Design can transform the complex world of compliance into a seamless experience for small businesses. Amy Thibodeau, Chief Design Officer and Head of Core Experiences at Gusto, discusses designing intuitive, compliant experiences for small businesses. Drawing from her career at Facebook, Shopify and Gusto, Amy shares insights into balancing compliance with user-friendliness.

Key Takeaways:

(04:50) Compliance requires small businesses to follow regulatory rules, often assumed to be fully managed by their software.

(10:26) Regulatory changes highlight the challenge of staying current with shifting compliance requirements.

(14:06) Compliance design can guide users, preserving choice and enabling flexibility and trust for small businesses.

(17:14) Collecting accurate data at the right time is critical to avoid costly penalties.

(22:19) Simplifying jargon helps SMBs understand compliance without feeling overwhelmed.

(25:08) Continuous updates in compliance workflows fosters trust and alleviates user anxiety.

(28:19) Generative AI has the potential to synthesize vast regulatory datasets, offering SMBs personalized and actionable compliance guidance.

Resources Mentioned:

Amy Thibodeau -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythibodeau/

Gusto LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gustohq/

Gusto | Website -

https://gusto.com/

Beneficial Ownership Filing Guide -

https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/resources/BOIR_Filing_Instructions.pdf

California Harassment Training Resources -

https://www.paradigmiq.com/training/sexual-harassment/?utm_campaignid=21124546524&utm_adgroupid=161218862861&utm_targetid=kwd-412771095553&utm_loc_interest_ms=21137&utm_loc_physical_ms=9061346&utm_matchtype=b&utm_network=g&utm_device=c&utm_devicemodel=&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGEkdxNc77MwQPnLSw27yzfqw7jZlpgkMJhmnAecZKZZSfruMMGPp4BoCUiYQAvD_BwE&utm_creative=705134143406&utm_keyword=sexual%20harassment%20training%20los%20angeles&utm_placement=&utm_target=&utm_adposition=&utm_term=sexual%20harassment%20training%20los%20angeles&utm_campaign=DEI+Strategy+-+Search+Campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=6040429001&hsa_cam=21124546524&hsa_grp=161218862861&hsa_ad=705134143406&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-412771095553&hsa_kw=sexual%20harassment%20training%20los%20angeles&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1

Gusto’s Learning Management System (LMS) -

https://moodle.gusto-education.com/admin/tool/dataprivacy/summary.php

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.

Thanks for listening to “SMB Tech Innovators,” powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

On this episode, Jeremy Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO at Finch, discusses the challenges of fragmented employment systems and how Finch is creating solutions through unified APIs. With insights on industry innovation, compliance and new-age benefits, Jeremy highlights how Finch is shaping the future of employment data infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

(01:27) Unified APIs connect employment data, process payments and streamline HR functions for employers and applications.

(03:12) Simplify retirement benefits by connecting census data, pay statements and payroll deductions.

(04:46) Finch connects 50,000 employers and 5 million employees, powering equity management, health insurance and retirement systems.

(08:43) Sensitive employee data demands secure handling to prevent breaches like Equifax’s $700M settlement.

(11:57) Finch builds a centralized API exchange layer that eliminates inefficiencies in employment data, improving compliance and accuracy.

(14:30) Fragmentation from 6,000 US payroll providers complicates standardization and connectivity.

(22:38) ICHRA benefits let employees buy health insurance, with unused funds covering other health expenses, powered by Finch.

(27:59) A strong founder-market fit enables startup success by leveraging unique expertise to tackle industry-specific challenges effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

Jeremy Zhang -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyziyuzhang/

Finch LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/finchapi/

Finch website -

https://tryfinch.com/

Gusto -

https://gusto.com/

ADP -

https://www.adp.com/

Paychex -

https://www.paychex.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to “SMB Tech Innovators,” powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

Modernizing financial services in an industry rooted in legacy infrastructure is no small feat. 

Vignan Velivela, Co-Founder and CEO of AtoB, is reshaping the financial landscape of the trucking industry, where small businesses often lack the tools to manage their finances efficiently. With AtoB, Vignan is introducing digital payment solutions tailored specifically for trucking, addressing pain points from fuel costs to payroll delays. In this episode, he shares how AtoB empowers trucking companies to operate more profitably by reducing costs and streamlining payments.

Key Takeaways:

(04:17) COVID highlighted trucking's critical role in supply chains.

(07:57) Legacy payment networks hinder the industry’s financial modernization.

(09:46) AtoB aims to build a “Stripe” for trucking to simplify transactions.

(11:29) Partnering with Uber Freight enhances AtoB’s reach among small businesses.

(14:21) Fuel is the largest cost for trucking; AtoB’s fuel card reduces expenses.

(16:08) Truck drivers often face delays in receiving payment, impacting cash flow.

(21:41) Small trucking businesses struggle with access to digital payroll solutions.

