization to financing growth through marketing spends, and much more. Repayment is typically looked at as cash flow from operations through collection of accounts receivable and conversion of inventory to cash through increased sales.

Often these loans and/or lines of credit are governed by some type of formula whereby the most collectable accounts receivable and marketable inventory is used to calculate the amount a FI is willing to advance to the borrower.  For instance, the formula might be similar to:

“The FI will advance 80% of accounts receivable less than 60 days old and 20% of inventory less than 90 days old not to exceed $100,000.”

The benefits of these types of loan/lines of credit for both FI and customer are:

·       Increase your borrowing power, especially for companies with less predictable earnings and cash flow

·       Enhance discipline and efficiency around accounts receivables and production for more borrowing capacity

·       Reduce financial covenants, including restrictions around the level of debt to enterprise value or cash flow, and net worth-focused covenants

·       Potentially gain more time to address financial difficulties due to built-in collateral protection

As you consider the collateralization of these loans and lines of credit, merchant credit card deposits that are deposited in your bank each day are often overlooked.  More and more merchants are accepting business-to-business payments via credit card.  Today, the conversion of their accounts receivable is often in the form of a credit card payment and not a check.  These payments are done for convenience, your client’s customers often demand the reward perks that go with B2B charges, or your clients have realized that they can often get paid faster with less bad debt expense by accepting credit cards for payment.  Surcharges have also made it more attractive for B2B merchants to accept credit cards more than ever before.

Due to the highly competitive nature of the payments ecosystem, most merchant credit card processing relationships reside with third parties in today’s marketplace.  As a result, banks have often lost the merchant relationship to payment specialists in the industry.  Those third parties often control a very large portion of your bank’s asset based-lending collateral.  The merchant credit card deposits are often being deposited at an FI other than yours, thus they are out of your immediate control or visibility.

As your FI is establishing its lending policies it should considering making it a condition of approval for all loans secured by accounts receivables and inventory that your bank process the credit card transactions for your customers.  A policy of matching or reducing your client’s payment processing costs can be established so that your client knows they are receiving excellent service and value, your FI benefits by residual income, and your asset-based lending is better secured by having all of your customer’s deposits residing inside your FI.  Why not have complete visibility of your customer’s cash flow via checks deposited, incoming wires, ACH and now credit card deposits? You’ll be able to see increased risks based on the health of the business, as well as opportunities to do more for your clients as they strengthen.

Contact our team at UMS Banking to learn how to implement this plan, reduce your lending risks, and better serve your customers today.

Earlier this week, Celero CEO Kevin Jones sat down with Payment Facilitator’s Kim Graber to discuss the Nashville startup’s fast rise through making four key acquisitions during its first year in business.

During the interview, Kevin explains how the acquisitions of UMS Banking, RazorSync, Elmhurst Financial, and Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions gives Celero the platform and scale to compete and deliver on its promise of fast, sustainable growth for its small and mid-sized customers. As of these four transactions, Celero is now one of the country’s largest payment processors, serving more than 25,000 merchants and processing more than $8 billion in transaction volume.

Learn more about Kevin’s plan for Celero to be “nimble, smart, and genuine” in its efforts to rise through the chaos that defines the payments ecosystem by focusing on the end solution delivered to merchants rather than living up to a payments industry label. Read Graber’s article in Payment Facilitator here.

Jim Harris-July 11, 2019 My long-time friend and our CEO, Kevin Jones, talks often about the importance of integration when it comes to helping small and mid-sized businesses compete and win. What he’s referring to is a natural fit that occurs when great financial technology from different corners of the market—payments, SaaS, and analytics—comes together to bring a one-stop shop for SMB management, both from financial and operational perspectives.

While Kevin’s vision is unmatched in the industry in this regard, I focus my role on something that’s even more foundational, and I’m pleased to tell you that what’s behind every great integration is a great partnership, whether it’s a collection of brands like UMS Banking, Elmhurst, Tandem, and RazorSync, or you’re talking about partnerships of the external, strategic variety.

For me, there are many great partnership opportunities for a company like Celero and its subsidiaries like UMS. We’ve seen a wonderful partnership develop internally as we integrate our teams on a shared services platform that will offer incredible value to SMBs. We also see this dynamic in our work at local community banks through UMS, as well as larger community banks and regional banks through Elmhurst.

At UMS and Elmhurst, we work through commercial bankers and the many teammates who support their work, from branch managers to tellers. Partnerships work and only work when both sides can win. When a community bank brings in a payment processing partner like UMS or Elmhurst, both teams can do what they do best, share the revenue accordingly, and give their mutual customer, the SMB, the tools they need to compete. Commercial bankers are at their best when they can focus on building client relationships and leave their partners to simplify otherwise complex aspects of their clients’ businesses.

