Can you explain exactly what OnPay does and what problem it solves?
OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR solution built for small businesses. Everything we do helps empower small businesses to run with confidence. Our payroll, HR and benefits offerings help them easily handle payroll and tax compliance, manage and grow their team, and save time by streamlining and automating processes.
The Company was a product of your experience in a traditional family payroll business. How has that informed your approach to building and growing OnPay?
I am immensely grateful for my early, hands-on experience in payroll. It gave me a front-row seat to the challenges small businesses face. Payroll is a complicated field with countless regulations, calculations, and edge cases that require special consideration. We saw that many providers were missing the mark when it came to adequately supporting smaller businesses — and it became clear there was a need for a more accessible, automated solution. With OnPay, we built a product grounded in deep industry expertise that is intentionally designed to meet the real-world needs of small business owners.
Tell me about your team and approach to leveraging technology.
Our team has done an exceptional job using technology to solve complex problems while keeping the experience intuitive — and even delightful — for users.
We are also very proud of the culture we’ve built. I’ve mentioned the commitment to expertise, and that flows through the entire organization. Every OnPay team member goes through extensive payroll training and continuing education, which means they understand the domain. Beyond expertise, our team has genuine enthusiasm, a deep commitment to our clients, and pride in doing great work. We set high standards and hold ourselves accountable to them, which is demonstrated in the quality of our software and the level of service we consistently deliver. It is that drive for excellence that defines how the team shows up each day.
What trends are you seeing in this market?
Small business owners have always had to wear a lot of hats. Now, with AI and the rate at which technology is changing, they are navigating an even faster-moving world. What we are seeing is an eagerness to embrace technology that helps them streamline operations and get more done, faster.
There is growing demand for all-in-one platforms that will help businesses boost efficiency. OnPay is well-positioned to meet that need, helping businesses manage payroll, HR, and benefits all in one place.
How is OnPay differentiated from competitors?
We have built OnPay from the ground up specifically for small businesses. That focus means we can be more flexible and responsive to what small businesses really need. And it shows in the recognition we’ve received from independent reviewers like CNBC and PCMag, who have consistently named us among the best solutions for small businesses.
Another way we stand out is in how we support our clients. Every customer gets the same high level of service, no matter how big or small the business. That includes dedicated onboarding, free setup and data migration, and direct access to our expert support team if they ever need help. We also take pride in being transparent with pricing. No hidden fees or surprises — just predictable, straightforward pricing so the small business knows exactly what they will pay. And because payroll is our foundation, not just a feature, we bring deep expertise and high standards to everything we do.
Do you have any advice for other growing businesses considering private equity? And what are the benefits of working with a group like Carrick Capital Partners?
Private equity can be a great partner for growth, and it is crucial to find the right fit. Look for a group that brings more than just capital to the table — one that shares your values and has real experience in your space. A good partner should support your vision, not change it.
We have been thrilled to find strong alignment with Carrick that naturally dovetailed with OnPay’s growth and supported our strategy. One thing that really stood out about them was their deep experience in SaaS, payments, and financial services. Their expertise and insights have made them a valuable partner.
What is next for OnPay and what is your vision for the future of the company?
Creating an exceptional experience for our clients remains at the heart of everything we do. We have several significant developments on the horizon that will expand and enhance our platform. Stay tuned!
