Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Chrisman
Hi Travis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Founded in 2013 in San Diego, California, Coastal Pay emerged from a vision to enhance customer service in the payments industry. A group of ten former employees from a payment processing company came together with the goal of revolutionizing the industry. In just one year, their team expanded to 100, reflecting the company’s rapid growth and commitment to serving retail businesses nationwide.
Coastal Pay initially focused on reducing processing fees and offering value-added services to help businesses thrive. By 2017, the company broke new ground as the first U.S. payment processor to approve CBD merchant accounts, navigating the complex world of underwriting, compliance, and risk management. This positioned Coastal Pay as a leader in the high-risk payment processing space.
In 2022, the company shifted its focus to software integrations, developing solutions to simplify clients’ operations and attract partnerships with software companies. Today, Coastal Pay supports an extensive range of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, AliPay, WeChat Pay, Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, Sezzle, Skeps, Split It, Venmo, PayPal, Coinbase, and more.
As the industry evolves with innovations like FedNow and the growing prevalence of peer-to-peer payments, Coastal Pay remains committed to staying at the forefront of technology. By prioritizing cutting-edge software solutions, the company continues to empower businesses and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been anything but smooth, and the early years were a true grind. Our leadership team sacrificed vacations and personal time to build the foundation of what Coastal Pay is today. One of our biggest challenges came early on when a joint venture went sideways, resulting in a loss of nearly $1.5 million. It was a tough blow, but we learned resilience through it. That experience taught us that with every challenge comes an opportunity for growth, and it’s that mindset that continues to fuel our success. The bigger the challenge, the greater the potential for transformation.
As you know, we’re big fans of Coastal Pay. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Coastal Pay, we specialize in seamlessly integrating with over 3,000 software platforms, making us a true one-stop shop for businesses in the payments industry. What sets us apart is our adaptability—we’re not tied to any single platform, giving our clients unparalleled flexibility. Beyond that, customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We’re incredibly proud of our track record: zero negative reviews across all platforms in the past five years. That’s no small feat in this space.
Our secret weapon is our team. They’re passionate, solution-oriented, and thrive on tackling complex challenges. Whether it’s finding innovative ways to streamline payments or addressing high-risk industries, we pride ourselves on creating tailored solutions for every scenario. For us, no problem is too big or too small—we see every challenge as an opportunity to innovate and grow.
What were you like growing up?
Soccer was a big part of my childhood—I played for a local club team, and it became a cornerstone of my life. At 16, I discovered snowboarding, which quickly turned into one of my greatest passions. Snowboarding also introduced me to the joys of travel, as I explored new destinations to hit the slopes.
In addition to my love for sports and travel, I’m deeply committed to giving back. I volunteer and serve on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause that’s very personal to me. After losing my father to Alzheimer’s, I’ve made it my mission to support others navigating this journey and to contribute to efforts aimed at ending this devastating disease.
Family remains at the heart of everything I do, and it’s a driving force behind my passion for creating a meaningful impact in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalpay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalpay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalpayusa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coastalpay/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/coastalpay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coastalpay/
- Other: https://www.signup.coastalpay.com/register
Image Credits
Nikki Berry, Travis Chrisman, Vanessa Hong, Kavan Thanasith, Frank McCrady, Kimberly Sanchez, Lisa Perlmutter
