Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Keil.
Hi Jason, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up outside Nashville and got into payments almost by accident — a lunch conversation with my father-in-law’s golfing buddy introduced me to credit card processing, and I dove in headfirst with basically no experience. The early days were genuinely hard. We bootstrapped on my wife’s frozen yogurt job income, were on food stamps and WIC, and had no discretionary income. The margin for error was basically zero, but that pressure has a way of sharpening your focus. Over time, Polaris grew into something I’m proud of — a boutique, lean operation that’s now processed over $1 billion for small businesses nationwide.
Outside of work, I try to stay grounded in the things that matter: adventure with my family, staying physically challenged (CrossFit has been a constant for years), and getting out into nature when I can. I’ve hiked and biked across parts of the country, including time on the Appalachian Trail, and a willingness to get uncomfortable — whether on a trail or in business — has shaped how I approach everything I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Starting from scratch with no industry experience, no capital, and a family to support was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. There were plenty of moments where I questioned whether it was going to work. Running a small business means wearing every hat, often in the same day.
The payments industry is also notoriously opaque and complicated, which cuts both ways: it’s a real barrier to entry, but it also means merchants are often getting taken advantage of by people they trust. That’s part of what keeps me motivated. Every time we help a business owner simplify their payments, get the right tools in place, and get back to focusing on what they’re good at — we consider that a win.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Polaris Payments is a boutique payment processing firm based in Nashville. We’ve processed over $1 billion for small businesses and we operate as a true advocate — not just a vendor. What sets us apart is that we’re small by design. Merchants work directly with us, not a call center.
We take the time to understand each business and match them with the right solution for their specific needs — whether that’s a custom processing setup or something like Square for businesses where that’s the better fit. We’re not trying to sell anyone something that doesn’t serve them.
Beyond the day-to-day, I’m genuinely fascinated by where money is headed — bitcoin in particular as a tool for financial freedom and sovereignty, especially for people who’ve been underserved by traditional finance. And on the business side, most of what’s fueled Polaris isn’t advertising — it’s relationships. Growing alongside businesses and partners who share our vision is what keeps us moving forward.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A few that have genuinely shaped how I think: Rich Dad Poor Dad was an early game-changer — it reframed how I thought about money, assets, and building something of your own. Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman is one I keep coming back to; it’s a great gut-check on how you’re spending your finite time. On the bitcoin side, Gradually Then Suddenly by Parker Lewis was the book that made it all make sense.
And on the creating side — I host The Polaris Signal, our own podcast where we dig into payments, small business, and the future of money. It’s been a great way to have conversations we care about and share them with the people we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.polarispayments.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@polarissignal
