Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Widas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I took a risk.
Not the kind you read about in headlines, but the kind that keeps you up at night wondering, What if this doesn’t work?
I had a great career in the utility industry. Sixteen years of stability (mostly – they always seemed to be “restructuring”), smart colleagues, and leadership I respected. I did everything “right”—graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree from Michigan Tech, built a family, and worked hard. Life was steady.
Until it wasn’t.
I accepted a new role with a new company—one that seemed like a perfect fit on paper. It connected with my background and seemed promising. But within a year, it became painfully clear it wasn’t right. With my husband’s support, I did something that terrified me—I left. No new job lined up. No back-up plan. But I knew deep down I couldn’t continue in that role or environment. I knew what good (if not great) working environments were. I’d been a part of them. And this wasn’t it.
I started picking up custom programming jobs—coding in Excel and MS Access, building databases and user interfaces. It was fulfilling but inconsistent. And then a chance meeting at a networking event changed everything.
A gentleman in the electronic payments industry needed help with the tech side of a client visit. My background made me a good fit, so I tagged along. He later asked me if I’d consider joining his team. I politely declined. But we kept running into each other. Eventually, over dinner with our spouses, I said yes.
And what a leap that was.
The world of payment processing wasn’t on my radar. But the more I learned, the more it clicked. I saw how many business owners were overpaying—and how easy it was to help them fix it. I loved the logic, the math, the puzzle-solving. But most of all, I loved the impact. I wasn’t just saving people money. I was giving them back time, clarity, and peace of mind.
It’s been 15 years now.
That risk—the one that once felt so uncertain—turned into one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.
I took a risk on a career I didn’t expect. And in return, I found the work I was meant to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I come from a traditional Midwest upbringing—hard work, steady careers, and doing things “the right way.” I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Tech and spent 16 years in the utility industry. I had a great career, great leadership, and a life that looked just like it was supposed to.

Then came the turning point.

A corporate job that seemed like a perfect fit ended up being the opposite. It was the first time in my life I felt truly out of alignment with my work. With my husband’s support, I made the difficult decision to leave—with no plan, just a strong belief that something better was possible.

That risk led me to explore software and programming, which led me to a new network of people—and eventually, to an unexpected opportunity in electronic payment processing. At first, I said no. But the more I learned, the more I realized how many businesses were overpaying for something they didn’t fully understand—and how I could help.

That was 15 years ago. Today, I help B2B companies like manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and service-based businesses reduce their credit card processing costs, simplify their systems, and stay compliant with security requirements. I offer customized payment solutions that work with the tools they already use—whether that’s QuickBooks, invoicing systems, terminals, or e-commerce platforms.

What sets me apart is the personal connection. I’m not a 1-800 number. When you work with me, you get a real person who understands your business and cares about the outcome. I make it easy, efficient, and even enjoyable to make a smart financial change.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the trust I’ve earned. When a client calls me, they know they’re going to get a solution—not a script.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that I didn’t land here by accident. I chose this work because it lets me serve others, solve complex problems, and empower businesses to thrive. And I bring all of my background, experience, and heart to every single client.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What’s helped me build my reputation in this market is simple: I deliver exactly what I say I will. If I tell a client they’re going to save a certain amount, that’s what happens. There are no surprises, no hidden fees, and no fine print to navigate. I’m transparent from day one—and I stay involved. I don’t hand clients off to a faceless team. I remain their direct point of contact and make myself available for any questions, concerns, or issues that come up.

Just as importantly, if someone is already getting a great rate, I’ll tell them. I’m not here to make a sale just to make one. Unless they’re dealing with poor customer service or need better functionality, they’re good where they are—and I’ll say that upfront. That honesty, reliability and follow-through is what’s earned me trust and built my reputation.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I focus on building real relationships, not just transactions. Every quarter, I send a postcard—not a sales pitch—just a friendly note to say hi and share something personal. I also celebrate client milestones with a card and brownies on their annual anniversary, and a note on their half-anniversary. These simple gestures remind clients that I’m still here and that I genuinely care.

But more than that, I’m their point of contact for any questions, concerns, or issues. I do what I say I’ll do. That consistency and dependability build trust—and trust is what turns happy clients into loyal ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karenwidas.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwidas/

Image Credits

Julie M Gile Photography