People. They're at the heart of every organization and a key reason successful companies thrive. Without the right technology and HR expertise, managing the many facets of a workforce quickly becomes a time-consuming challenge.
For four decades, Payday HCM has helped businesses change that. The company’s human capital management (HCM) platform streamlines payroll and HR processes, saves time, and reduces compliance risks. Through its comprehensive HCM solutions, Payday HCM empowers businesses to manage their workforce effectively and focus on what matters most.
What started in 1985 as a small payroll processor has evolved into a full-service HCM partner with a national scale, offering tailored services for payroll, benefits, and HR management. While Payday HCM’s technology and expertise have helped its clients work smarter and stay compliant, what’s really fueled its success is exceptional service.
Filling a Gap in Payroll Services
When founder and CEO Andy Siegel transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a business controller in the early 80s, he quickly learned how time-consuming payroll could be. It took his bookkeeper two days to complete payroll for 43 employees. He knew outsourcing the job would be efficient and free up his bookkeeper for more important tasks. However, the payroll solutions available elsewhere didn’t operate in New Mexico.
Andy saw an unfilled need in the market and spent the next 18 months building out a payroll company to serve businesses in New Mexico and beyond. He quit his job as a controller, borrowed $18K from a bank, and launched Payday Inc., now Payday HCM. In its first year, Payday HCM worked with three clients, providing payroll services.
“I was selling during the day and running the computer at night,” Andy reminisces.
Since then, the company has experienced exponential growth. It’s added an insurance agency, 401K solutions, and HR consulting services to its solutions stack. Andy has found that Payday HCM’s solutions are only a part of what makes the business successful. As he says, he’s made a living on client service.
Curiosity Leads to Exceptional Client Service
Andy first felt the impact of impeccable client service while on vacation in Rio de Janeiro. A naturally curious person, he wondered how such a high level of service was taught and sustained. He wanted to understand it so that he could bring that same standard of excellence back to Payday HCM.
Back in the States, Andy sought out businesses known for world-class service. He visited Nordstrom and the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix, where he learned how they train their employees in customer service. He later attended the Ritz-Carlton’s customer service training program in Atlanta and modeled Payday HCM’s client experience philosophy around what he learned there. Andy also drew inspiration from “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara. In his book, Will emphasizes creating unexpected moments through surprise gifts or unique gestures based on the recipient's interests.
Today, that mindset is deeply woven into Payday HCM’s culture. Clients don’t just recognize Payday HCM for its technology; they remember how they’re treated.
“It starts at the beginning of the client lifecycle,” shares Kristi Feist, VP of Sales. “On the sales side, we don't wait for clients to find us at reception; we greet them at the front door. During the onboarding process, we find ways to delight them. Maybe it’s a gift card for coffee or a PAYDAY candy bar to brighten their day.”
“Our service team has the autonomy to nurture and embrace their client relationships,” Kristi continues. “They may send flowers for a birthday, or an Arctic mug to a client who spends every weekend at the ballpark with her son. It’s all about creating a moment that’s unique to the client.”
Living the Values
Exceptional service doesn’t happen by accident. It’s learned, shared, and practiced. Payday HCM invests in its team the same way it invests in its clients.
The company practices what it preaches, developing programs that spark employee engagement and improve both the individual and the company. One of those programs is Payday HCM’s book club. Participants read a book, typically a chapter at a time, and meet over brown bag lunches at regular intervals to discuss and learn together. Depending on the book, employees may even get paid time during their day to read, such as with “Unreasonable Hospitality.”
Andy continuously invests in employees and the company. Whether he’s sharing knowledge he learned through his executive coaching program or finding ways to enhance the company through technology advancements.
Turning Technology into a Catalyst for Growth
Technology plays an increasingly vital role in how Payday HCM serves clients and grows the business.
“When we look at growth, we think in terms of 10x growth as opposed to 2x,” says Andy. “When you start thinking that way, you have to approach everything differently. You can’t grow tenfold by doing the same things you’ve always done.”
This understanding led Andy and Payday HCM to explore how AI can simplify and strengthen both internal operations and client solutions. The company’s platform now includes intuitive AI features that act as a first line of support, answering everyday HR questions like “What’s our policy for calling in sick?”
Behind the scenes, the team also developed software to automate mundane, time-consuming tasks, like reconciling complex insurance and payroll data. Recognizing that this technology can help more than its own team, Payday HCM now sells these AI-enhanced tools to others in the industry.
Treasury Management Services with a Like-Minded Bank
In the same way Payday HCM’s solutions help its clients run their businesses with more ease and efficiency, effective Treasury Management helps Payday HCM improve its bottom line through streamlined financial operations, optimized cash flow, and reduced financial risk.
When Andy’s banking contact, Scott Czarniak, moved to Sunflower Bank as the Regional President of First National 1870, a division of Sunflower Bank, Andy and his team stayed in touch. Scott introduced Andy to Randy Lucero, now Assistant Director of Business Banking at Sunflower Bank, and the three of them continued to meet regularly to discuss business and how they could mutually help each other succeed. Over time, Andy, Scott, and Randy built a trusted relationship, and Payday HCM began working with Sunflower Bank for its Treasury Management needs.
“There is not much difference between what both of our companies offer. We both offer services in regulated industries,” says Andy. “So, the difference is in how you solve challenges and hold relationships. It’s easy to talk to people at Sunflower Bank. The fact that I can pick up the phone and talk to someone is a breath of fresh air in today’s world.”
Sunflower Bank tailored a Treasury Management solution for Payday HCM’s unique operations as a payroll company. The Sunflower Bank team focused not only on functionality but on the overall client experience. Payday HCM uses Sunflower Bank’s full suite of Treasury Management services, including ACH direct deposit, wire capabilities, and tax and escrow accounts.
A Referral Relationship Built on Trust
Together, they also developed a comprehensive referral program that connects clients with a trusted partner when additional services are needed. Since both companies work with similarly sized clients that share many of the same challenges, Payday HCM and Sunflower Bank clients often benefit from each other’s expertise.
“What started as a beta test built from the ground up has now turned into a multi-market referral program,” shares Randy. “It’s taken work on both sides to make it happen, especially at a bank of our size. But that’s one of the great things about Sunflower Bank; we hold these relationships with our clients. The referral program has a huge value for us and for Payday HCM.”
From introduction to handoff, the referral process is designed to ensure a seamless experience and uphold both companies’ shared commitment to exceptional client service. The Sunflower Bank team takes the time to understand each client’s needs, confirm that Payday HCM’s services are the right fit, and personally introduce them to a Payday HCM team member. The same applies to referrals from Payday HCM.
“Our relationship is rooted in mutual respect and trust,” says Randy. “We both do what we say we’re going to do. That’s what makes it work."
Looking Ahead
At the end of the day, what inspires the team at Payday HCM is the people they serve and the colleagues they work with. Each client brings a unique story. Whether it’s a tree-cutting company, restaurant, hospice center, bank, or dental services organization, each one faces distinct challenges. Similar to the team at Sunflower Bank’s passion for building relationships and helping solve client financial challenges, the team at Payday HCM finds joy in helping businesses solve problems, bring efficiency, and increase employee engagement. As Andy says, “We’re only limited by our imaginations.”
Looking for business banking and financing to turn your goals into reality? Contact one of our bankers today.
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