(26:24) Thorough customer research has driven AtoB’s product decisions.

(32:52) Electric vehicle adoption in trucking will initially focus on local fleets.

Resources Mentioned:

Vignan Velivela -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vignanv8/

AtoB -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/goatob/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.

For more information, go to https://gusto.com/

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

In an era where technology continuously reshapes business operations, payroll remains a challenging area for small businesses, especially as embedded solutions become increasingly popular. Gusto is at the forefront of transforming payroll into a seamless, embedded experience that supports the unique needs of small business owners.

On this episode, Tomer London, Co-Founder and CPO of Gusto, talks to host Rex Salisbury, Founder and General Partner of Cambrian, about Gusto's journey into embedded payroll, scaling through partnerships and the unique challenges of compliance and user experience in the fintech landscape.

Key Takeaways:

(03:02) Gusto’s early vision for embedded payroll and waiting for market readiness to capitalize on it.

(06:00) Gusto’s unique focus on creating a "modern delightful payroll" experience.

(13:36) Strategic timing behind launching embedded payroll, in line with industry trends.

(19:58) Challenges in small business payroll, highlighting complex regulatory requirements.

(22:32) Key partnerships, such as with JPMorgan, that amplify Gusto's reach and scalability.

(27:35) Dedicated “zero-to-one” teams that enable Gusto to innovate while scaling.

(41:10) A partner-focused approach in onboarding enterprise clients to Gusto’s embedded payroll.

(46:53) Three principles for product design: functional, intuitive and delightful user experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

Tomer London -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerlondon/

Gusto | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gustohq/

Gusto | Website -

https://www.gusto.com

Rex Salisbury -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexsalisbury/

Cambrian | Website -

https://www.cambrianhq.com/

Collective -

https://www.collective.com/

CleanCloud -

https://clean.cloud/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

Disclaimer: Since recording this episode with Jessica, Chase Payment Solutions has launched Chase PayrollSM powered by Gusto. Visit chase.com/business/payments/payroll to learn more.

Technology is transforming how businesses handle payments, driven by innovation and customer expectations. On this episode, Jessica Young, Managing Director and Head of Product, Chase Payment Solutions of JPMorgan Chase & Co., discusses her journey from intern to Head of Product, the impact of the WePay acquisition and how Chase is setting itself apart in the payments industry.

Key Takeaways:



(01:20) Jessica's career journey.

(02:00) The significance of the WePay acquisition for Chase's product innovation. 

(05:00) Overview of Chase Payment Solutions and its offerings for small businesses. 

(06:50) Differentiation through trusted security and seamless integration.

(23:15) Criteria for selecting partners: product robustness, security and economics. 

(26:35) Benefits of Chase's robust product development processes. 

(29:00) Staying close to the customer in product development. 

(31:00) Jessica's unique approach to celebrating product launches through music. 

(32:30) Jessica's advice to future leaders on maintaining customer focus.

Resources Mentioned: 

Jessica Young -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-young-a2331a19/

JPMorgan Chase & Co.| LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpmorganchase/

JPMorgan Chase | Website -

https://www.jpmorganchase.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

As legal technology continues to advance, small law firms face the challenge of adapting quickly. In this episode, Ronnie Gurion, Chief Operating Officer of Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology, explains how Clio’s platform is revolutionizing legal operations — helping law firms streamline case management, integrate AI and improve overall efficiency to better serve their clients.

Key Takeaways:

(03:12) An all-in-one platform to help law firms manage operations from intake to invoicing.

(07:05) Law firms increasingly want to consolidate their tools, preferring fewer, more integrated solutions.

(10:30) The complexity of legal compensation systems, such as billable hours and revenue-sharing, requires tailored software solutions.

(11:51) Clio is cautious about bolting on solutions without integration with the existing platform.

(14:57) Effective onboarding sequencing is critical to avoid overwhelming small business clients.

(18:15) Law firms have lower churn rates than other industries, which helps Clio maintain long-term customer relationships.

(20:01) Clio Duo, an AI-driven product, enhances efficiency in legal practices by streamlining operations.

(25:58) The importance of customer obsession when building vertical SaaS solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

Ronnie Gurion -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgurion/

Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/clio---cloud-based-legal-technology/

Clio | Website -

https://www.clio.com/

Clio Duo -

https://www.clio.com/about/press/clio-unveils-clio-duo/

Clio Manage -

https://account.clio.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

This episode of The SMB Tech Innovators Podcast is brought to you by Gusto. Gusto has spent a decade building and testing its payroll, tax filing, and compliance infrastructure, which is available as a robust set of APIs so you can develop custom-tailored payroll solutions.

For more information, go to https://gusto.com/

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

As small businesses navigate a landscape of increasing costs and evolving consumer behavior, how does a global payments provider like PayPal adapt? On this episode, Michelle Gill, EVP and General Manager, Small Business and Financial Services Group of PayPal, delves into the strategies that have positioned PayPal at the forefront of supporting small businesses.

