Star City 6 – Adam Roberts
With a local team you can count on, First American Payment Systems (www.firstamericannebraska.com) provides credit card merchant processing, integrated payments, point-of-sale equipment, gift card and check processing, and more. Adam Roberts is the Lincoln Regional Manager for the First American Payment Systems Nebraska office.
Tell us a little about your business.
I started the Nebraska office for First American almost 10 years ago; then when I saw what was happening in this industry, I saw an opportunity. The two things I learned about this business right away are: 1) There are way too many credit card processors out there, it doesn’t need any more that’s for sure; and 2) What it does need is MORE HONESTY. So that’s what we’ve set out to do. I think we’ve carved a niche here in Lincoln by doing business the right way.
How did you get started in the business?
My background was in the freight/shipping business. I helped grow a 3rd party shipper in Nashville, TN to almost a million in revenue in 2006. However, my wife and I decided we wanted to raise our kids in Lincoln (where our families are from originally) and I had signed a non-compete. So I couldn’t do freight anymore, but I wanted to do something similar where I could have long-term customers, use my cold calling skills, and build customer relationships. I stumbled on this opportunity and have since worked hard to build it up by changing the industry and doing things differently.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Almost 10 years ago when I established the First American Payment Systems Nebraska office, I started out with zero customers and zero relationships, hence no income. We were living in a small apartment and I remember worrying how I was going to feed my family. I went out and knocked on over 6,000 doors and I must say it was not easy. I faced a lot of rejection. Those early days were pretty scary, especially in such a challenging and cutthroat industry. Today we have hundreds of happy customers all built on the reputation of honesty and integrity, great low rates, and our hands-on approach to dedicated, fast, personal service. We take a lot of pride in what we’ve been able to accomplish.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I’d say when we were able to add Sartor Hamann Jewelers, Schaefer’s, and Dietze Music to our client list. Those are three of the most successful retail businesses in Lincoln. And we worked very hard to win their trust, which helped us get established. It means a great deal to serve them and every Nebraska business that puts their trust in us.
Tell us a little about your family.
My kids are ages 11, 8, and 5, and we also have 13 chickens and 3 dogs. My wife patiently manages the chaos of raising and homeschooling three little ones day in and day out, along with running our household. I’m lucky I get to retreat to my office! She’s doing the real hard job.
What are you the most proud of?
My wife and kids.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center. I’m personally friends with Pat McCarthy and they are doing tremendous work. They fight the battles in the trenches for those who can’t fight for themselves.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Jesus Christ.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 261-6700; Email: amroberts@firstamericanNE.com; Website: www.firstamericannebraska.com.