About SKUx
Passionate about payments
Here at SKUx, we eat, drink, breath, and especially dream about payments and how they can change the world. Building a culture of payment innovation is our number one focus, and we are always looking for talented people and partners to collaborate with that share that same vision.
The world of payments is experiencing a renaissance, driven by advancements in FinTech, combined with consumers’ demand for faster, safer, and smarter transactions that are more personalized to their daily lives.
Therefore, our mission is straight forward.
Empower the world with innovative payment technologies that enable instant, intelligent transactions seamlessly and securely between merchants, manufacturers, and the consumers they serve.
We are always looking to collaborate with valued partners, clients, and talent that aligns with our vision, mission, culture, and core values.
Making the
dream work
Focused on collaboration and optimal outcomes with partners and consumers.
What you see
is what you get
Committed to openness and honesty, cultivating trust in our technology and relationships.
Enabling a
network of trust
Leveraging tech for secure, effortless digital payments, with insights for clients and partners.
All roads
lead to loyalty
Transparency and innovation at SKUx are the pathways to enduring trust and loyalty.
St. Petersburg, FL
HEADQUARTERS
361
AVERAGE DAYS OF
SUNSHINE PER YEAR
74°
AVERAGE YEARLY
TEMPERATURE
35
MILES OF WHITE
SAND BEACHES
Jim Sampey
Co-Founder & CEO, Chairman
Jim’s career began at NCR, where he gained foundational experience in consumer data and analytics. This led to a 22-year journey with Cox Enterprises, fostering his skills in strategic planning and process optimization.
In his diverse roles, Jim focused on enhancing value propositions and cashflows. His leadership spanned across sales and marketing, IT, and manufacturing, contributing to transformative projects and team development.
Key milestones include establishing a national consumer database for a major retailer and advancing Valpak’s salesforce in 2012. He also led the development of the $220 million Valpak Manufacturing Center in Florida and implemented significant technological changes during the lead-up to the year 2000. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in several successful ventures he developed.
Jim Sampey
CEO / Founder
Bobby Tinsley
Co-Founder & President, Board of Directors
Bobby Tinsley, a seasoned advisor, investor, entrepreneur, and former recording artist, boasts a diverse background in marketing, sales leadership, and technology. He gained early acclaim as an international music artist, notably charting on the Top-40 Christian Music Pop charts in 2005.
His business acumen led to major licensing and advertising deals with companies like Sony Pictures and large REITs, including Simon Property Group. Bobby is also an author, known for his book “The Difference – You Can Change the World.”
Dedicated to philanthropy, he co-founded a non-profit in Uganda, focusing on helping impoverished women and children. He continues to create impactful alliances with organizations, prioritizing lasting change over monetary gain.
Bobby Tinsley
President / Founder
Trisha Asgeirsson
Chief Revenue Officer
Trisha is a recognized global leader in FinTech, payments, and data-driven consumer loyalty. Her extensive career spans notable executive roles at leading financial institutions, including JP Morgan Chase and MasterCard. At MasterCard, she notably led the North American Loyalty Division and previously the Data & Services Division, significantly boosting revenue.
A strategic innovator, Trisha has created and patented groundbreaking solutions for banks and merchants worldwide. She actively advises select FinTech and Retail Technology firms globally and contributes as an Advisory Board member for Women in Consumer Finance.
Trisha’s commitment extends beyond the corporate sphere; she co-owns two thriving small businesses in the U.S. with her husband, Asgeir. Her drive to foster business growth and value through partnerships is a hallmark of her distinguished career.
Trisha Asgeirsson
CRO
Timothy Schar
Chief Growth Officer
Timothy Schar brings over 20 years of expertise in technology and investment banking, with roles at Bear Stearns, Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo, and as Tampa Bay Market President at Truist Bank. His diverse leadership includes Head of Convertibles and Equity Derivatives, Managing Director of Global Market Solutions, and Head of Tech Media Telecom Equity Capital Markets at Wells Fargo.
In these capacities, Timothy has been instrumental in building successful teams, advising on financing and strategic transactions across various sectors like software, semiconductors, FinTech, digital media, and telecom.
Timothy also notably served as VP of finance and interim-CFO at ServiceSource International pre-IPO in 2011 and was CFO of ApplePie Capital. He holds a BA in Economics with concentrations in Mathematics and Computer Science from Macalester College.
Timothy Schar
Chief Admin Officer
Moshe Joshua
Chief Technology Officer
Moshe Joshua, with a rich background in blockchain systems, combines his Wall Street technology expertise with a strategic vision for bridging the crypto universe with traditional investment markets. His approach fosters a creative environment, enhancing the tokenization of financial products and benefiting both fiat and crypto investors, along with mainstream user experiences.
As a technology architect, Moshe has managed the full lifecycle of numerous projects, consulting for a diverse range of financial entities including new ventures, hedge funds, large banks, and niche trading firms. He specializes in developing high-frequency arbitrage systems, with a footprint in securities markets across the U.S., Brazil, India, Dubai, and Singapore.