The same can be said for software providers. There are many SaaS providers out there that are focused on specific industry verticals. A great example is our own RazorSync, but there are many others out there, too. Again, the developer can stick to what they do best—writing great software, while we can come in with a frictionless integration and onboarding experience for the SMB that’s as easy as clicking on the browser icon on your new computer’s desktop. While I suppose it’s possible that you can build a great app without payments integration, having the revenue stream connected to your financial and operational management means a lot more data and a lot better decision-making along your business-building journey.  

Another great value proposition is that of associations. Again, a partnership must deliver value on both ends. When we can engage with associations, we have the opportunity to grow exponentially the number of merchants we serve. In exchange, the association—a member-driven organization that needs to think of new ways each year to deliver greater value to its member companies—has a program that offers competitive rates and terms that help its members grow.

One of the things I love most about our industry is that it’s full of people who are collaborative by nature. That doesn’t mean that we’re not competitive, but rather that we’re able to focus not only on what we need in business, but what our partners, be they financial institutions, software developers, associations, or others, need as well.  What we are building here at Celero, while it may not be unique, it’s nonetheless special. It’s special because of the integrity we have in aligning our success to that of our partners. They find out very quickly that if we are going to invest ourselves, our financial resources, and our capabilities into a partnership, it’s because we’re betting on them to win.

When you base your partnerships on being fair to your partners and positioning them to win big, you can expect great results for your own team as a result, too.

Celero Commerce, a newly formed payments and business management software company with LLR Partners backing, could deploy around USD 150m toward M&A over the next three years, said CEO Kevin Jones.

Established in December, Nashville, Tennessee-based Celero has already completed four deals to date. The initial transaction was made that month as a strategic investment in Glendale, California-based UMS Banking, a full-service merchant acquirer, providing the core payment processing infrastructure for Celero.

The others are Minneapolis-based RazorSync in the field services vertical; Brentwood, Tennessee-based Elmhurst Financial Services, which is focused on payment processing for community and regional financial institutions; and Greenville, South Carolina-based Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions, a credit card processing company.

Going forward, ideal targets will include business management software and payment processors serving schools, non-profit organizations and government, the CEO said. Targets should be profitable and have EBITDA in the USD 2m to USD 10m range, he said. It will work to source deals later this year, and could close “a couple” of acquisitions in 2020, he added.

Jones is president of the industry trade organization, Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), and has been an executive in residence with LLR since September. He was formerly president of SignaPay and CEO of Anovia Payments.

He said Celero will serve as an acquisition platform with a goal to bundle commerce data analytics, business management tools, and rewards programs with payment processing capabilities for small businesses, so that the small businesses have an integrated and simplified user experience, and meanwhile Celero benefits from the economic advantage, Jones said.

Celero has 107 employees. Majority owned by LLR, it already does business across the US and plans to expand to Canada organically later this year, Jones said. Celero has over 25,000 merchant customers, processing USD 10bn in annual payments volume. It partners with TSYS, First Data and Global Payments for the processing capabilities.

Private equity firms have been actively rolling up in the middle-market payments space by forming vertical-focused acquisition organizations like Celero. In 2015, Aquiline Capital Partners created payments platform company Togetherworkin the membership vertical. After making nine acquisitions backed by Aquiline, it was sold to GI Partners in March 2018, and has acquired four more since then.

Celero is not rushed to contemplate an exit, Jones said. It will be focused on refining the platform, and down the road could be attractive to strategic or private equity acquirers, he added.

DLA Piper provides legal services to Celero, and Armanino provides accounting services. Pinnacle Bank is its commercial bank.

Kevin Jones- June 27, 2019 I’ve reached a place in my career where I choose the people I work with, whether it’s our employees, our strategic partners, or the kinds of customers we bring in to Celero. That’s not something to be taken lightly, and while that’s an incredible place to be, it comes with a high price. That price is constant mindfulness of the needs of others, and how best to take care of their needs. The key to our success is empathy.

When I first began managing people over 20 years ago, I knew that in order to motivate people to succeed for themselves and their customers beyond their wildest dreams, there couldn’t be a “Kevin Jones Way” of leadership. Instead, I decided to make each relationship about the other person, thinking that if I gave them what they needed—confidence, encouragement, tools, and sometimes an appropriate dose of tough love—they would not only play their role on the team, but be the ultimate teammate.

Early on, I could see that this path to leadership was a formula for winning—and winning big. When people know that you believe in them, consider their well-being in an authentic way, and invest in them for the long-term, their performance, productivity, and happiness know few boundaries.

The same dynamic holds true for partners and customers. When you extend empathy and try to walk a mile in the shoes of those outside your company, great things happen. In the business-to-business world, business owners and managers are looking for someone that transcends the traditional vendor/client framework, wanting trusted partners. When you live with empathy for your partners and clients, you can even transcend the trusted partner level and become more like a teammate or even a friend or family member.

