Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Charles Read, CEO and founder of GetPayroll, shares his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the payroll industry. With over 30 years of experience, Charles discusses the challenges of growing a business, the importance of leadership, and how GetPayroll has maintained its success by focusing on compliance and client care.
About Charles Read
Charles Read is a CPA, U.S. Tax Court Practitioner, and the founder of GetPayroll, a national payroll service provider catering to small and medium-sized businesses. With decades of experience in accounting and payroll, Charles has built a reputation for his commitment to compliance and client service. His background as a Marine and his business acumen have shaped his leadership style, prioritizing mission, clients, and employees.
In this episode Thomas and Charles discuss:
- The Journey from Marine Corps to Payroll Entrepreneur
Charles shares his story of transitioning from military service to the corporate world, and eventually starting his own payroll business. He reflects on how his Marine Corps experience shaped his work ethic and leadership skills. - The Freedom of Entrepreneurship
Charles explains how entrepreneurship gave him the freedom to build the life he wanted. He highlights the importance of personal responsibility and independence, noting that entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but it offers immense freedom to those who can handle the challenges. - The Power of Delegation and Working on Your Business
Charles emphasizes the importance of working on your business, not just in it. He shares how reading Michael Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited changed his approach to business, allowing him to grow GetPayroll into a national firm by focusing on delegation and strategic planning. - Overcoming Personal Challenges While Running a Business
Charles opens up about the personal challenges he faced, including his wife’s stroke and the loss of his daughter. He reflects on how these experiences influenced his approach to business and life, stressing the importance of having a supportive team and strong relationships with clients. - Compliance and Client Care at the Core of GetPayroll
Charles explains how GetPayroll focuses on solving compliance issues for clients, particularly when it comes to IRS problems. His company’s mission is to provide perfect payroll on time, every time, while helping clients navigate the complex world of tax compliance.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership Comes from Putting Others First
Charles shares a leadership philosophy rooted in his Marine Corps experience: mission first, people second, self last. This approach has helped him build a successful business and maintain strong relationships with employees and clients. - Work on Your Business, Not In It
Entrepreneurs need to focus on building systems and delegating tasks in order to scale their businesses. Charles learned this lesson through experience, and it’s a key to GetPayroll’s long-term success. - Compliance Is Key in Payroll
GetPayroll distinguishes itself by focusing on compliance and helping clients solve IRS problems. Charles finds satisfaction in “screwing with the IRS” on behalf of his clients, ensuring they are well taken care of.
“If you want to be a successful leader, put the mission first, take care of your people, and the rest will follow.” — Charles Read
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