Key Takeaways:

(02:02) Authenticity and staying true to oneself are key to leadership.

(05:14) PayPal started with small businesses on eBay and now supports SMB growth through five key jobs: get customers, get paid, pay vendors, manage cash flow and run operations.

(09:01) PayPal Complete Payments offers a single integration for multiple microservices, including Fastlane, which cuts checkout time by 32%.

(11:13) Fastlane boosts conversion rates by up to 50%, making checkout quicker and reducing customer drop-offs, benefiting both merchants and consumers.

(17:00)  Prioritizing customer acquisition while also addressing operational needs, especially for smaller businesses, to support overall growth.

(20:22) PayPal offers flexible payment solutions that integrate with both its hardware and vertical-specific systems, focusing on partnerships over competition.

(22:57) PayPal collaborates closely with complex international partners to build versatile solutions, ensuring they address both broad and specific merchant needs.

(25:10) Understand your customers by speaking to them directly, allowing for unfiltered feedback, and never assume their needs — always ask and listen.

Resources Mentioned:

Michelle Gill -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gill-47b2a85/

PayPal | LinkedIn-

https://www.linkedin.com/company/paypal/

Paypal website -

http://paypal.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

Retail operations face numerous time-consuming challenges every day. Lightspeed Commerce is solving one of the biggest and most tedious problems: managing complex workflows for SMBs.

Today, John Shapiro, Chief Product and Technology Officer, shares how Lightspeed empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance product usability and leverage AI and machine learning for a competitive edge.

Key Takeaways:

(01:25) John’s career path from engineering to product management.

(02:08) The influence Steve Jobs’ commencement speech had on John’s career.

(03:14) Transitioning from software engineering to business operations and product management.

(04:03) The shift from desktop software to cloud solutions at Adobe.

(05:58) Lightspeed’s focus on complex in-store workflows for ambitious entrepreneurs.

(07:21) Balancing default settings and user flexibility in product design.

(09:45) Understanding customer problems is vital to drive product development.

(13:20) Integrating new technologies and financial services into Lightspeed’s platform.

(17:42) Validating market demand before building or partnering on new products.

(21:29) The role of AI in inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.

(25:07) Using AI to enhance inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.

(27:50) Balancing simplicity and capability in product design.

(29:23) Advice for aspiring product managers on navigating their careers.

Resources Mentioned:

Lightspeed Commerce -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeedcommerce/

John Shapiro -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshapiro/

Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.



Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

Discover how a passion for technology turns into a groundbreaking solution that helps businesses thrive. Fred Helou, Founder and CEO of Vagaro, shares his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the US. With a background in engineering and a love for tech, Fred discusses the challenges and successes he faced while building Vagaro, a platform that provides scheduling and business management solutions for the beauty, wellness and fitness industries. 

Key Takeaways:

(01:52) Fred’s journey from Lebanon to the US and his early tech interests.

(07:00) The tough start of Vagaro and why persistence matters.

(09:54) How Vagaro helps businesses run smoothly.

(12:27) Embedded finance products and their impact.

(14:58) The effects of COVID-19 on the beauty and wellness industry.

(18:08) Adapting to change and staying innovative.

(21:14) The role of AI in customer communication.

(25:23) Payroll integration and its benefits.

(28:29) The evolution of customer needs and platform expansion.

(31:42) Fred’s vision for Vagaro’s future.

Resources Mentioned:

Fred Helou - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredhelou/

Vagaro | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vagaro/

Vagaro | Website - https://www.vagaro.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness

Andrea Kando, Chief Payments and Strategy Officer of TouchBistro, has moved from elementary school teacher to payments industry leader. Her diverse roles in strategy and operations at Fortune 500 companies have equipped her with the skills to add immense value to smaller organizations. In this episode, Andrea shares her insights on optimizing revenue streams and enhancing the restaurant experience through TouchBistro’s innovative solutions.

Key Takeaways:

(03:10) Diverse roles in strategy, operations and payments add value to smaller firms.

(05:22) ISV: software solutions for specific verticals like restaurants.

(09:04) Key dining trends: online menu research, loyalty programs.

(10:59) Restaurant trends: balancing tech deployment with human interaction.

(12:51) Flexibility in delivering the right dining experience.

(13:00) Evolution of payments: focus on monetizing and optimizing experiences.

(14:32) TouchBistro’s intentional approach to payment workflows.

(18:04) Future of payments: the potential of soft POS solutions.

(22:18) Fraud management: layered security and optionality in payments.

Resources Mentioned:

Andrea Kando -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-kando/

TouchBistro | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchbistro/

TouchBistro | Website -

https://www.touchbistro.com/

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/

Thanks for listening to SMB Tech Innovators, powered by Gusto | Embedded Finance, Vertical SaaS, Payroll API. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the show.

#SMB #Fintech #Innovation #Saas #HR #Payroll #SmallBusiness