What I’m talking about here isn’t a normal approach, but I think it’s what the best companies do best—empathizing to better understand employees, partners, and customers. And this abnormal approach definitely yields abnormal responses, underpinned by a higher level of loyalty.

Here’s the best part: when you choose to lead with your values, first among them empathy, but closely behind come teamwork, accountability, respect, and positivity, success is sweeter. It’s sweeter because you share it with others, with your employees, partners, and customers. I like to think of the difference in a way that many can relate to immediately. I enjoyed my life immensely before I met my wife. My life was certainly good, but I had no idea how great it would become, first through sharing it with her, and then with her and our children.

Anybody who knows me at all hears me talk a lot about concepts like loyalty and culture. Loyalty is something we create through individual relationships, and so is culture. But culture is what happens through the exponential power of all of those individual relationships when you bind them together in the service of a single mission. And the key to all of these wonderful elements of a company is empathy.

Complementary acquisitions add distribution and technology-focused organizations to enhance Celero’s commitment to its financial institution partners and merchants nationwide

Nashville, TN – June 18, 2019 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused commerce solutions provider, announced the acquisitions of Elmhurst Financial Services (“Elmhurst”), the leading financial institution-focused payment processing provider, and Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions (“Tandem”), a technology-focused payment processing provider.

These acquisitions strengthen Celero’s expertise in providing industry-leading payment processing, business management software, technology, and customer support to its financial institution partners and SMB customers. Following the additions of Elmhurst and Tandem, Celero will serve approximately 25,000 merchants and process approximately $10 billion in annual payment volume, with more than 100 employees in five offices across the U.S.

Based in Brentwood, TN, Elmhurst partners with community and regionally-focused financial institutions, assisting them to develop and optimize their customer relationships. “Joining the Celero family enables Elmhurst to more effectively serve its customers by leveraging Celero’s technology orientation in a rapidly changing fintech environment,” said Paul England, founder of Elmhurst. “As part of Celero, we have the unique ability to provide a more robust set of business management solutions and payment processing capabilities to our bank partners.”

Based in Greenville, SC, Tandem provides technology-oriented payment processing solutions to financial institutions and SMB merchants. “We built this business to offer enterprise-level products and services for the local business,” said Larry Feniger, founder of Tandem. “With access to Celero’s resources, we will continue to effectively serve our partners and merchants by providing access to best-in-class payments, products, and technology services."

“Bringing Elmhurst and Tandem into the Celero family allows us to reinforce our ability to empower financial institutions and SMBs to compete in the dynamic, technology-forward marketplace,” said Kevin Jones, CEO of Celero. “We look forward to extending Paul and Larry’s commitment to their partners and merchants by providing access to Celero’s technology and vertically-focused business solutions.” As part of these transactions, senior leadership will join Celero’s management team.

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business.  Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

Kevin Jones - June 13, 2019 - Anyone that takes a close look can see that the payments ecosystem has changed dramatically. Think about the last time you walked into a chiropractor’s office or a florist’s shop. Five years ago, you would have seen a small box terminal at the front desk or cash register. Now, you are likely to see small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like these using tablets or other business management software integrated with a payments gateway.

Companies like ours have evolved accordingly. Instead of launching Celero Commerce as a traditional payments play, we architected ourselves as a true financial technology (FinTech) firm, where our role is to drive commerce and cultivate growth and profitability for our customers. We want to help them win. This core goal is reflected in our name, as Celero is from the Latin meaning “accelerate.”

I first witnessed the changing landscape of payments in the early 2000s, just a few years into my career. We started seeing a lot of business management software effectively drive success specifically at the enterprise level. One of the first industry sectors we saw change radically was restaurants. The advent of tablets, and mobile solutions in the last five to seven years have made the integration of payments and software much more affordable downstream in the small to mid-size business sector.

What tends to hold companies and even entire verticals back sometimes is the failure to design and develop software with a payment experience that’s fluid within the space. We’ve seen event and invoicing software companies struggle because they didn’t do payments well. And while at previous stops in my career, we tried to make the payments experience easier, with Celero we’ve turned the model on its head. We’ve taken a different approach by acquiring SAAS software that’s applicable in more than 60 verticals, and we will continue to expand that scope of influence. Our goal is to deliver differentiated and complete solutions (payments, data analytics, software) to customers that help them compete and win in a competitive market.

Integration is important at Celero, as it is for a number of companies in our industry. We believe, however that true differentiation happens when you alter merchant and consumer behavior. We like to think we can alter behaviors by being “disruptively simple” in our work.  While many of our competitors are still focused on delivering a core payments solution while trying to get merchants to secondarily add business management software and tools, we’re taking a path less traveled, that’s more customer-centric. At Celero, we are not looking for software to be our distribution. We’re looking to be their distribution. Furthermore, most merchants don’t have time, and many more don’t have the expertise to try to package all of these solutions themselves in an effective manner.

