My 24-Year Journey at Paylocity: A Story of Growth, Opportunity, and Lifelong Bonds

When I reflect on my 24 years at Paylocity, it's not just the work or the milestones that stand out, but also the people, the relationships, and the personal transformation I’ve experienced along the way. This journey has been so much more than just a career. It’s been about connection, change, and the profound sense of belonging. From stepping into the company as a newcomer, juggling multiple roles, to leading a team as a Product Manager, my path has been filled with growth, opportunity, and, most importantly, incredible bonds that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

From Chicago to Paylocity

Growing up in the Chicagoland area, it’s no surprise that I’ve always called this place home. Today, I live in the western suburbs with my wife Diane and our two children, Jack and Emma. I’m also a proud alum of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I met Diane, a connection that has shaped my life in more ways than one. If you catch me talking about my college days or the U of I, you’ll see the smile on my face light up with memories I hold dear.

Beyond work, I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, willing to try almost anything once, though peanut butter is a no-go (thanks to allergies). And when it comes to music, count me in! I’m a guitar enthusiast, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see Foo Fighters perform across five states.

Paylocity Found Me

It feels like fate. The same day I was laid off from another HCM provider, I got a call from Paylocity’s founder inviting me for an interview the following week. From that first conversation, something clicked. As we spoke, we discovered that we were both alumni of the University of Illinois, and we shared a mutual love for Thai food. It was a casual chat, but I immediately knew this was something special. Little did I know that this serendipitous encounter would lead me down a path of personal and professional transformation.

A Little Bit of Everything

When I first started at Paylocity, there was no “one job.” I wore three hats—Service Account Manager, Client Trainer, and worked in Distribution, packing checks and payroll reports. In those early days, Paylocity was all about teamwork, a "get it done" attitude, and a family-like culture. It was a place where curiosity and helping hands were always encouraged. There, I learned what it means to be flexible, to pitch in, and to embrace collaboration.

How My Career Evolved

Over the years, I transitioned through various roles, but the turning point came when I took a leap of faith into software development. With guidance from amazing mentors who weren’t afraid to take risks, I found my footing in an entirely new realm. From there, my career grew—I became a manager and eventually landed my current role as Product Manager for the Year End team.

Paylocity has been a place of consistent growth, a place where you’re encouraged to ask, “What’s next?” rather than “How long will I be here?” It’s a culture that celebrates curiosity and ambition, and it has allowed me to forge my own path and challenge myself every step of the way.

How Paylocity Has Supported Me and My Family

The support I’ve received at Paylocity goes far beyond just work. As someone passionate about running and marathon training, I’ve needed a flexible environment to pursue my goals. But equally important, I’ve had the ability to be fully present for my family. My daughter, Emma, has special needs, including cerebral palsy, ADHD, and autism. Balancing her therapy, school meetings, and our daily routine would be impossible without the support I’ve received here. The flexibility to adjust my schedule and the understanding from my team have made all the difference. Paylocity has allowed me to thrive both at work and at home, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Stories That Reflect Our Culture

It’s the people here at Paylocity who truly make it a second home. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to witness—and experience—countless moments that reflect the supportive, fun, and caring culture that defines this place.

1. ACL Surgery: After undergoing ACL surgery, my dear friend, Amanda Hanson, drove me to work events and back for months. What started as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a deep, lifelong friendship. We’ve worked closely together, attended each other’s weddings, and I even had the honor of being a groomsman at hers.
2. The Little Bo Peep Costume: One Easter, I lost a bet and had to wear a Little Bo Peep costume to work. Christine Pellini took it upon herself to craft the costume, and to this day, I’m convinced she has blackmail photos! That moment was filled with laughter, and it has become a legendary inside joke at Paylocity.
3. Pranking the Dev Team: Another cherished memory is pulling pranks on our Dev team. Melody Ashman and I had a blast decorating their desks with seasonal themes and sticking “For Sale” signs on everything. It was all in good fun, and those pranks are just one example of the many inside jokes and friendships that have blossomed over the years.

Reflecting on 24 Years

As I look back on these 24 years, I feel a profound sense of pride, not just in the work I’ve done, but in the relationships I’ve built and the person I’ve become along the way. Paylocity has been more than just a job; it’s been a place where I’ve been able to grow, both professionally and personally. From bonding over Thai food to celebrating victories with colleagues-turned-friends, this company has truly become family.

To anyone considering Paylocity, let me tell you this: it’s a place where your career can thrive, your personal life can flourish, and you’ll find a community of people who will support you through every challenge and triumph. For me, it’s been a journey that’s changed my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.