KORE Payments is revolutionizing small business payments with flexible, transparent solutions and unmatched customer support.
From Humble Beginnings to Nationwide Impact
Nicholas Korthals has always known he was meant to be an entrepreneur and a disruptor. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of three brothers and a natural leader from the start. “Since I was a young boy I always imagined creating my own future, my own destiny— to build something from the ground up, and to prove that the “impossible” is often just the beginning.” says Korthals.
His earliest inspiration came from his grandfather, a man whose story defined what perseverance truly looks like. Arriving in the United States from Puerto Rico at just 11 years old with only his younger brother, not even understanding English at the time. Things were different back then that was over 70 years ago, on his journey he faced challenges that would have stopped most. Instead, he built a life, a family, and eventually his own successful small business, a furniture upholstery business in Milwaukee, WI. Nick spent much of his childhood in that shop — taking furniture apart, sweeping up, learning by watching. More importantly, he absorbed the values that shaped him: work hard, put faith and family first, while building something that matters. Knowing what his grandfather overcame gave Nick a deep sense of pride and the belief that with enough determination, you can create your own path.That belief ultimately led him to build KORE Payments.
As the Founder of KORE Payments, Nicholas Korthals has focused on empowering small and mid-sized businesses with transparency, modern tools, and real support in an increasingly complex industry. What began as a vision to fix a broken and confusing merchant-services model has evolved into a rapidly growing payments company that champions honesty, clarity, and customer-first service, with a mission to simplify payment processing for small businesses. He knew that in an industry plagued by hidden fees, long-term contracts, and complex systems, there was a significant opportunity to create something different, something more transparent, affordable, and customer-centric.
Innovative Solutions with a Focus on People
What sets KORE Payments apart is not just its cutting-edge technology but its human-centered approach to service. Small business owners are busy and don’t have time to waste on complicated systems or impersonal customer service. KORE Payments offers cloud-based, pay-as-you-go payment solutions that don’t lock clients into long-term contracts. There are no hidden setup fees or surprise charges, which gives small businesses the freedom to scale without the burden of rigid pricing structures.
“We understand the challenges that small businesses face,” says Korthals. “Every day, they’re managing inventory, dealing with customers, and trying to stay ahead of the competition. Payment processing shouldn’t add to that stress. At KORE, we pride ourselves on offering not just a product, but a partnership, something that helps business owners grow and succeed.”
With a wide range of services, from physical terminals to mobile apps, virtual invoicing, and even loyalty rewards systems, KORE Payments makes it easy for businesses to accept payments in any form they need. Whether it’s in-person, over the phone, or via text-to-pay systems, KORE’s technology is flexible and adaptable, offering solutions that work for businesses in retail, hospitality, auto repair, and more.
Breaking Through the Industry Norms
The payments industry has often been criticized for offering inflexible solutions with hidden fees and long-term commitments. This “one-size-fits-all” approach left many small business owners feeling underserved, which is exactly what KORE Payments set out to fix.
“Our goal was to create a payment system that was both advanced and accessible,” says Korthals. “The small business owners we work with want simplicity and transparency. They don’t want to spend hours sorting through confusing pricing models or feeling like they’re being taken advantage of. At KORE, we give them clear, easy-to-understand options that can grow with their business.”
KORE Payments’ aggressive pricing model has made it a game-changer for many small businesses that were previously priced out of high-quality payment solutions. The company’s commitment to providing the best possible technology without the added cost has set it apart from competitors who often require lengthy contracts and set-up fees. This dedication to fairness and transparency has helped KORE establish trust with its growing customer base.
Community-Centered Growth: A Proud Partnership with Local Organizations
Pictured: KORE’s sponsorship billboard with the founders Daughter a figure skater at the Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center
While KORE Payments continues to scale, it hasn’t forgotten its roots. The company remains deeply committed to giving back to the communities that helped it grow. KORE Payments sponsors the Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center, supporting local youth sports like figure skating and ice hockey. This year KORE will be participating in the Salvation Army angel tree program for children in need. These are just some examples of how KORE integrates community involvement into its business model.
“Supporting the community has always been important to us,” says Korthals. “We want our success to benefit not just our clients, but also the local organizations and businesses that support us. Small businesses and local communities are at the heart of everything we do.”
Expanding Nationwide: The KORE Payments Vision
Today, KORE Payments’ reach extends far beyond its Wisconsin roots, with operations now in New York, Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida and more. The company’s rapid expansion reflects the growing demand for affordable, customer-friendly payment technology. Korthals is particularly proud of how the company has navigated its growth while maintaining the same level of personal service that first made KORE successful.
“We’ve worked hard to build a business model that can scale while keeping the same high level of customer service that made us stand out from the start,” says Korthals. “We’re excited to continue our expansion, and we’re committed to making sure every new market we enter receives the same support and attention we give our clients here in Wisconsin.”
Pictured: KORE’s founder Nicholas Korthals and KORE’s national sales director Ryan Stickley at a company event on the Downtown Chicago River
Looking Toward a Bright Future
As KORE Payments continues to expand, Korthals remains focused on ensuring the company remains a true partner to small businesses, helping them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of payment technology. The company’s continued success will be driven by its commitment to offering the best technology, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.
“We’re just scratching the surface,” Korthals says. “We see KORE as not just a payment processor, but as a pioneer in the industry. With our pay-as-you-go platform and dedication to service, we’re ready to take on the future.”
Ready to Simplify Your Payment Processing?
If you’re a small business owner seeking affordable, reliable, and flexible payment solutions, look no further than KORE Payments. With no contracts, no hidden fees, and unbeatable customer service, KORE is here to help you grow your business. For more information or to get started, you can visit KORE Payments’ website to get started today.
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