Ep. 35: How Charles Read Scaled His Payroll Company to Seven Figures by Balancing Marketing and Operations.

Ep. 35: How Charles Read Scaled His Payroll Company to Seven Figures by Balancing Marketing and Operations.

Categories: Scale Tales
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About Podcast

In this compelling session, Charles Read, president and founder of GetPayroll, shares his journey of scaling a payroll company to seven figures through a unique blend of niche expertise, strategic delegation, and digital marketing innovation. With a clear vision to transform payroll services, Charles reveals how he grew GetPayroll from a small mobile accounting service into a thriving business that solves complex IRS issues and serves thousands of clients across the U.S.

 

What started as a modest venture soon evolved into a market leader, driven by bold marketing strategies and a specialized focus on solving problems competitors can’t touch. Charles discusses the pivotal moment when he delegated marketing to Devon, a seasoned expert who integrated digital strategies like Facebook and YouTube outreach, propelling GetPayroll into the digital age and accelerating revenue growth. He also shares how his unique position as a U.S. Tax Court Non-Attorney Practitioner allowed him to create a competitive edge with niche services no one else could replicate.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • How focusing on marketing expertise can accelerate growth, even in saturated industries.
  • The importance of hiring the right person at the right time to lead key functions and ensure scalable growth.
  • How a unique selling proposition (USP) and specialized knowledge can become your competitive advantage.
  • Why strong partnerships and effective delegation are crucial for sustainable business growth.

 

Perfect for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to scale thoughtfully and efficiently, this session provides actionable insights, practical strategies, and a deep dive into how combining niche expertise with smart delegation can unlock exponential growth.

  • Course Objectives
  • Episode Info
  • Resources
  • Credits
  • Bios
    • Effective Delegation: Learn how delegating responsibilities to the right team members can free up leadership to focus on strategic growth.
    • Strategic Marketing: Discover how investing in expert marketing can significantly accelerate business growth and brand visibility.
    • Unique Value Proposition: Learn how identifying and communicating a strong USP can help a business stand out in a competitive market.
    • Scalable Operations: Understand how building systems and documenting processes early on can support smooth and sustainable scaling.
    • Working on the Business: See how shifting from daily operations to strategic oversight can drive long-term success and leadership effectiveness.
  • Special Guest: Charles Read, Founder & CEO

    Location: Lewisville, Texas, United States

    Air Date: May 4, 2025

  • Websites:

    • U.S. Tax Court: The Tax Court specializes in adjudicating disputes over federal income tax, generally prior to the time at which formal tax assessments are made.
    • GetPayroll: GetPayroll is your partner for the best online payroll services. Simplify payroll, ensure compliance, and save time and money.

    Books:

  • Producer & Host: Alicia Butler Pierre
    Audio Editors: Olanrewaju Adeyemo and Sabor! Music Enterprises
    Sound Design: Sabor! Music Enterprises
    Video Editor: Gladys Jimenez
    Show Notes: Hashim Tale
    Sponsor: Equilibria, Inc.

  • More About Guest, Charles Read:

    Charles Read is a seasoned entrepreneur, CPA, and expert in payroll and tax compliance, renowned for his ability to scale businesses through strategic marketing and deep industry expertise. As the founder and president of GetPayroll and Custom Payroll Associates, Charles has over four decades of experience in the payroll and accounting industry. His journey from working as a COO at a mobile accounting service to building a thriving payroll business reflects his commitment to continuous learning and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of business growth.

    After purchasing the mobile accounting service where he worked alongside his wife, Charles made a bold transition into the payroll industry. Despite a slow start, his relentless focus on compliance and tax expertise set him apart. However, it wasn’t until he hired marketing expert Devon that GetPayroll truly began to scale. Through targeted social media campaigns and creative strategies, including the popular “Charlie the Bartender” video series, Charles expanded his company’s online presence and grew its client base, turning GetPayroll into a seven-figure business.

    Charles is particularly known for his unique expertise as a U.S. Tax Court Practitioner, a rare credential that allows him to represent clients in tax court. This specialized knowledge has been a cornerstone of his success, enabling him to offer unparalleled compliance services to businesses facing IRS issues.

    His entrepreneurial philosophy emphasizes the importance of delegation, advising other business owners to focus on their strengths and outsource tasks outside their expertise. By shifting his focus from working in his business to working on his business, Charles was able to create a scalable infrastructure and system, allowing GetPayroll to manage rapid growth with ease.

    A passionate advocate for personal and professional growth, Charles is an avid reader of business books and credits The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber as a pivotal resource in his success. He is also the author of The Payroll Book, a comprehensive guide for small businesses navigating payroll processes, which he offers for free to listeners of his podcast.

    Charles’ work is driven by a deep commitment to helping businesses thrive by combining niche expertise with strategic marketing. When he’s not helping businesses with payroll solutions, Charles enjoys sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, tax compliance, and the importance of continuous learning.

     

    More About Host, Alicia Butler Pierre:
    Alicia Butler Pierre is the Founder & CEO of Equilibria, Inc.. Her career in operations began over 25 years ago while working in various chemical plants and oil refineries. She invented the Kasennu™ framework for business infrastructure and authored, Behind the Façade: How to Structure Company Operations for Sustainable Success.  She is the producer of the weekly top 2% Business Infrastructure podcast with a global audience across 70+ countries.

    Alicia is also an adjunct instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University and serves as the USA Chair of the G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. A chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, she’s designed and optimized processes for small businesses, large enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations alike.

     

    More About Sponsor, Equilibria:
    Equilibria, Inc. is a 20-year-old boutique operations management firm. We build the business infrastructure necessary for fast-growing businesses to scale with less pain. With a range of services and products, entrepreneurs can get the operational support and resources they need on demand.