To illustrate this point, let’s look at one of our first acquisitions, RazorSync. Great software is both high-impact and user-friendly, and RazorSync has earned that designation. The team at RazorSync has built some breakthrough software targeted at field service businesses like HVAC, exterminators, landscaping, plumbing, electricians, and many more. The core software helps field service companies with both operations process management and financial management. In addition, the development team designed a user experience that optimizes payments.  Serving companies in a vertical previously dominated by cash and checks has given RazorSync the opportunity to make a real difference. Customer surveys have quantified the difference, too, as the average RazorSync user reports first-year growth of 23 percent. This is a great example of what we want to repeat moving forward, making solutions simple and cost-effective, empowering our customers to grow faster. 

That’s our sweet spot at RazorSync and at all of the teams that comprise Celero, helping businesses. At the intersection of payments, management software, and business intelligence is greater efficiency and cashflow, seamless integration with accounting software, and streamlined reporting. All of these factors contribute to better decision-making with real data at the business owner’s fingertips.

The future is bright when you see the opportunities for us to drive middleware technology in the service of SMBs. Celero will look to create automation and simplify integration and boarding for every merchant. We will focus on delivering the most actionable data to Celero customers. 

Our future acquisition outlook will be shaped by our desire to make a big impact for our users. Thus, we’ll look for software companies optimizing their products for verticals we are interested in, such as nonprofits, schools, and government. As we grow, we’ll continue to build strong distribution channels—direct, integrated, and via partnerships with financial institutions—making Celero the commerce the partner of choice in these verticals for growth-oriented customers.

Jeff Brown - June 5, 2019 - I’ve spent a lifetime working in the financial technology space, with most of my career in the payments industry. Over time, I’ve worked in the largest companies in payments, as well as a few startups and in-between. For nearly three decades, I’ve seen many technological advances, and I’ve seen just as many well-intentioned efforts stymied in the marketplace. The more I see, the more I’ve come to believe that there are a few common denominators that all successful developers share.

As we were looking to integrate SaaS technology with our payments platform early on at Celero, I was struck by one team in particular, the people at RazorSync, and how they seemed to share those common denominators I’d seen in successful developers before:  their ability to empathize with their customer, their success at developing versatile software, and the fact that they were intelligent to know that you can be both simple and sophisticated.

Empathy

When people develop intuitive technologies—the ones where you almost don’t need a manual or much instruction to figure out on your own—it’s because they are empathetic; they understand the customer. They can easily slip into their user’s shoes, know their needs, and meet those needs.

You can tell when you navigate RazorSync, that while it doesn’t offer something for everybody, it’s definitely everything for the field service business.  That person generally is working in a traditionally less sophisticated space, one where too many contractors have worked as sole proprietors without their personal liability protected, and one where checks and cash—with their attendant risk—dominate. It is also an industry where its customers prefer to use credit cards in order to enjoy the rewards and benefits that come with charging larger purchases and earning points, air miles, and rebates.

RazorSync is aimed squarely at these folks, enabling them to take one-person operations to legitimate businesses, and enabling owners who may have multiple trucks in the field achieve greater growth, faster—one of our core values at Celero. The team has built RazorSync to address the three areas where field service business owners typically need the most help: managing finances, scaling operationally in the wildcard environment of travelling from home to home, business to business every day, and getting paid.  

RazorSync meets the business owner where they are, delivering a one-stop solution set right out of the box. 

Versatility

The best applications are versatile. While they don’t try to solve all of the world’s problems, elite solutions choose their targets and meet as many of their needs as possible. A good example of this dynamic is LinkedIn. Some of us use it for networking, others for sourcing sales leads, and still others for finding good hires or being found. Some use it for all of those things, but many pick and choose capabilities as they need them.

RazorSync is just such a solution, addressing disparate, yet shared pain points like accounting integration, estimating, invoicing, routing and logistics, payroll, employee tracking, and customer management. A true all-in-one solution for the HVAC company, the plumber, electrician, or landscaper, RazorSync is focused on overcoming the challenges that these types of companies face every day.

Simplicity

While we like our technology to solve a sophisticated array of challenges, we also need it to be user-friendly. I know most people, if faced with a trade-off, would choose fewer capabilities if it meant an app was easier to use. This is a quite logical conclusion, as what good are features if you don’t understand how to use them!

Customer after customer has shared with us what a great impact RazorSync has had on their field service business. Many have reported increased profitability immediately, as well as greater efficiency across all of their operations.  They chalk up this immediate success—again, we want them to grow and do it faster—to an easy-to-use and understand interface, as well as superior customer service. While many developers want to create software, seemingly few want to actually support it. The RazorSync team is comprised of people after our own heart. While they certainly create truly great business software, they are equally committed to the human side of the business, caring for customers with great compassion, knowing that customer downtime in a field service operation means loss of revenue with immediate effect.

