Problems to Profit Podcast: Brad Weimert, CEO of Easy Pay Direct Reveals How High-Risk Entrepreneurs Can Prevent Stripe and Other Processors From Freezing Funds
Release Date: July 31, 2025
In this enlightening episode of the Problems to Profit podcast, host Preston Brown sits down with Brad Weimert, the CEO of Easy Pay Direct, a cutting-edge credit card processing company. Brad shares his extensive entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced with traditional payment processors like Stripe, and the innovative solutions his company offers to high-risk businesses. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of payment processing and build resilient, profitable businesses.
1. Introduction to Brad Weimert and His Ventures
Preston Brown begins by introducing Brad Weimert, highlighting his multifaceted career as a serial entrepreneur and investor. Brad discusses his involvement in various sectors, including real estate and his primary venture, Easy Pay Direct.
Notable Quote:
"The beautiful thing about business to me is that you get these cycles of learning so much faster than you do in the rest of life." — Brad Weimert [10:37]
2. The Challenge with Traditional Payment Processors
Brad recounts a critical moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when Stripe froze hundreds of thousands of dollars of his funds. This incident not only jeopardized his travel agency but also exposed the vulnerabilities businesses face with traditional payment processors.
Notable Quote:
"Stripe is a great company, but it is not intended for many, many, many different verticals and people just aren't aware." — Brad Weimert [06:50]
He explains how chargebacks and disputes can quickly drain a business's finances, especially when processors like Stripe assess risks after account approval, often leaving businesses in a precarious position.
3. Easy Pay Direct: A Solution for High-Risk Businesses
In response to the limitations of conventional payment processors, Brad founded Easy Pay Direct. He emphasizes the company's specialized underwriting process, which assesses businesses upfront to prevent issues like frozen funds.
Notable Quote:
"Credit cards are great for consumers because if you have a problem, you can dispute the charge... The downside is when a charge is disputed, the first thing that happens is the money gets ripped out of your bank account." — Brad Weimert [06:50]
Brad details how Easy Pay Direct's approach differs from Stripe's, focusing on understanding the client's business model and mitigating risks before they escalate.
4. Brad's Entrepreneurial Journey: From Cutco to Payments
Brad shares his early life, growing up in an upper-middle-class family with doctor parents, and his rebellious streak that led to multiple arrests in high school. His transformation began at 18 when he discovered sales through Cutco, which taught him the fundamentals of sales, self-awareness, and accountability.
Notable Quote:
"Had I not had that manager, had I not had the system, had I not had their conviction to tell me, hey, this will work, I wouldn't have done it." — Brad Weimert [15:59]
Despite initial success with Cutco, Brad sought more sustainable and scalable business models, leading him to network marketing and eventually founding Easy Pay Direct.
5. The Importance of B2B Relationships
Preston and Brad delve into the critical role of B2B (Business-to-Business) models in building robust professional networks. Brad explains how transitioning from B2C (Business-to-Consumer) to B2B allowed him to cultivate valuable relationships with other entrepreneurs, providing a safety net and collaborative opportunities essential for business resilience and growth.
Notable Quote:
"Building a business that's in B2B is, as long as you come up and you build the business, you make revenue, you figure out entrepreneurship, you are by default building a network of other entrepreneurs around you that can support you." — Brad Weimert [22:05]
This strategic move not only fortified his business against market fluctuations but also expanded his professional network exponentially.
6. Turning Problems into Educational Opportunities
Brad emphasizes the importance of quickly transitioning from problem perception to problem-solving. Influenced by personal development resources like Tony Robbins' programs, Brad adopted a mindset of ownership and continuous improvement, viewing challenges as catalysts for growth.
Notable Quote:
"The more you can compress those things, the easier you can move through the challenges of life." — Brad Weimert [33:05]
This philosophy enabled him to navigate financial setbacks effectively and fueled his personal and professional development.
7. Balancing Control and Empowerment in Business
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the paradox of control in entrepreneurship. Brad admits that balancing his desire for influence with empowering his team to take ownership is an ongoing challenge. He references Jeff Bezos' framework of "one-way and two-way doors" to empower employees to make decisions within set financial limits without needing constant oversight.
Notable Quote:
"There is a chance that every day of the week, one of those 30 people and/or one of the thousands of customers that they serve is epically something up for you." — Brad Weimert [46:31]
This approach fosters a culture of trust and accountability, essential for scaling businesses sustainably.
8. Identity and Core Values
Brad opens up about his core values, which include growth, integrity, and the importance of relationships. He underscores the significance of being true to one's word and maintaining strong, authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres.
Notable Quote:
"If you say you're going to do something, do it. And if you don't want to do it, don't say you're going to do it." — Brad Weimert [54:10]
These values not only define Brad's personal identity but also shape the ethos of Easy Pay Direct.
9. Resources and Final Thoughts
Towards the end of the episode, Brad shares resources for listeners to learn more about his ventures, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and relationship-building in entrepreneurship. He invites listeners to engage with his Beyond a Million podcast and his social media platforms for ongoing insights.
Notable Quote:
"Easy Pay Direct is probably the largest payment provider for coaches, consultants, creators." — Brad Weimert [55:25]
Preston wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to apply the valuable lessons shared, reinforcing the podcast's mission to help entrepreneurs transform their problems into profits.
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Brad Weimert's discussion on the Problems to Profit podcast, offering a comprehensive overview of his entrepreneurial insights, solutions for payment processing challenges, and the foundational values that drive his success. Whether you're grappling with payment processor issues or seeking inspiration for building a resilient business, this episode provides actionable guidance and motivation.