Headquartered in Omaha and locally owned and operated for over 34 years, American Payment Systems is the best solution provider for electronic payment/ transaction processing needs. American Payment Systems can design a merchant processing solution for any budget that meets all of your business’ requirements, as well as providing merchant training and support. Alex Kunkel is the Vice President of American Payment Systems.
Tell us a little about your business. – Aside from credit card processing, we also offer value-added services to help customers grow their business. These services include mobile processing, gift cards/ loyalty programs, website and shopping cart solutions, merchant cash advance and many more. We set ourselves apart by being the preferred partner of our region’s Better Business Bureau, providing top rated customer service to our existing customers, and proving ourselves as more than just a credit card processor but as a one-stop shop that allows merchants to diversify their payment solutions.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Adapting into a management role has been the hardest thing I’ve faced professionally. I am great at working in a group, building professional relationships and overseeing project management. However, giving up many of my daily duties to focus on bigger picture items to grow our business has been my personal challenge. I love to be hands-on and still be involved in the day to day relations with our clients, so I am learning that our highly trained staff is capable of taking these responsibilities off my plate.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being named Vice President of American Payment Systems. I have worked my way through many departments at APS in my three years here, which has allowed me to understand the ins and outs of this business. When Jim offered me the title, I was more than honored and felt very accomplished.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming part of the APS team. It may sound cliché, as this is an article about our business, but it’s the truth. Jim has put me on a fast track to growing my career in the last three years, growing my responsibilities from Executive Assistant to VP. He has provided me more professional opportunities than I would have found elsewhere, and has introduced me to many professional mentors of mine, him included.
Tell us a little about your family. – I was born and raised in a small town in central Iowa, and that’s where my parents, sister, and dogs still reside. I have no immediate family here in Omaha, but my parents are a short drive away and we make trips back and forth monthly. My boyfriend lives in Lincoln and attends law school at UNL.
What are you the most proud of? – My parents. I have THE best parents who have supported me and bent over backwards for me from everything from college to moving days to job changes. They have faith in all my decisions and continue to still help me whenever needed.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Most commonly I take clothes or supplies to the Siena Francis House. My New Year’s resolution was to contribute more to those in need and I try to hold true to that on a monthly basis. I’m also the event coordinator for the Iowa State Alumni Association, Omaha/CB Chapter.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Voodoo Taco & Pitch Pizzeria in Dundee!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 502-9985, via email at akunkel@americanpayment.com, or visit www.americanpayment.com.