The RazorSync team provides Celero with an opportunity to be unique among integrated commerce companies built on a payment’s platform coupled with SaaS solutions and supported with business intelligence tools. We have our own technology development team at RazorSync, studying the unique business needs of new verticals, so that we can bring software to market that helps them better accomplish their respective missions.

Stay tuned as we continue to distribute all-in-one solutions like RazorSync to our customers directly, via our financial institution partners, and integrated with other products.

Jim Harris – May 31, 2019 – I’ve always loved new opportunities, and I’ve jumped at the chance to work with the right people in the right settings and know that my work will have an impact.  

A few months ago, one of my closest friends and most impressive colleagues in the payments industry, Kevin Jones, called to see if I’d be interested in his next venture, a private equity-backed startup based not in the payments mecca where I Iived—Dallas-Fort Worth—but in the emerging hub for all things fintech, Nashville.

I knew immediately at a professional level there are few opportunities equal to working with Kevin Jones and the leadership teams he builds. So without any hesitation, I agreed to become one of the first three employees of what has become Celero Commerce, a company that integrates payments and other financial technologies with business software to give small and mid-sized businesses a competitive edge.

Our first acquisition was a payments platform, UMS Banking, a company with a history of innovation in credit card processing and elite customer service. When Kevin told me about the acquisition—even before I knew I’d have a major role in the new addition to the Celero family—we could both barely contain our excitement. In our earliest days together in the payments industry as we worked to build the bank channel at industry leader Chase Paymentech, Kevin and I both developed a soft spot for community banks. In an industry that’s seen incredible consolidation and change over the last generation, with a focus on getting bigger and bigger, the small to mid-sized community banks stand for excellence in service, really getting to know their customers, and becoming trusted partners in the local community. They are active participants in their local communities, supporting local events, and looking to provide products and services in many areas that the big banks simply refuse to service.

What we saw in UMS was a service proposition that aligned perfectly to that of community banks. UMS has always emphasized people and relationships over products and technology, and that’s not an easy thing to do in our industry. It’s actually quite easy, with the continuous advancements in technology, to get lazy and try to let your offerings do your job for you. We saw in UMS a company that aligned to our own vision of how people should be treated, whether they are bank partners or their merchants. With UMS now powered by Celero, our banking partners can offer their clients top notch service with the latest technology. 

We also saw a company with the capability to be a boutique customizing the partnerships based on the goals of the Bank. UMS invented the concept of outsourced liability, and while that’s important to a lot of community banks, we have multiple revenue models based on what levels of work our partners prefer to do with regard to the merchant services program. It’s a compelling proposition for a community bank, one that’ll never go near setting up its own merchant platform, to take on all liability but be flexible to their needs in the partnership. After all, some like to have more control than others, and we respect anyone who is thinking through how to best service and expand relationships with their commercial clients.

The third aspect of UMS that we really liked was that the company’s service model and flexibility seemed ripe for integration with the Celero family’s other offerings. With the advent of Celero, we are truly transcending the traditional payments company. That’s why we called it Celero Commerce versus Celero Payments. We are integrating tools and technologies like business intelligence and software to help merchants manage their businesses financially and operationally.  Our second acquisition, RazorSync, is exemplary of this integration mindset. In due time, we’ll be rolling out RazorSync, amazing business management software for field services businesses to the UMS bank family. All community banks have HVAC, electrical, cleaning, and other field service businesses comprising sizeable chunks of their business deposit portfolios, and we are excited about putting this great tool in the hands of community bankers to integrate along with merchant services for these types of companies.

I’m thrilled to be a part of the new UMS. We’re pushing ourselves to new heights of excellence in customer service for merchants. First, merchants get a human on the phone within 15 seconds of calling us. More than 90 percent of issues reported on these calls are solved during that first outreach. We have great people here who are conscientious, committed, and passionate about seeing our community bank partners and their merchants grow and prosper. We’re taking those people and equipping them with ways to collaborate and bring new ideas to bear for the benefit of our company, its partners, and its customers.

As I write this from my office in Glendale, California, I see a company that’s been historically remarkable really coming into its own in this new era for the payments industry. We are poised for a big future by investing in our people and our technology, and we will continue to set the industry standard for our human touch on bank partnerships and merchant services.  We will remain a uniquely positioned boutique in the industry, dedicated to our community bank partners, defining our success by their success. As a boutique payments company within the integrated Celero family, we can stay creative and optimize each relationship going forward.

I’m excited for what the future holds for our team at UMS.

