A business that helps other businesses be successful—that's how Kevin Hodes, founder and owner of Swypit, sees the role of his company.

It is a role largely unseen and unnoticed by the average shopper. The customer walks to the counter to pay for a purchase and more likely than not hands over a credit or debit card. Services such as Swypit are what allow businesses to process—and therefore accept—different types of debit and credit card payments.

While based in Frisco with a strong clientele in the area, Hodes' clients stretch across the U.S. He has processed billions of dollars throughout his nearly 15 years in business, and he has succeeded based on the power of referrals.

"I've never knocked on somebody's door saying 'Hey, I'm great at what I do, please work with me,'" Hodes said.

Hodes took a roundabout way of joining the business community.

From the time he was young, Hodes wanted to cook, and he followed his dream into the food service business in the northeastern U.S., then eventually into the private yachting business, where he flourished as a chef.

It was while working on board private yachts such as Steve Forbes' former yacht, The Highlander, that he met businessmen, politicians and dignitaries. He developed the skills he uses to make his business succeed—street smarts, as Hodes calls them.

"They were always interested to talk to me, because who doesn't want to talk to the chef on the boat?" Hodes said. "While they are in there they might be having Kevin's famous chocolate chip cookies."

After he met his wife, Sarah, he decided to quit the food service business and changed his career path to business consulting, which led him to credit card processing, the Dallas area and finally Frisco, where he has lived for more than nine years.

He is now a certified payment professional.

"I got into sales, but I brought my food service savviness of making things incredibly awesome all the time," he said. "I found myself a little niche in the business—taking care of customers."

Community involvement

Hodes' determination to take care of his customers translates to strong involvement in the Frisco community and numerous hours spent volunteering each week.

His community involvement ranges from his company sponsoring events such as the American Fallen Soldiers Project, to participation in Leadership Frisco, the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Planning & Zoning Commission, and many other organizations.

"One of the things about being a business owner, is, if you are just a taker, then you just are a taker," he said. "I believe that you need to give back. If you don't give to the community, then you shouldn't even be in business."

Organizations sponsored by Swypit

American Fallen Soldiers Project

Boy Scouts of America

Eagle Gymnastics Academy

Frisco Griffin Rugby

Mayor

Mayor's Youth Council

Miracle League Frisco

Texas Legends – Military Night Sponsor

Wipe Out Kids Cancer

YEA –Young Entrepreneurs Academy

• www.swypit.com
• 6170 Research Road, Ste. 221 - in the NTEC building
• 877-379-9748