Previously a consultant to Ripple and CTO of Dosh.cash, Moshe co-founded eSignatureGuarantee.com and advises various ICO/STO projects in the crypto space. Currently, he is the Chief Product Officer at Blackmoon, focusing on tokenizing fund investments.
Moshe Joshua
CTO
Kip Marler
Chief Operating Officer
Kip, an operational leader with a knack for maximizing organizational success, has a track record of elevating companies to their potential. His 13-year stint at Valpak, a Cox Enterprises company, saw him lead the transition of a $220 million facility, introducing innovative targeting and tracking strategies.
An entrepreneur at heart, Kip’s expertise spans IT development, business process outsourcing, and driving cross-departmental success. His leadership is defined by strong communication, change management, and tech advancements.
Kip is also deeply committed to community and diversity. He led Valpak’s United Way campaign, significantly boosting engagement and contributions. A former board member of the Diversity & Inclusion council, he has championed improved employee relations and recruitment practices.
Kip Marler
COO
Greg Leonard
SVP, Product
Greg, a renowned product marketing expert, excels in identifying growth opportunities in financial services, FinTech, and healthcare. His career includes significant roles at Fiserv and Alegeus, where he led the development of high-performing teams to create and sustain exceptional products. Greg’s focus on scalable, best-in-class execution has consistently delivered outstanding results in these industries.
Greg Leonard
SVP Product
Robert Zaccardo
Co-Founder & EVP Business Development, Board of Directors
Robert “Bob” Zaccardo, with over 30 years of experience, is a seasoned entrepreneur in the sports, retail, and entertainment industries. As a former athlete and CEO of Branded Sports Media, he specialized in consumer engagement through major sporting event activations, partnering with NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and NCAA.
Bob has negotiated deals with Fortune 500 companies and worked with leading CPG brands like P&G, PepsiCo, Kraft/Mondelēz International, Kellogg’s, and Coca Cola. In media, he’s collaborated with CBS Radio, Direct TV, Showtime, and the History Channel, and in entertainment with Sony, MGM Grand Casino, Sharp Electronics, and Sirius XM Radio.
Central to his success are his strong faith and family relationships, including a 31-year marriage to his wife Lucille and their two children.
Robert Zaccardo
EVP Sports, Entertainment, Media
Kenneth Douglas
Co-Founder & EVP Payments & Fintech Partnerships, Board of Directors
Kenny excels as a trusted advisor and leader, specializing in growing companies in various stages including turnarounds, startups, and expansions. His three decades of experience span technology, FinTech, PayFac, payments, and blockchain sectors, both in the US and internationally.
His entrepreneurial success is marked by effective business and partnership development, along with relationship management in financial institutions, acquiring banks/processors, and Fortune 500 companies. Kenny is adept in strategic business planning, major account management, and M&A due diligence.
His key areas of expertise include IT and managed services, computer software/hardware, financial services, integration, internet and eCommerce, mobile payments, FinTech, PayFac, and blockchain.
Kenneth Douglas
EVP Tech Platforms, Loyalty, CRM
Michael Carbone
Head of Commercial Payment Strategy
Michael L. Carbone, SKUx’s Head of Commercial Payment Strategy, boasts an impressive four-decade career across financial services and technology. At SKUx, he’s pivotal in driving the commercial adoption of innovative payment solutions.
A strategic thinker and B2B Fintech innovator, Michael founded Byram Consulting LLC, steering fintech ventures to scalable market strategies. His rich background includes significant roles at leading institutions like Visa, where he contributed to global commercial solutions. Michael’s expertise is integral to SKUx’s mission, harnessing patented technologies to redefine the digital payment landscape.
Michael Carbone
Head of Commercial Payment Strategy
Norberto Maio
Chief Enterprise Architect
Norberto, a seasoned technical leader, excels in distributed applications and services at scale, bringing over two decades of software industry experience. He has successfully led technical teams in various sectors, including digital marketing, fintech, distributed ledgers, and financial brokerage.
Throughout his career, Norberto has been pivotal in the success of both established corporations and startups. He was the technology mastermind behind Dosh.cash, which sold for $275M, and the architect for eSignatureGuarantee.com, recognized with the “FinTech BreakThrough Award”. Additionally, he co-authored Ripple’s Blockchain FX market-making solution.
His corporate experience spans roles at Cross River Bank and MF Global. Norberto is passionate about developing innovative, scalable solutions and assembling adept technical teams to drive these advancements.
Norberto Maio
Chief Enterprise Architect
George Wilson
Global Head of Enterprise Partnerships
In October 2023, George joined the SKUx team, bringing over 20 years of experience in payment and merchant loyalty from his tenure at Mastercard’s global merchant loyalty division. As a key member of the European Loyalty Senior Management, he managed Product Management in EMEA, working across various sectors.
George’s career is marked by launching programs in international markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the UK. He has collaborated with top hotel chains like InterContinental, Hilton, and Marriott, major retailers including Liberty of London and IKEA, and airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines and British Airways.
His expertise extends to partnerships with Visa, HSBC, and Natwest, managing merchant offers in 10 markets. George is also credited with a patent for an ‘automated rebate settlement method.’
