EO San Diego Podcast: Episode 2 with Travis Chrisman – Why I wish I had EO When I Started My Business
Why I Wish I Had EO When I Started My Business
Starting a business is exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges that can make or break your success. Travis Chrisman, founder of Coastal Pay, knows this firsthand. Looking back, he wishes he had Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) in his early days—it could have saved him from painful lessons, costly mistakes, and sleepless nights.
This is his story of fast growth, tough decisions, and the power of having the right people in your corner.
From Small Ventures to Big Risks: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Travis didn’t start out in credit card processing. His journey began at just 19 years old, launching a picnic business—a simple idea that gave him a taste of entrepreneurship. That first venture sparked something in him, and he soon moved on to bigger ideas, including a speed dating business and real estate investments.
But his true calling came 13 years ago when he stepped into the credit card processing industry. Working for two different companies, he saw how things could be done better—from customer service to company culture. Eventually, he and a former manager decided to take the leap and start Coastal Pay.
In their first year, Coastal Pay exploded, hiring 100 employees and growing at a pace most startups only dream of. But with rapid success came unexpected challenges—ones that would test his leadership, resilience, and ability to make tough decisions.
The High Price of Fast Growth
Many entrepreneurs dream of quick success, but scaling too fast can be just as dangerous as failing. Coastal Pay’s incredible first-year growth stretched the team thin, forcing them to scramble to build systems, manage operations, and maintain quality service.
Hiring 100 employees so quickly created massive operational challenges. Processes weren’t in place, leadership was spread too thin, and there wasn’t enough time to properly train or mentor employees. Suddenly, instead of running a well-oiled machine, they were constantly putting out fires.
“I really wish I had EO at that time,” Travis reflects. “We would have been able to navigate those struggles better, rather than just reacting to every crisis.”
But growth wasn’t their only challenge.
The $3 Million Business Deal Gone Wrong
Success brings opportunities, but it also attracts the wrong kinds of people. In their second year, Coastal Pay was approached by someone offering to purchase part of their credit card processing portfolio—a deal that could have provided the company with major financial stability.
At first, everything seemed promising. The buyer even lent Coastal Pay money upfront to establish trust. But in the final stages, he took the portfolio and never paid.
Suddenly, Coastal Pay found itself in a crippling financial position.
“When the person who’s supposed to pay you doesn’t pay, you don’t have money to pay your vendors, your team, or even the lawyers to fight back,” Travis says.
After a year of legal battles, they finally settled. But the experience left scars—not just financial ones, but emotional ones as well.
“We had all the contracts in place, and we even had a board vote on the deal,” Travis recalls. “But deep down, I had a bad feeling. I ignored my gut, and it cost us.”
It was a brutal lesson, but one that reshaped how Travis approached business. From that moment on, he would trust his instincts more than ever.
The Turning Point: Finding EO
After years of trial and error, big wins, and even bigger losses, Travis finally discovered EO through a few trusted friends.
He admired their work ethic, integrity, and mindset. These were entrepreneurs who didn’t just chase success—they built sustainable businesses and had a strong support system behind them.
Still, it took years before he finally joined.
“The lawsuit put us in a tough financial spot,” Travis admits. “Once we finally got our heads above water, I realized I needed a group like EO to help me keep growing.”
Since joining in April, EO has completely changed how Travis runs his business.
How EO Made a Difference
1. The Power of Forum Groups
EO isn’t just another networking group—it’s a tribe of experienced entrepreneurs who help each other grow.
One of the biggest game-changers for Travis has been Forum, where small groups of business owners meet regularly to share challenges, strategies, and insights.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” he says. “Sometimes, a simple conversation with someone who’s been through the same struggle saves you years of trial and error.”
At one lunch, a fellow Forum member shared a simple but profound insight.
“I tend to overcomplicate things,” Travis says. “But hearing that outside perspective helped me simplify and solve problems faster.”
2. Exclusive Access to Top Minds
EO provides members with unparalleled access to world-class speakers and events.
“In just a few months, I’ve learned from Jim Kwik, Tony Robbins, and some of the top business minds in the world,” Travis shares.
These aren’t just motivational talks—they’re deep insights that can be applied immediately to business strategy, leadership, and personal development.
3. Growing as a Leader—Personally & Professionally
One of the unexpected benefits of EO? Balancing personal and professional growth.
“I thought I was joining just for business,” Travis admits. “But EO also teaches you how to manage work, family, and life better. It’s helped me become a better leader and a better person overall.”
Why Every Business Owner Should Consider EO
For Travis, EO isn’t just an organization—it’s a game-changer. Looking back, he wishes he had joined years earlier.
“If I had EO from the start, we wouldn’t have made some of our biggest mistakes,” he says. “We would have navigated growth challenges smarter, faster, and with fewer costly errors.”
So, what advice does he have for other entrepreneurs who might be on the fence about joining?
- If You Want to Grow, Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People – Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you surround yourself with.
- Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Get Support – Many entrepreneurs only seek help when they’re drowning. But having a strong support system early prevents problems before they start.
- Trust Your Gut—And Get a Second Opinion – Sometimes, instincts tell us something is off. Having experienced peers to talk to can confirm those gut feelings and help you avoid bad decisions.
What’s Next for Coastal Pay?
Despite the challenges, Coastal Pay is stronger than ever.
In the last three years, Travis and his team have focused on building software solutions to streamline credit card processing.
“We’ve developed nine different applications, including a Stripe-like onboarding platform, a nonprofit gateway, and CRM automation tools,” he says.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but EO has helped Travis make smarter moves and avoid costly pitfalls.
Final Thoughts: Should You Join EO?
If you’re a business owner looking to scale, navigate challenges, and grow personally and professionally, EO might be exactly what you need.
“EO isn’t about networking—it’s about learning from real experiences and getting the kind of advice that can transform your business,” Travis says.
If you’re serious about growing smarter and faster, don’t wait. Find a community that pushes you forward—because the right support can change everything.
