It’s that time again…time to take note of the movers and shakers and makers and breakers…those individuals who shape the Acquiring Industry in tangible, inspirational ways. Every August Transaction World recognizes these outstanding professionals in its prestigious Movers and Shakers Awards. These leaders, nominated exclusively by their peers, have made incredible, inspiring and lasting impressions on the payments industry as a whole.
    As an industry of entrepreneurs and over-achievers, it goes without saying that virtually everyone in the payments arena is a go-getter, a hard worker, and possesses a never say die attitude, day in and day out. With a population of the exceptional, it is that much harder to segregate a handful to recognize. We received hundreds of nominations, all very deserving of recognition and admiration. This year, we will bestow the honor upon the six individuals who, while receiving the greatest number of inspiring nods from their contemporaries, also accomplished greatness in the past calendar year. We’ll also list TW’s past winners as their continuing contributions are seen and felt industry-wide on a daily basis. Without further adieu, here are the 2005 Transaction World Magazine Acquiring Industry Movers and Shakers:

Ed Freeman, President/CEO,
Total Merchant Services

    We are pleased that our 2003 list of “Future Movers and Shakers” contained one of this year’s top nominees. Cited in 2003 as an up and comer, a sharer of knowledge, a facilitator, a strategic liaison and a builder of businesses, Freeman has truly earned the right to be a bona fide Mover and Shaker. His commitment to the bankcard business is referred to by many as “unparalleled.” What makes Ed so different? Ed not only runs one of the most innovative sales programs in the industry, he shares his ideas, knowledge and time, freely and often, bestowing upon colleagues, competitors, employees and merchants alike the benefit of his experience—successes and failures—and does so in an inspiring, positive way. He is truly an advocate of the feet on the street salesperson and is admired for his integrity and his dedication by all who come in contact with him. Starting less than a decade ago at ground zero, this year Freeman led Total Merchant Services over the 40,000 merchant mark, a true milestone in the industry. His belief in himself, in his processes, staff, resources and channel partners enables Freeman to reach new levels of success every day. I imagine we will see more and more innovation and enthusiasm from Ed Freeman for years to come. Congratulations Ed!

Jared Isaacman, CEO,
United Bank Card

    It’s difficult to determine where an idea began, who was first to think of a new concept or even who initially foresaw a certain industry development. Certainly we have Acquiring “pundits” who accurately predict many new trends, as did Harold Montgomery, CEO of TW’s sister company, Calpian, in predicting the industry shift towards free equipment offers to merchants and ISOs.  However, one of this year’s Movers and Shakers led the industry when he put his neck on the line when he launched his company’s free equipment sales promotion. This sort of program was unheard of in the 90’s when not only could an equipment sale or juicy lease fund a sales commission for salesperson or ISO agent, but also provided positive cash flow and revenues for ISOs and Sub-ISOs alike. Recognizing the changes in the payments marketplace and taking action to adjust his sales programs accordingly, Isaacman took a big risk…that happened to pay off as the rest of the industry has since rushed to implement similar programs and generate similar results of increasing processing volumes and corporate revenues. A testament to Isaacman’s vision, not only with regard to his sales offerings, but to the way he runs his company at all levels, UBC received $44 million for a portion of its processing portfolio during the past calendar year – unheard of multiples in today’s uber-competitive marketplace.  Jared Isaacman is a 2005 Mover and Shaker because he did what so many wish they could do – generate out of the box ideas for existing problems, follow their instincts, do their homework and, with confidence in their abilities, launch a risky yet revolutionary concept that quickly became the industry norm. Congratulations Jared!

Ray Sidhom, President/CEO,
EVO Merchant Services

   
It’s his strategic vision that marks this nominee as a 2005 Mover and Shaker. With a merchant portfolio approaching its 100,000 merchant mark, Ray Sidhom has led EVO in both organic and acquisition growth to its current position as the 6th largest non-bank acquirer in the U.S. What makes it such a pleasure to recognize him is the common theme expressed by all his nominators - that Sidhom embodies the statement, “nice guys finish first.” Respect, integrity and vision are all qualities attributed to Sidhom as he directs his efforts to benefit his partners - over 1000 ISOs, salespeople and agent banks who help propel EVO to its current 2005 annual volume estimates of over 150 million transactions. Instead of competing at different levels with his channel partners, Sidhom creates opportunities for his ISO partners’ future success by facilitating the growth of their businesses. By partnering with EVO, ISOs benefit from the EVO infrastructure while developing their businesses under their own brand names in their own market positions. Congratulations Ray!

Will GrayLin, Founder/CEO,
Way Systems, Inc.

