The Story of Adapt Merchant Services (AdaptMS): A Legacy of Innovation and Adaptation

 

Adapt Merchant Services (AdaptMS) was founded in 2012 with a vision that was ahead of its time. The company was launched in conjunction with Adapt POS, an ambitious project that aimed to merge restaurant-focused point-of-sale (POS) software with integrated payment processing. At the time, this combination was still relatively uncommon, and we saw an opportunity to bring innovation and simplicity to restaurant owners who needed a seamless, all-in-one solution for their businesses.

With my background in the POS industry and years of experience helping businesses navigate payment solutions, I knew there was a better way to approach merchant services. My business partner, a talented full-stack engineer, took on the responsibility of developing the AdaptPOS software, while I focused on expanding our merchant portfolio. Together, we worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life—him coding late into the night, me out in the field forging relationships with merchants who wanted an alternative to the clunky, outdated systems they were used to.

For six years, we poured everything into this project. We experienced the highs of signing new merchants and seeing our software in action, as well as the challenges that come with building something from the ground up. The road was not always smooth, but our determination kept us moving forward.

A Pivotal Moment: The Shift in 2018

In 2018, we came to a difficult realization—our dream was underfunded. Despite our best efforts, the resources required to compete at the level we had envisioned simply weren’t available to us. The industry was shifting, competitors were scaling rapidly, and we had to make a tough decision. After much deliberation, the original founders parted ways, and AdaptPOS was officially retired.

Although the closure of AdaptPOS marked the end of one chapter, it was not the end of the journey. Over those six years, I had gained a deep understanding of the intersection between software and payments. I had seen firsthand the struggles merchants faced with disjointed systems and restrictive payment processing agreements. With AdaptPOS gone, I saw a new path forward: rather than building a POS system of our own, Adapt Merchant Services could become the bridge between POS companies and merchants, offering the expertise, flexibility, and honesty that the industry so often lacked.

A New Beginning: Building a Merchant-Centric Future

With a renewed focus, I shifted gears and began forming strategic partnerships with POS companies that needed a reliable payments provider. This approach allowed AdaptMS to grow steadily, as more and more merchants came to trust our ability to deliver solutions tailored to their needs. Unlike other processors that simply signed accounts and moved on, AdaptMS provided ongoing support, ensuring merchants had the tools they needed to thrive.

During this period, we expanded beyond our original network, forging relationships with a wide variety of referral partners. These partnerships weren’t just transactional; they were built on mutual trust, shared goals, and the understanding that when merchants succeed, we all succeed.

As the company evolved, we invested in technology that would allow us to better serve our growing merchant base. We built custom onboarding tools to simplify the setup process, developed a robust gift card platform, and created advanced reporting systems that gave merchants greater insights into their businesses. Our focus was always on adding value—helping merchants not just process payments, but truly optimize their operations.

The Industry Shift: 2023 and Beyond

By 2023, the payments and POS landscape had changed dramatically. More POS providers than ever before were locking merchants into exclusive agreements, creating what we call “payment silos”—where a single software provider controlled both the POS and payment processing, leaving merchants with little to no choice in how they managed their transactions.

This shift presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Many businesses found themselves trapped in restrictive agreements with limited flexibility and rising fees. At AdaptMS, we knew we had to evolve once again to continue providing real value to merchants and referral partners.

True to our name, we adapted. We expanded our reach beyond traditional POS systems, partnering with referral agents in a wide range of industries. We focused on helping businesses navigate the increasingly complex world of payments, offering solutions tailored to their specific needs. Whether it was a restaurant, retail store, healthcare provider, or e-commerce business, we provided them with the technology, support, and transparency they needed to make informed decisions about their payment processing.

Why AdaptMS? A Commitment to Transparency and Long-Term Success

What sets Adapt Merchant Services apart isn’t just our ability to evolve with the industry—it’s our unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and long-term relationships. In an industry where many companies prioritize quick sales over lasting partnerships, we take a different approach.

We believe that merchants deserve honesty. They deserve a payments partner that explains their options clearly, provides fair pricing without hidden fees, and remains available long after the contract is signed. Our referral partners trust us because they know we prioritize merchant success over short-term profits.

Through our years in the industry, we have helped thousands of businesses navigate payment processing with confidence. Whether it’s setting up a new merchant account, providing innovative payment solutions, or helping a business transition from a restrictive POS contract, we are committed to being a reliable, knowledgeable, and supportive partner.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Expansion and Innovation

Today, AdaptMS continues to grow, always looking for new ways to support merchants and referral partners. We are actively expanding into new markets, developing more advanced technology solutions, and strengthening our network of industry professionals.

Our expertise in the POS industry remains a core strength, but our reach now extends far beyond it. We understand the intricate details of payment processing, the challenges that businesses face, and the strategies that lead to long-term success.

If you know a business looking for a payments provider that values honesty, adaptability, and long-term relationships, tell them about Adapt Merchant Services. We’re not just another payments company—we’re a trusted partner, a problem solver, and a family.