From big plans…to the final frontier – this quarter Ding talks to enigmatic Pay-O-Matic CEO – Jay Guskind
Jay kindly agreed to go under the lens for the following Q&A interview to discuss his Pay-O-Matic journey, enjoying life, crosswords and lots more.
Pay-O-Matic, is in excellent health, and is growing steadily, month on month. The company has been in business since the 1950’s and has grown to become New York’s largest provider of check cashing services, handling more than 19 million transactions annually.
Jay tell us a little about how your Pay-O-Matic journey began?
It began with a conversation with a friend in the market who told me that the Pay-O-Matic board was looking for someone with exactly my set of skills and experiences. I am one of a very few who has retail management and retail bank management experience at a senior level, and Pay-O-Matic – like other check cashers – is really a hybrid of retailing and banking. So my skill set was a great fit.
What are the benefits of your services for your customers?
We offer our customers convenience, transparency, safety, and an excellent customer experience for all of their financial services needs. They do not always receive these offerings from local traditional banks.
What changes are the internet and ecommerce bringing to your business, if any?
The internet allows our customers to transact when and how they wish; we offer omni-channels to our customers in the same manner as both traditional retail and banking.
iPhone or Android?
iPhone
What’s the last book you have read, and last concert attended?
Origins by Dan Brown; and Stevie Winwood
What would you say is the best part of your day?
I try to enjoy every part
What’s your favourite saying?
Enjoy whatever it is you’re doing
What political – contemporary or historic – figure do you most admire?
Abraham Lincoln
What do you wish you had invented?
Warp Drive
To Bitcoin, or not to Bitcoin?
Cyber currency is inevitable
What is the biggest lesson you have learned during your career, so far?
How to listen well
Give us one example of success in your career so far, and one failure!
Pay-O-Matic is the success – no failures!
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
I have completed the NY Times Crossword puzzle every day for the last 30 years
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Watching my grandkids laugh
How big is the market opportunity you are pursuing with Pay-O-Matic?
We think it is very large
What does the future look like for Pay-O-Matic?
It looks great
What are the next priorities for the company?
Big plans, but best kept secret for now
And finally – what would you like to be when you grow-up?
An astronaut – and I would still like to be the first person on Mars…..