It's estimated that 77 percent of U.S. adults go online at least daily, and another survey suggests that the average American spends 24 hours online every week. These everyday internet users aren’t just emailing coworkers or watching cat videos anymore. Increasingly, consumers are flocking online specifically to book appointments and schedule services with businesses of every size, industry or location.

How should small businesses meet this growing expectation? The leading companies use affordable scheduling software to quickly win customers, simplify their appointment booking process and manage employee and client schedules online.

While there are a variety of features built into scheduling software that make the investment a no-brainer for most businesses, the major value-add of scheduling software is client-facing online booking. Why? Customers can already book ridesharing services and schedule grocery deliveries from an app or website via smartphone or computer — and they expect the same convenience from your business.

In one marketing survey, the majority of respondents said that the ability to book or request an appointment online either set the business apart or fulfilled an expectation they already had!

Why does scheduling software benefit most business types?

The benefits of scheduling software, however, aren’t all about the customer. Scheduling software solves widespread problems that many business owners and staff members are eager to improve, like no-show customers; last-minute cancellations; lack of appointments or customers; double-booking and trouble creating loyal customers.

Keeping track of multiple client, employee and other business calendars is yet another time-consuming obstacle to meeting your real business goals. The core features of scheduling software (below) help any type of business run more smoothly and lets staff members switch their attention to revenue-boosting activities.

• Appointment Booking: Set your business hours by location or employee, and allow your customers to book their appointments or services online via an app, website or even popular social media sites. Clients can select dates, specify their request and even pay at the time of booking. Does your client want to re-book with you before they leave your business? Your staff can schedule, move or edit new or recurring customer appointments with simple drag-and-drop features.
  Do you have business policies that penalize customers for late arrivals, last-minute re-bookings, cancellations or no-shows? For example, customers might only receive a refund of 50% of their service payment if they cancel fewer than 24 hours in advance. Enforce no-show policies more easily with scheduling software and features that collect partial or full payment when clients book online.
• Service Reminders: A quick text or email to a customer could be the difference between reliable revenue and wasted labor hours at your business. That's why scheduling software has automated and branded communication features that send confirmation emails, appointment reminders and even post-service surveys to customers — just set it up and leave it. Cut down on the number of no-shows and last-minute cancellations without taking any staff time to manually write out emails or make calls each time.

• 
  It's clear that customers appreciate the reminder, whether it's by email, text or a direct message through Facebook. Automated service reminders deliver a big payoff with little setup. You can also remind your customers of an upcoming maintenance appointment or encourage them to schedule an appointment when they hit a certain milestone.
• Schedule Management: Get organized with a unified calendar overview and the daily updates you need right from your phone, tablet or computer. Drag-and-drop rescheduling lets you switch schedules, see hours and see all appointments. Scheduling software can notify you anytime an appointment is booked or changed. Allow or disallow double-booking to protect schedules from overlap or create room for appointment crossover. 

• Intake Forms: Collect what you need to know about a client when they book. Ask clients to fill out intake forms when scheduling, and have all of their information neat & tidy in one place. Ask your customers the questions you want to know. For example, for meditation class attendees, you can ask, "What do you want to get out of this class most?" Ask new massage clients, "Is there a specific area I should focus on (areas of tension)?"
• Secure App User Permissions: This is the technical way of saying that managers can permit or restrict access to schedules based on employee type. For instance, when your salon receptionist  uses the software, they need the ability to create new and recurring appointments. You may not want your stylists, however, to be able to view or manipulate their coworkers' bookings. Grant your employees permission based on your criteria!

Who can benefit from scheduling software?

This change in consumer behavior affects everyone! If you offer classes or appointments; run event series or workshops; lead workouts or training sessions; or dispatch technicians or staff into the field, you should seriously consider using scheduling software to simplify operations for managers and staff.

Here are a few key examples of businesses that can benefit from using online booking through scheduling software:

• Hair salons, barbershops and spa businesses
• Auto repair shops
• Field service businesses (Electrical, landscaping, moving and storage companies, cleaning services, etc.)
• Fitness studios and gyms
• HVAC businesses
• Funeral homes and crematories  

Be the easiest to schedule a service with and stay ahead of the competition without sacrificing any more of your time! Scheduling software gives your business an instant, modern and convenient professional edge that will attract more customers, simplify your scheduling and make it easier to fill your book faster! Celero can help you find the right software for you.

Nashville, TN – February 12, 2019 – Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a vertically-focused, integrated commerce solutions provider, today announced the acquisition of RazorSync, LLC, a developer of desktop and mobile application-based software-as-a-service that streamlines operations for companies in the field service industry. The acquisition of RazorSync follows Celero’s recent strategic investment in payments processor UMS Banking.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, RazorSync provides a cost-effective, all-in-one software platform enabling its customers to reduce customer friction and increase productivity and profitability. The SaaS-based solution includes field worker management, scheduling and dispatch, route optimization, invoicing, and payment acceptance. RazorSync serves field-based companies across dozens of trades and professions, including home and commercial services such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, alarm & security, and cleaning.

