DEA - banned for life

Christopher Mallick is an accomplished financier and business executive as well as one of the top players in online adult today. He has an extensive transaction processing background with businesses that have processed over a billion dollars in healthcare transactions and several billion dollars in internet transactions. As head of epassport, Chris is known for throwing THE event at webmaster gatherings and spending an evening in his presence makes hanging with movie and rock stars seem like small time. With all that hype, Chris still takes the time to talk to the little guys. Amazing and impressive, this makes a strong statement on his personal character considering what he controls and the strength behind his reputation in this business. Here's a note for other major players about to be ambushed - Chris had the balls to do this ambush totally blind like everyone else before him. For someone in his position, I have to say:"he's got balls."

GFY Ambush Interview thread on Chris Mallick
Question #1
Why did you get fired from Paycom? Discuss.

But seriously, I am unable to discuss the particulars of this event, which has since been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. I am extremely happy that it happened, as I have learned that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. It has never been more true than at this time in my life. So while there are those that will be pissed that I am not dishing dirt here, others will appreciate that these things are best left unsaid and undisturbed. But thanks for asking.

Question #2
How many nightclubs did you own? Which ones? Talk about this time in your life.

I have owned and operated about 6 nightclubs in all, starting from my 18th birthday (back in the olden-days you could have a liquor license when you were 18…). They were wide and varied in size, scope, vibe - everything. My first place was a real live Disco in 77’, 78’ and 79’. Lighted dance floor, puffy sleeves, gold neck chains - the whole thing. It was like “Boogie Nights” and “Saturday Night Fever” combined, with a twist of “Blow” for you lovers of movie analogies…. I owned a couple of other Disco-like places, a Pool Hall and then “Billy Bob’s Texas - The World’s Largest Honky Tonk” in the mid-80’s… Then a place in NYC and then to LA in the mid to late 90’s. The LA Club was by far my favorite, although it was a huge pain in the ass – legally; we did not have a dance permit, but that is a day long story for another time. But I met a lot of the people that later followed me to Paycom, like Keith Hill, who was my Manager and Johnny V (who I actually followed to Paycom) who was the Assistant Manager at the LA spot. It was a Hip Hop club; I think one of the first in LA We had every sports, music and gangster celebrity you could imaging through there. It was nuts, but a lot of fun and I met some incredible people that are my good, close friends today still. I loved the club business. Shaliza wants me to open another. If Tony Morgan would do one with me I would be all over it again. Nobody, anywhere, has a better ear for music and understands what people want in their entertainment experience, imho. The service business, which is what I am in now and was in then, taught me a lot. Put me in a room with a bunch of drunks, music and lights and I feel at home; thus my love for this business. hahaha61514; More answers to follow…

Question #3
How much money have you processed over the years? Ballpark.

Billions; maybe 6 or 7 plus? It is hard to say. But a lot of transactions, especially if you include drinks bought and sold…

Question #4
Did you buy or lease the private jet?

I leased, not Paycom, me.

Question #5
Are you the sole owner of epassport now?

Yes. ePassporte (with an extra “e”) But my key team members have an upside stake as well.

Question #6
Why did you take epassport? Discuss.

It was the company that I started, worked on, gave birth to, along with a lot of great professionals and partners. But it, as opposed to Epoch, was MY baby, so to speak. The future for this company and its products and services are so wide and varied that it can and will keep me very interested for a long time. It will not get old…

Question #7
Where did you go to high school? University? Degree(s)?

I attended a great College Prep School in Texas. I did not go to College, however. I guess the Prep was too much. What really happened was my Dad had a major heart attack; he was 42 and we were not very well off financially at that time, as a family and I had to go to work. My kids are going to University, no matter what. Thankfully I have provided for that in case I have The Big One a little sooner than one would hope. People always think that I did really well without going to University so maybe it is not important… I always have and always will disagree. I think that education is critically important and especially today. Street smarts and a great Prep got me through, but it would have been a lot easier if I had the opportunity to go to school. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy about my life, I just want to always be one that says “Go to school!” “Get a Degree!” It is a lot easier when you actually understand the terms people are using and don’t have to leave the meeting to look them up.

Question #8
Which one of the three stooges are you? Larry, Curley or Moe?

Oh, a wise guy eh? Moe – for sure – Moe.

Question #9
Why do you always seem to sit facing the door in a restruant or nightclub?

It should not “seem” that way; it IS that way. I can’t sit with my back to the door. It is either a past life thing from the Old West; or a 80’s NY thing or I figured out at some point that I look thinner with my back to a structure larger than me.

Question #10
What is the wildest party you've ever been to?

A Bachelorette Party, thrown at my place, when I was about 22, in New York, for an ex-girlfriend. I was the only guy there with about 19 women. I am calling the lawyers now to find out if the statute of limitations has run so I can answer more fully

Question #11
Why Curraco?

If you mean Curacao (cure- a-sow) hahaha61514; Why not? The business climate is great and the beaches are perfect and the casinos are easy if you play EXTREME. Also, the corporate structures are affordable and honest, and they are Dutch! Ask any Dutchman, the Dutch invented business. Call Chad at Python… he is the foremost expert on Dutch law, culture and customs. He is my constant advisor.

Question #12
What state was paycom in when you came onboard? What did you do? Why did you do it? Why did they need you?

Paycom was in the state of California Sleazy., I thought you knew that. OK, so Paycom was in the top ranks of all processors with iBill (a moment of silence please) and CCBill and Jettis, plus about 50 others that have come and gone. The company had grown at a tremendous rate with 3 people at its helm and a lot of growing pains. The banking relationships were not good because there was a crook that had taken advantage of the guys. I corrected that and put into place some corporate structure, marketing, branding and most importantly communication to clients about the problems and solutions. Then, we all performed and turned things around. Let me be clear: I have no reason to stroke anyone’s ego, let alone my own. But Paycom was built by Clay Andrews and Joel Hall with nothing but an idea and a ton of brain power that these guys have and still posses and control. It is their baby and they know their shit, every which way you can imagine. I was a gun for hire who became a full partner. I came in and whacked the problems, built some things and was lucky enough to learn a great deal and make some lifelong friends.