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JasonHyland
HA Merchant Services##comma## LLC | info@hamerchants.com | President | 11/15/2002 | CEO
Jason Hyland is President of HA Merchant Services##comma## LLC a CARDSERVICE INTERNATIONAL affiliate. The company is based in Oxford##comma## MS##comma## but does business nationally.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
I started out with a non-profit organization and then got into Credit Card Processing and Check Verifications. I have recieved two National Leadership awards and many Small Business Young Entreprenuer Awards. I am 20 years old and work triple full-time!
What services or products does your organization offer?
HA Merchant Services##comma## LLC provides Credit Card/EBT/Debit and Check Verification machines to retailers all over the US. We provide processing on these machines with very competitive pricing. We just launched our e-commerce department##comma## which sets up e-commerce accounts and sites to enable merchants to accept Credit Cards online. We are based in Oxford##comma## MS##comma## but have a sales office in St. Louis##comma## MO.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
LLC##aps##s are very easy to manage and usually save time and money spent on an accountant.
How many employees do you currently have?
22
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
Business plans are great but they are limited. In business you will find a lot of hidden fees and charges that you never expected. But we had a business plan.
How did you originally fund your organization?
I started the company with private funds and investment loans. I hate going to the bank.
Are you the founder of your organization?
yes
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
I think we are very distinct. Most companies our size will not cater to individual companies. We will put together several options for each customer##comma## so they might choose the best for them. We are also a company that provides excellent Customer Support.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
I have had so many! The main thing to do in business if you are using a ##quote##plan##quote## is to leave it liquid. Make sure that you can handle all of the hidden costs of business. When doing a budget make sure you over exagerate your expense and under-estimate your income. If you can make it work that way and you beat the budget##comma## you are in the green.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Advisors are good for taxes and legal matters##comma## but business has to be run by good instincts. If it sounds great##comma## it has a catch. To be a successful business person##comma## you must have it in your blood.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
Chamber of Commerce is always a good local tool.
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
In my office I have a Chess board. One side is labeled ##quote##competition##quote## the other is labeled ##quote##me##quote##. Every time competition beats me to an idea or in a deal they move a certain piece. I do the same. This is what I call The game of futuristic planning.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
The Game of Futuristic Planning
What types of marketing do you employ?
The Internet is my favorite tool. We get about 93.465% of our business from peole surfing the internet. I have a program that gives $100.00 to a person for referring another company to us. This helps as well.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
Yes##comma## We have to be on the top at all times. In my industry##comma## technology is changing all the time. Like right now##comma## we have Wireless PDA Credit Card Terminals.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
Yes##comma## I used to pay employees with check##comma## now their payroll is direct deposit. I had a couple employees to pay their cell phone bills with the routing and account numbers on the check. This is a real problem.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
I knew it at about age 7. I told my parents I would never work for anyone.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
SCORE has a very good resource book.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
Young people are doing really well. However##comma## people do not want to work anymore##comma## we are getting lazy.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
Networking is a must. If your city doesn##aps##t have a business network that holds seminars and luncheons##comma## start one! It will help.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Don##aps##t give up. Business will have its ups and downs##comma## this is as natural as summer turning to fall. Hang in there.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
When you are born##comma## you have a tool pouch attached to your side. Most people##aps##s pouch is empty##comma## but a few people have all the tools of business. Going to college ##quote##business school##quote## gives a person the tools they need for business. But COLLEGE DOES NOT TEACH YOU HOW TO USE THEM!!! You must be able to use these tools to be successful.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Have fun and be careful!