Celero’s mission is to provide tools — products, technology, and data — to small and mid-sized businesses that allow them to more effectively compete and win in a rapidly changing, technology-driven marketplace.  The integration of Celero’s payments processing capabilities and RazorSync’s software solution will deliver transformative business management tools to Celero’s strategic partners and a seamless customer experience to their customer base.

“It has become increasingly more complex for banks, payments providers, and other strategic partners to differentiate the manner in which they help companies grow,” stated Kevin Jones, founder and CEO of Celero Commerce. “Five years ago, our payments customers simply had credit card terminals. Now, small and mid-sized businesses from HVAC technicians to flower shops are hungry for help with scheduling, route optimization, inventory management, invoicing, and much more. We are excited to join forces with RazorSync, furthering our dedication to developing, acquiring, and integrating the tools that empower our partners to deliver outstanding differentiation, value, and growth opportunities to their customers.” 

According to RazorSync co-founder and President Chris Rywelski, teaming up with Celero was a win-win for both the company’s growth and its customer-centered development ethos. “I was impressed with Celero’s vision of empowering customer growth through integrated solutions,” he explained. “Their expertise in payments will drive even more value to our customers at the convergence of technology, data, and strategic partnerships. Together, we can eliminate headaches for small and mid-sized business that have historically pieced together payments platforms and operational software solutions.”

About RazorSync, LLC

RazorSync, LLC, headquartered in Minneapolis, is the publisher of RazorSync software for the field service industry. RazorSync’s award-winning software is a powerful yet easy-to-use desktop and mobile app that streamlines the business operations of a company in the field service industry, allowing customers to manage their customers and field workers, schedule and dispatch workers, invoice, and much more — all from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. RazorSync helps increase productivity and efficiency, reduce errors, and shorten the billing cycle to improve cash flow and eliminate paperwork.

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business.  Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability.

Media Contact:

Celero Commerce

Scott Farace, Chief Marketing Officer

scottf@celerocommerce.com

972-533-5655

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), the global trade association for the payments technology industry, today announced the election of its 2019 Board of Directors. ETA's Board of Directors represent an array of payments technology companies from across the ecosystem that power fast, seamless and secure electronic payments solutions for merchants and consumers. As the global trade association for the payments industry, ETA represents over 500 payments and merchant service companies and advocates for the growth and success of the industry.

"It is an electrifying time for payments technology, with new innovations coming to market every day that help advance our economy," said incoming President of the ETA Board and CEO of Celero Commerce, Kevin Jones. "I am excited and honored to begin my term as President of the Board, and I look forward to serving my colleagues, the people who power this great industry, in this volunteer leadership role."

"ETA's 2019 Board of Directors comprises leaders from the world's most innovative payments technology providers and financial institutions." said Jason Oxman, CEO of ETA. "As our industry continues to grow, innovate, and deliver premium products to consumers and merchants around the world, we are honored to have their guidance as ETA leads our industry into the future."

"It was an honor to serve as President of ETA during such an exciting year of innovation in payments," said Tim Tynan, CEO, Bank of America Merchant Services. "Thank you to the 2018 Board for their service and helping me lead this dynamic trade association."

ETA Executive Committee:

• Kevin Jones, CEO, Celero Commerce, ETA President

• Chris Lee - President-Elect

• Guy Harris, President North America, Elavon – Treasurer

• Philip McHugh, Sr. EVP & President of Merchant Solutions, TSYS, Secretary

• Tim Tynan, CEO, Bank of America Merchant Services – Past President

ETA Board of Directors and Presidential Advisory Council:

• Cameron Bready, Sr. EVP & CFO, Global Payments

• Angela Brown, President & CEO, Moneris Solutions

• Dan Charron, EVP Global Business Solutions, First Data

• Royal Cole, EVP, Head of North America, Worldpay

• Ralph Dangelmaier, CEO, BlueSnap

• Reetika Grewal, Head of Payments Strategy and Solutions, Silicon Valley Bank

• Eric Hoffman, Director, Head of Channel Partnerships – Apple Pay, Apple

• Steve Klebe, Business Development, Google

• Joe Mach, President, Verifone North America

• Amy Porter, CEO, AffiniPay

• Julie Pukas, Head of US Bankcard and Merchant Solutions, TD Bank

• John Priore, President & CEO, Priority Payment Systems

• Neil Randel, CEO, First American Payment Systems

• Tina Reese, Executive Director, Sales and Relationship Management, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

• Elizabeth Ryan, EVP, Wells Fargo Merchant Services

• Derek Webster, Founder & CEO, CardFlight, Inc.

