Build Something You Own: Why Small Business Still Defines the American Dream in 2026
A perspective on entrepreneurship, business independence, customer relationships, and the changing tools available to small-business owners.
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Author Profile | VMS Leadership
Chris Del Grande
Entrepreneur, payment industry professional, and published business author with experience in merchant services since 2006. Chris writes about payment technology, small business growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the value of building lasting customer relationships.
Payment Industry Since 2006
Published on Inc.com
Small Business Leadership
Chris Del Grande
President & Co-Founder
President & Co-Founder
Professional Biography
About Chris Del Grande
Chris Del Grande is President and Co-Founder of Valued Merchant Services, a nationwide merchant services company founded in Idaho in 2006.
With two decades of experience in payment processing and business services, Chris has helped build an organization focused on practical payment solutions, transparent communication, merchant relationships, and long-term business growth.
His career has spanned significant changes in how businesses accept payments, from traditional credit card terminals to modern point-of-sale technology, mobile payments, ecommerce systems, and increasingly connected business tools.
As a company leader, Chris has been involved in developing merchant relationships, growing independent sales organizations, supporting sales teams, and helping business owners navigate payment technology and the operational decisions that affect their businesses.
Chris is also a published business author. His articles have appeared on Inc.com through the Inc. Leadership Forum, and he publishes professional articles and insights through LinkedIn and the Valued Merchant Services blog.
Raised in Southern California, Chris helped build Valued Merchant Services in Idaho and is now based in St. George, Utah. The company's national headquarters remains in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
A practical perspective on business.
Chris's writing emphasizes clear communication, responsible business decisions, long-term relationships, and technology that genuinely helps business owners operate more effectively.
Professional Knowledge
Areas of Experience
Chris's professional work and writing focus on the intersection of payment technology, business operations, entrepreneurship, and long-term customer relationships.
Merchant Services
Credit card processing, merchant accounts, pricing structures, payment costs, and processing relationships.
Payment Technology
POS systems, terminals, mobile payments, ecommerce, integrations, and evolving payment solutions.
Small Business Growth
Business development, operational decisions, profitability, customer experience, and adaptability.
Entrepreneurship
Business ownership, long-term strategy, leadership, independence, and navigating change.
Sales Leadership
Independent sales organizations, agent development, recruiting, training, and business relationships.
Residual Income
Merchant portfolio development, recurring revenue, account retention, and long-term sales compensation.
External Publications
Published Work & Professional Profiles
In addition to articles published by Valued Merchant Services, Chris has contributed business and leadership articles to Inc.com and shares professional insights on LinkedIn.
Inc. Leadership Forum
Chris Del Grande on Inc.com
Published articles covering payment industry trends, business leadership, merchant account protection, and navigating change.
Professional Articles & Commentary
Chris Del Grande on LinkedIn
Chris shares articles, commentary, and observations about entrepreneurship, payment processing, business leadership, sales, and small-business challenges.
Selected Writing
Entrepreneurship
Sales & Residual Income
Credit Card Processing
Business Profitability
Point-of-Sale Technology
Technology & Innovation
Featured Articles by Chris Del Grande
Explore selected articles about payment processing, entrepreneurship, small-business technology, and the realities of building long-term business relationships.
What Building Residual Income in Merchant Services Actually Feels Like
An honest look at recurring commissions, merchant account retention, and the work involved in developing a residual portfolio.
Read ArticleHow to Choose a Credit Card Processor for Your Business
A practical guide to processing fees, pricing models, funding options, equipment compatibility, security, and support.
Read ArticleHow Small Businesses Can Use Payment Technology to Protect Their Profit Margins in 2026
How payment systems, reporting, processing fees, and operating efficiency can affect a small business's profitability.
Read ArticleHow to Choose the Best POS System for Your Business Needs
Factors business owners should consider when selecting point-of-sale technology, hardware, software, and integrations.
Read ArticleEmbracing Artificial Intelligence in Payment Processing
A look at how emerging technology can influence payment acceptance, fraud detection, merchant operations, and the customer experience.
Read Article
Approach to Business Writing
Experience, Clarity & Practical Advice
Chris approaches business writing from the perspective of someone who has spent years working in the payment services industry, helping build a business, and working with merchants and independent sales teams.
His articles aim to explain business technology, compensation models, pricing decisions, and operational tradeoffs in language that business owners and professionals can understand and use.
When discussing financial outcomes, payment processing costs, business opportunities, or industry trends, the goal is to distinguish realistic possibilities from guarantees and to give readers enough context to ask better questions.
The content reflects Chris's professional experience and perspective. Individual business results vary, and readers should evaluate advice in light of their own circumstances.