2359 - A Deep Dive into Merchant Services with JELA Payments' Jimmy Estrada

Human-Centric Merchant Services: Optimizing Payment Systems with Jimmy Estrada

In this episode ofThe Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Jimmy Estrada, the Founder and Owner ofJELA Payments Systems, to demystify the complex world of merchant services. Jimmy shares how his firm bridges the gap between massive, faceless payment processors and the independent business owners who often find themselves stranded when technical glitches or funding holds arise. This conversation offers a strategic look at how a high-touch, consultative approach to payment systems can help B2B firms and retailers reclaim their profit margins, mitigate risk, and ensure that their financial "plumbing" remains reliable and transparent in an increasingly automated marketplace.

The Power of Personal Partnership in Payment Processing

The modern payment landscape is dominated by automated "plug-and-play" solutions, yet many business owners discover the limitations of these platforms only when a crisis occurs. Jimmy explains that the primary value of a merchant services partner lies in providing a direct human advocate who understands the specific risk profile of a client’s industry. When funds are unexpectedly held or a technical integration fails, having a dedicated account manager often means the difference between a 24-hour resolution and weeks of lost revenue. By moving beyond a "set it and forget it" mentality, businesses can proactively address industry-specific risk factors—such as those found in medical or legal services—before they escalate into costly holds or compliance headaches.

Transparency in pricing remains one of the greatest challenges for entrepreneurs, as merchant statements are notoriously difficult to decipher. Jimmy advocates for a "clear-water" approach to fee structures, emphasizing that business owners should have a granular understanding of non-negotiable interchange fees versus provider markups. Whether a business utilizes an interchange-plus model, compliant surcharging, or dual pricing, the key to long-term profitability is consistent monitoring and "junk fee" audits. These regular reviews ensure that businesses aren't paying for redundant services or hidden charges that frequently creep into statements over time, allowing leaders to reinvest those savings back into their core operations.

Optimization is not just about chasing the lowest possible rate; it is about ensuring that a payment system is fully integrated with a company’s existing software and customer journey. Jimmy discusses how his firm works with various hardware and software vendors to create seamless APIs that simplify the checkout experience for both in-person and card-not-present transactions. For businesses lacking in-house technical expertise, a trusted payment partner acts as an outsourced department that manages the technical burden of PCI compliance and security updates. Ultimately, a true partnership is built on integrity—where the provider prioritizes the client's long-term stability over a quick sale, even if that means advising a client to stay with their current provider if the rates are already fair.

About Jimmy Estrada

Jimmy Estrada is the Founder and Owner of JELA Payments Systems, where he leverages over a decade of experience in the merchant services industry. Known for his "integrity-first" approach, Jimmy specializes in helping high-volume and B2B merchants navigate the technical and financial complexities of credit card processing with a focus on education and personalized support.

About JELA Payments Systems

JELA Payments Systems is a merchant services provider that offers customized payment solutions ranging from mobile processing to enterprise-level integrations. The company prioritizes human-to-human interaction, providing dedicated account management...