Day: October 28, 2021

When it comes to electronic payment acceptance every industry is unique. The problems a restaurant or retail store might face are vastly different from those an automotive dealer will encounter. Unfortunately for auto dealers, most payment processors in the United States have yet to distinguish between the needs of their clients across different industries. 

This simple fact was all it took for Green Payments to see the gap in consumer payment acceptance and automotive dealer standards. Knowing auto dealers pride themselves on high-level customer service and a smooth buying experience, Green Payments developed their innovative dealer payment platform; Dealer Genie. 

Dealer Genie is built on a proprietary payment solution specifically for the automotive industry and has directly helped over 500 dealers nationwide. This cloud based, PCI compliant platform allows corporate controllers and office managers the ability to fully customize the check out and reporting processes for each individual department in their dealership. Important information such as RO number, stock number, employee ID number and more can all be added to check out screens and included on their daily batch reports. Dealer Genie also enables customers to pay via contactless payment options such as Apple Pay and keep their payment experience paperless by signing electronically for their receipt and receiving a copy of their transaction via email.

Since 2014, Green Payments has established itself as a leader in the payment space. Their team, supported by over 100 sales and support representatives in the United States, have a strong background and experience in the automotive industry. With positions ranging from former automotive salespeople, service managers, and office managers their team is comprised of auto enthusiasts who have first hand knowledge of their client’s business. 

In the words of their CEO, Cliff Green, “When working with Green Payments, auto dealers are gaining a true partner in their business. Too often, payment processors are simply providing a processing rate and the ability to accept payments from their customers. If dealers are expected to give up 2-3% of their gross credit card sales each year to payment card associations, we at Green Payments feel they should expect MUCH more.”

While the company has maintained steady growth over the last few years, they remain focused on growing their automotive payment platform into a full-stack automotive solution providing dealers with a completely integrated payment and dealer management system. Green Payments is on pace to have over 1,000 auto dealers using their platform by 2025. 

In their commitment to easing the troubles auto dealers face and driving innovative change in the industry, Green Payments is pushing for a more robust relationship between dealers and fintech companies.

To learn more about Green Payments and several other innovations they are bringing into the automotive industry, visit their website.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who’s always hustling to make things happen in your life, you go through periods when it feels like nothing is ever going the way you want, and the only thing left to do is give up. While these feelings may arise, LaQueda Ricks, Dream Fearlessly Life Coaching CEO, sees what and how you feel differently. A firm believer in manifesting the life you want, excavating your undiscovered talent, and reaching success is connected to one’s purpose + soul’s desire.

Laqueda Ricks helps those get unstuck from any situation by tapping into their intuition to manifest their goals with intention. In a one-on-one interview, she shares her motivation, accomplishments, and her driven passion for helping other women become wonder women in their lives by making intentional mindset shifts to win at life. 

What was the story behind the name “traveling vision-ista”?

It is so funny that you asked this, but my colleagues gave me this name. They know I love traveling to unique places, and I also love traveling to host amazing Vision Board Workshops.  And they say the “ista” is added because I’m boujee, but that’s not true at all, lol! 

What motivated you to step out and create Dream Fearlessly Life Coaching and Consulting?

I started thinking about what I wanted to do on my next career journey.  After being in HR for over 20 years and having fantastic but challenging life experiences, I wanted to help corporate professional women or divorced women apply major business concepts to their lives.  Just like businesses structure their business concepts around their core values, mission statements, and strategic goals to their business, we can apply those same concepts to your personal life.  And since I’m good at it, I knew I could add value to many women in need. 

What separates you from your competition?

My HR skills are unique, and companies pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to help organizations create a framework based on their strategic goals.  Well, I’m able to transfer those same skills over and help women apply those same concepts to their lives. It’s wonderful to see women planning out their lives and crushing each goal, all from using my proven system.

You are a woman of many talents. What are you most proud of that you have accomplished? Why?

I’m proud of many things, but I’m most proud that I didn’t give up after divorce.  I thought I wasn’t going to make it out alive, and I certainly didn’t think I would be able to make it on my own with children.  But God gave me this tremendous strength and determination that I carry with me today.  Although that marriage was a nightmare, the trials made me the woman I am.  And I’m able to help other women going through divorce apply concepts to their lives that help them bounce back fearlessly and boldly.  I never knew the true meaning of “your test is your testimony” until I faced the other side of divorce. I’m a true believer in “never curse your crisis” because they made me this powerful woman that you see today.  And for that, I’m grateful! 

What does balance mean to you and look like for you?

People automatically think that balance makes everything equal; for me, it’s deciding what tasks are priorities and which ones are not.  The season I’m in, I’m focusing on creating healthy habits with food and exercise, staying positive, embracing collaborations with other amazing women, continuing to travel, growing my business, lowering stress, pouring into my tribe, and spending time with family.  Those are the things that make me happy.  Protecting my mental and emotional health helps to keep me balanced also.

What is next for you?

My next is limitless! I’m excited about life and where it’s taking me. I’m embracing every speaking engagement offered, every collaboration journey, and meeting amazing women through my business.  I have an inspirational t-shirt line dropping soon, so I’m excited about that.  And hopefully, I get to join an Essence panel next year for Essence Fest… I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Want to know more about LaQueda Ricks or schedule a complimentary Dream Discovery Session? Connect with her www.laquedaricks.com.