    A remarkable pioneer and an extraordinary individual. A significant contributor to the payment processing industry. This well-deserved praise defines this 2005 Mover and Shaker. With his mobile phone-based POS solutions for merchants to accept electronic payments anytime, anywhere, GrayLin’s invaluable contributions both motivate and inspire. His passion for bringing high-tech innovations that solve real world problems to the market, his innovative ideas and his successful approach has infused the marketplace with a new vitality. Realizing that mobile phones are the way of the future, GrayLin took processing payments to a new level and built his POS device on top of a conventional cell phone. WAY Systems’ Mobile Transaction Terminal (MTT™) is the industry’s first ‘out-of-the-box’ solution to hit the market, enabling ISO’s to quickly provide merchants with a pre-activated wireless data service that is ready for transaction processing upon delivery. With its unique ability to transform mobile phones into secure POS terminals, the MTT is the most portable and affordable solution available. In the past year, GrayLin has successfully led his business into new growth markets such as China and his dynamic leadership has helped ensure his company’s market position. Because of Will’s passion, unyielding drive and utmost professionalism, the payment processing industry will benefit from his contributions for years to come. Congratulations Will!

Neil L. Randel, President/CEO,
First American Payment Systems

   
One of the highest forms of praise a person can receive was bestowed upon this 2005 Mover and Shaker by one of his nominators, “Neil is one of the few people that I can firmly say that I trust completely.” Randel leads by example, never forgetting the needs of his ISO partners who have helped him grow First American, and several other ISO organizations in the past. Employees, ISO partners and other customers all spoke volumes about Randel’s integrity, work ethic, high energy, unique insight and the culture of values he has created at First American. Employing over 1000 individuals and providing merchant services for 75,000 + merchants nationwide, Randel has built a top quality organization that provides meaningful career opportunities and room for professional development. Randel inspires his employees to reach and grow with continuous celebration of and rewards for their efforts. The monthly and annual “Most Valuable Player” award is one such way Randel cultivates such an environment for teamwork and success. The Company’s organic growth has been supported by four material acquisitions during the past 18 months, and First American is today one of the premier non-public credit card processing companies in the country. Congratulations Neil!

Mohammad Khan, Founder/ President/COO,
ViVOtech

   
As a founder of ViVOtech, Mohammad Khan, our final 2005 Mover and Shaker, has developed innovative contactless payment solutions that are “likely to have an impact of global proportions” according to Frost and Sullivan’s Pallab Joy when awarding ViVOtech with the coveted “Electronic Payments Enabling Technology of the Year Award” of 2005. Khan’s unique vision, as applied to ViVOtech’s solutions, has been key to the evolution of contactless payments in the U.S. Realizing that in order to achieve any degree of market penetration a contactless solution would have to integrate with existing legacy systems, Khan led ViVOtech to create a solution that enables existing point-of-sale systems to easily adopt contactless payments with minimum change, eliminating the huge investments previously needed to replace the millions of POS systems already in place. In 2005 alone, Khan has accepted two technology of the year awards on behalf of ViVOtech and has been featured in a number of trade publications. Khan, a true pioneer will soon see his company’s products deployed across a variety of environments including fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, movie theatres, general retail outlets, table dining establishments, drive-thru’s, vending machines and kiosks. ViVOtech has enabled over 70,000 POS locations with contactless payments and is enabling thousands of additional locations monthly. Congratulations Mohammad!

2003 Movers and Shakers

   
Ed Labry
Bob Carr
Ed Grzedzinski
Bill Healy
Joe Natoli
Mary Dees *
Mony Zenou
Chuck Burtzloff
Pam Patsley
Hatim Tyabji
Bill Melton
Greg Daly
Rich Roberts
Larry Stone
Ron Congemi
Mary Gertz *
George Wallner
Joe Kaplan
Mike Duffy
Jim Elliott
Joyce Cook *
Rick Duques
Dick Draper

2004 Movers and Shakers

   
Lisa Shipley
Linda Rosetti
Nancy Newton
Diane Vogt
K. Nikki Waters
Pam Reeve
Marilyn Kilcrease
Debra Bradford
Beverly Wells
Delane J. Starliper
Caroline McNally
Sandra Kokesh
Shannon Byrne
Julie Pukas
Vicky Nation
Hanji Jacqueline Im
Holli Hart Targen

    Congratulations to all TW’s Movers and Shakers, past present and future. It is the actions of these highly talented professionals who through their passion, dedication and integrity, that our industry is better, stronger and more rewarding year after year.


* (also a 2004 recipient)