George Wilson
Senior Vice President, Business Development
Bryson Hale
VP, Marketing
Bryson brings over two decades of rich experience in marketing, branding, and design, primarily with startups, including his recent role at Dabbl. With a background that merges technology, fine arts, and marketing, Bryson is driven by creativity, upholding the belief that “good design is good business.” His involvement in multiple startups and dedication to promoting the Tampa Bay region as a hub for tech startups highlight his commitment to the industry.
Outside of work, Bryson is an avid fisherman, music enthusiast, sports fan, trivia buff, and a supporter of the local food and drink scene in St. Petersburg. A long-time resident of St. Petersburg, he and his high school sweetheart, now his wife, have chosen the city as their home to raise their three sons. Notably, they have attended every Rays Opening Day since the team’s inception in 1998.
Bryson Hale
VP, Marketing
Trusted Advisors
Scott Sandlin
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
Scott Sandlin, an esteemed executive with over 30 years in retail, banking, and technology, is known for his FinTech innovations at Walmart, including creating its Financial Services and Money Services units. At SamsClub.com, he led digital initiatives and supplier management, demonstrating his knack for strategy and problem-solving.
Dedicated to philanthropy, Scott focuses on aiding minorities and underrepresented communities, exemplified by his work with LatinXNA. He deeply studies consumer financial behaviors and technology’s role in enhancing spending.
A University of Arkansas graduate and Harvard Business School alumnus, Scott co-manages a 2,400-acre farm and wildlife preserve in Fayetteville, Arkansas, contributing significantly to his community.
Scott Sandlin
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
Deb Henretta
Advisory Board
Deb, Partner at G100 Companies and Vice Chair of SSA & Company, boasts a remarkable 30-year tenure at Procter & Gamble (P&G), leading multi-billion dollar segments. As Group President, she guided P&G’s Beauty, Asian, and Baby Care Businesses, each valued at over $14 billion. Her role as Senior Executive Officer of Global e-Business impacted nearly half of P&G’s then $86 billion global operations.
Recognized for her business acumen, Deb consistently featured in Fortune’s rankings of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business for seven years. She holds board positions at Corning Inc., Meritage Homes, American Eagle Outfitters, and S.C. Johnson. Her past board experiences include Sprint, Staples, and Singapore’s EDB. Notably, Deb was the inaugural female Chair of the APEC Business Council, appointed by the USA State Department.
Deb Henretta
Board Director, Advisor & Investor; Former President, Procter & Gamble
James Ray
Advisory Board
James Ray, with over 30 years in business and technology, recently served as the Managing Director of Global Enterprise Solutions at J.P.Morgan Merchant Services. Here, he led a team of business development professionals, focusing on global relationship management and enabling worldwide commerce.
Before J.P.Morgan, James was the Senior Vice President at Elavon, a US Bank subsidiary, where he managed Global Strategic Accounts and Professional Services. His career also includes advisory roles for major firms like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and NCR, providing guidance during significant organizational shifts.
James actively contributes to community organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The Posse Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s in Accounting from Texas A&M University and pursued graduate studies in Organization Development at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management.
James Ray
Jon Najarian
Advisory Board
Jon “DRJ” Najarian, former Chicago Bears linebacker, transitioned from the football field to the trading floor, becoming a distinguished member of the CBOE, NYSE, CME, and CBOT. He spent 25 years as a floor trader and in 1990, founded Mercury Trading at the CBOE, later selling it to Citadel in 2004.
Jon is known for developing the Heat Seeker™ algorithm, a tool for identifying unusual activity in stocks, options, and futures, which he still uses for CNBC analysis. In 2005, he co-founded optionMONSTER and tradeMONSTER with his brother Pete, with tradeMONSTER recognized by Barron’s as “Best for Options Traders.” The Najarian brothers partnered with General Atlantic Partners in 2014 and sold tradeMONSTER to E*Trade in 2016 for $750 million.
Now, Jon is a professional investor and market analyst, sharing insights on Investitute.com. He’s an author of four best-selling books on trading and options. Additionally, he co-founded Najarian Advisors & Najarian Family Office, offering advice and management to institutional and wealthy investors. A sought-after keynote speaker, Jon has also co-founded TCB Productions LLC, producing TV programs and movies.
Jon Najarian
Co-Founder at Market Rebellion
Karen Webster
Advisory Board
Karen Webster is a renowned expert in the field of emerging payments and a strategic advisor to CEOs and Boards of multinational corporations within the payments and commerce sectors. Leveraging extensive experience with innovative players in payments, financial services, mobile, B2B, digital media, and technology, Karen has honed her expertise in igniting and monetizing innovation. She has played a pivotal role in aiding innovators to develop and execute business strategies that drive market adoption for their products and services.
Karen is not just an advisor but also an entrepreneur who has founded and grown several ventures in the loyalty, online media, and social networking industries, including PYMNTS.com, where she serves as Founder and CEO. Her insight is frequently sought for the development of cutting-edge payment solutions, and she is recognized for her ability to forecast and navigate the complex landscape of modern commerce.
Karen Webster
Founder & CEO PYMNTS.com