ETA Board Ex-Officio:

• Deirdre Cohen, VP Head of FI Acquirer Partner Sales, NA Merchant Sales & Solutions, Visa

• Janet Estep, President & CEO, NACHA

• Josh Goines, Senior Director of Choice & Partnerships, PayPal

• Joel Henckel, SVP – Group Head for Emerging Verticals and Acceptance, Mastercard

• Tyler Vaughey, SVP, US Small Merchants, American Express

• Amy Parsons, SVP, Head of Global Acceptance and Customer Experience, Discover

• Larry Wang, Vice President, UnionPay International

About ETA
The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the global trade association representing more than 500 payments and technology companies. ETA members make commerce possible by processing more than $7 trillion in purchases in North America and deploying payments innovations to merchants and consumers.

Contact: Laura Hubbard, 202-667-7406, lhubbard@electran.org 

Nashville, TN – December 3, 2018 – LLR Partners today announced the formation of Celero Commerce (“Celero”) a vertically-focused, integrated commerce solutions provider. Kevin Jones, the incoming president of the Electronic Transactions Association (“ETA”) and founder and former CEO of Anovia Payments, will serve as Celero’s Chief Executive Officer. As part of the formation of the company, Celero has made a strategic investment in UMS Banking (“UMS”), a full-service merchant acquirer, which will provide the core payment processing infrastructure for Celero. Joyce Gaines, UMS co-founder, will work alongside the Celero team to continue to provide industry leading products and service to existing UMS partners and customers.

As the $6 trillion payments market continues to grow and mature, merchants are increasingly demanding a more comprehensive business solution rather than many, disparate business tools. Celero provides an integrated solution to help meet the needs of business owners in an increasingly competitive marketplace, allowing them to focus on running their business, rather than managing multiple third party software vendors and payment service providers.

“As the payment market evolves, customers are demanding fast, frictionless, technology-integrated solutions to manage their business. With Celero, merchants will now be able to seamlessly serve their customers with technology that is integrated into their core payment processing systems,” said Kevin Jones, CEO of Celero. “Our team is excited to partner with LLR, as the firm’s deep payments experience and relationships across the financial services and technology ecosystems will help Celero become a leading commerce solutions provider.”

“Despite the magnitude of the payments market, approximately two-thirds of U.S.-based businesses still do not accept payment cards, and those that do are being driven by market demand to upgrade their technology to enable a faster, more seamless, omni-channel commerce experience. This creates a large addressable market opportunity for Celero,” said Ryan Goldenberg, Vice President at LLR Partners. “LLR, in conjunction with Kevin Jones, has formed Celero to capitalize on the growing market opportunity and invest in technology, software, distribution and people.”

“We are excited to announce our investment in Celero and UMS. In partnership with Kevin and his senior leadership team, LLR’s investment will be used to drive growth, both organically and through acquisition. We look forward to building the leading commerce platform for small and medium-sized businesses,” added Mitchell Hollin, Partner at LLR Partners.

About LLR Partners

LLR Partners is a middle market private equity firm committed to creating long-term value by growing its portfolio companies. LLR invests in several industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare and services businesses. Founded in 1999 and with more than $3.5 billion raised across five funds, LLR is a flexible provider of capital for growth, recapitalizations and buyouts. For more information about LLR and advice for scaling growth companies, visit our new website at www.llrpartners.com.

About Celero Commerce

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence, all moving at the speed of modern business. Celero offers payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence to small and medium-sized businesses, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. Learn more at www.celerocommerce.com.

Media Contact:

Kristy DelMuto, LLR Partners

215-344-1372, kdelmuto@llrpartners.com  

The US market is notoriously slow to adopt new payment technologies. When we like something and see the value it brings to our business, we stick with it. And in good times, there’s nothing wrong with that!

Historically, Europe and Asia have been fast adopters of new technologies, with widespread acceptance happening years ahead of activity here at home, where many of these technologies are invented.

Now, many our small and mid-sized merchants going “back to the future,” adopting technologies faster than ever. And they are taking on as many of these technologies that make sense for their customers’ needs, whether it’s for a competitive edge, convenience, or social distancing, and of course for their own financial and operational well-being.

We originally called these technologies and tools our Celero COVID-19 Survival Kit. As the American economy rebounds across many industries and in many parts of the country, we’re finding that these survival tools are easily repurposed to help our merchants define a new normal on their own terms. Growing a business quickly, efficiently, and sustainably means having the tools and technology to control your own destiny.

Contact us to learn more about this set of tools with enduring value for your business. Meet the Celero Small Business Comeback Kit:

• Contactless/NFC payments like ApplePay
• Digital Gift Cards
• Payment Gateways
• Mobile Payments
• Point-of-Sale Systems with integrated management applications
• Virtual Terminals

Email our team at solutions@celerocommerce.com or call us at 1-844-4CELERO.