We recently connected with Marci Duniec and have shared our conversation below.
Marci, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?
Our family business began with my sister and me working alongside our dad, learning the ropes and seeing firsthand what it takes to make a business thrive. As our dad semi-retired, then finally fully retired, it became just the two of us carrying the torch, which meant we had to learn how to work together on a deeper level.
That transition required both of us to do a lot of personal work. Through individual therapy, we each developed tools to bring into our partnership: open communication, clear boundaries, and the ability to listen without judgment. It’s been invaluable in allowing us to separate work issues from family dynamics, creating a stronger, more transparent relationship that respects both our individualities and our shared vision. My sister and I run our business with a shared sense of purpose, and there’s a comfort in knowing that we’re in it together. We’re both driven by the values our parents instilled in us—values of integrity, kindness, and the importance of helping others. This foundation brings us closer, allowing us to communicate openly and make decisions that align with what truly matters to us.
Watching my sister’s child grow up around the business has brought a new layer of meaning to what we’re building. They see the commitment and collaboration it takes, and I hope it plants seeds of curiosity and inspiration. It’s heartwarming to think that our family’s shared purpose and dedication might resonate with them, whether they choose to join the business one day or charts their own path. If they had a genuine interest, I’d be thrilled to pass on what we’ve built. I’d encourage them to gain outside experience first, to bring fresh ideas and perspective. But if their dreams took them elsewhere, that would be wonderful too. The legacy of a family business, to me, isn’t just about continuity; it’s about creating something meaningful and lasting, whether it stays in the family or inspires others along the way.
In the end, running a family business is a dream, sometimes messy, but ultimately heartwarming experience. It’s more than work; it’s a shared journey that grows with each generation, adapting to new challenges and joys together.
Marci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey into the high-risk payment processing industry wasn’t something I planned for, but it’s turned into a deeply rewarding career. About ten years ago, I joined our family business, where my sister and I worked alongside our dad, learning the nuances of an industry that often goes unseen but plays a crucial role in helping businesses grow. Over time, it became just my sister and me, and together, we’ve built something that’s both a reflection of our values and a vital support system for clients who need reliable, personalized solutions.
Our family business specializes in high-risk merchant services, focusing on clients who have unique challenges that make it hard to secure traditional payment solutions. We work with agents and ISOs, helping them home their high-risk and hard-to-place merchants. Many of our clients are in industries considered “high risk” by conventional banks, whether due to the nature of their products, regulatory concerns, or other industry-specific issues. Our role is to advocate for these clients, connecting them with the right financial resources to support their businesses.
What sets us apart is our approach. We’re not just about processing payments; we’re about building relationships. My sister and I have done a lot of work to build a culture of openness and trust, starting with each other. We’ve learned to communicate effectively and bring that same supportive approach to our clients. We understand that every business is unique, and we’re committed to providing tailored solutions that genuinely help our clients succeed.
I’m especially proud of the stability and growth we’ve been able to offer to our clients over the years. Payment processing for high-risk businesses can be a volatile space, and our clients need a partner they can trust—someone who understands their challenges and is dedicated to their success. It’s a joy to see the businesses we work with flourish, knowing that we’re providing a foundation they can count on.
Ultimately, I want our clients and partners to know that we’re here to support them for the long haul. This is more than just a business for us; it’s a shared journey with our clients, adapting to new challenges and growing alongside them. At the end of the day, we’re here to help businesses succeed, no matter the obstacles, and we’re proud to be a part of their story.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for us has always been word of mouth and our reputation, built on a foundation of honesty and integrity. In this industry, our family name—Duniec—means something, thanks to the trust our dad earned over many years as a dependable, straightforward professional. He set a standard for being there for clients and partners, and my sister and I are proud to carry on that legacy.
When clients refer us to others, it’s because they know they’ll receive the same honesty and dedication our dad established as the hallmark of our work. We approach each client relationship with integrity, offering personalized, reliable service that clients feel confident recommending. That reputation has become our strongest asset, and it’s something we work hard to uphold every day.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that asking for help or admitting uncertainty would undermine my credibility. Early in my career, especially in a high-risk industry where trust is paramount, I felt pressure to have all the answers and to appear fully confident in every decision. I thought that showing any sign of doubt or seeking guidance might make me look unprepared or inexperienced.
But over time, and especially through working closely with my sister, I learned that real strength in business comes from being open about what you don’t know and surrounding yourself with people you can lean on for advice. My sister and I both bring our own strengths to the business, and I’ve learned that we’re stronger together because we’re honest about our blind spots and open to learning. In fact, that willingness to be transparent has only deepened our relationships with clients, who see us as people they can trust to always do right by them.
This shift in perspective was transformative for me, and it’s allowed me to build stronger connections with clients and industry partners. Admitting what I don’t know is no longer a weakness; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and reinforce the integrity that’s at the core of our business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stokepay.com
- Instagram: @stokepay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoke-pay/
Image Credits
pexels.com, Easterday Creative