Successful Entrepreneurs Solve Problems with Jamie Barlett from PolyPay

Successful Entrepreneurs Solve Problems with Jamie Barlett from PolyPay

Author: Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson February 20, 2023 Duration: 1:03:13

Over the past year, we have had some great opportunities to delve into the issues of small businesses in Ohio….who owns them, how to get them started, how to grow them, and how or when to close them!

Small businesses are the “lifeblood” of our American economy. Yet, in today’s markets, small businesses are suffering. A few weeks ago, we were participating in an event with the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership. During the event, we had the opportunity to meet, Jamie Barlett, CEO and Founder of PolyPay.

Jamie began her company in California. She gives us an overview of the steps she took to decide on the industry she wanted to tackle; credit card processing!

What challenges did she find in creating a company? How did she decide to grow the business in Ohio (and other states)? And did she feel that being a female in the business world made it harder?

When she looks back on her own journey as a small business owner, she discusses issues arising due to age - too young and too old - or just inexperience playing a role?

How does networking support her in building her company?

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson


Hosted by Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson, Looking Forward Our Way is a conversation built on practical wisdom for navigating modern adulthood. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a resource grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities that define daily life. Each episode connects you with knowledgeable guests who share actionable insights across a surprisingly broad landscape-from securing meaningful work or starting a business, to managing personal finances, understanding legal basics, and adapting to new technology. We delve into the foundations of a good life, covering aspects like sustainable healthy habits and finding the right housing. The aim is to leave you with useful resources and a genuine sense of inspiration, turning every discussion into a tangible step forward. Released twice a month, this podcast serves as a reliable touchpoint for anyone looking to build confidence and competence in their personal and professional spheres. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that cut through the noise, offering clarity on the topics that matter most for building a resilient and fulfilling future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Looking Forward Our Way
Podcast Episodes
The Impact of MORPC's Mobility Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:14
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson sit down with guest Emma Strange, the mobility coordinator for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The episode covers M…
Inside Otterbein's Lifelong Learning Community Program [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:35
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," the focus is on the opportunities for lifelong learning in Central Ohio and the specific Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) program at Otterbein University. Hosts Carol Ventre…
Mastering Business Turnarounds: Strategies from Darlene Ziebell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:53
On this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome expert Darlene Ziebell to share her strategies for turning around failing businesses and to dive into the challenges small bus…
The Ohio State University's Gerontology and Geriatrics Initiatives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:44
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Jennifer Bechtel, the program manager for geriatrics and gerontology at Ohio State University's College of Medicine. The discu…
Own Your Career, with Expert Guest Sharon Hamersley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by expert guest Sharon Hamersley to discuss the crucial topic of career ownership within the job market. As a local expert…
Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:58
Looking Forward Our Way 99 Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Kelly Fuller, Vice President of Talent and Workf…
Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:28
Looking Forward Our Way 98 Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Rita McNeil Danish, the CEO of S…
New Year Job Search Tips from HR Experts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:18
In the podcast episode "New Year Job Search Tips," Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson, along with expert guests Marilyn Bury-Rice, Sharon Hamersley, Rebecca Heslep, Jill Kulman, Darlene Ziebell, and Kelly Fuller, provide…
New Year New Things to Come [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:53
Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way," where we bring you the latest insights and expert advice on issues relevant to those 50 and older in Central Ohio and beyond. As we celebrate our 4th year of podcasting, we reflect o…