Jed Morley, CEO of PlatPay (Platinum Payment Systems), embodies the power of resilience and adaptability in leadership. His path to the C-suite was anything but conventional. In fact, Morley’s career began far from the boardroom — working as a lumberjack in the rugged forests of Alaska during his teenage years[1]. From felling trees to leading a fintech company, Morley’s story illustrates how grit and diverse life experiences can forge exceptional leadership. (He was even featured in ValiantCEO for his unique journey.) This article explores the lessons learned and leadership philosophies Jed Morley developed on his extraordinary path to success.
From the Woods to the Boardroom
As an 18-year-old lumberjack in Alaska, Jed Morley learned the value of hard work under extreme conditions. He recalls that the loggers he worked alongside were “some of the hardest working people [he’d] ever known” and that the job, while tough and dangerous, “helped [him] grow as a man”[1]. This early experience instilled in Morley a profound appreciation for dedication and perseverance. After Alaska, he broadened his horizons further — spending two years in Argentina as a missionary, where he gained a deep respect for different cultures and the importance of open-mindedness[2]. Each chapter of his early life, from the wilderness to international service, contributed to the adaptable and people-centric leadership style he practices today.
Morley eventually transitioned into the business world, first in real estate development and then into entrepreneurship. By 2008, he took a leap into the payment processing industry, founding Platinum Payment Systems (now known as PlatPay)[3]. Starting a company from scratch was another test of resilience — one that Morley passed with flying colors. “We built [PlatPay] from the ground up to be something that we can be proud of. Something that gives us purpose,” Morley reflects[4]. Coming from a non-traditional background with no prior banking experience, he assembled a team of individuals with diverse skills and forged a culture that values determination and innovation over convention. This unconventional foundation became a strength rather than a weakness, allowing PlatPay to approach problems with fresh perspective and tenacity.
A Philosophy Forged in Challenges
Jed Morley’s leadership philosophy centers on facing challenges head-on and learning from each obstacle. He describes himself as someone who “lives for a good challenge” and who is energized rather than discouraged when told something can’t be done[5]. “Rather than back up from it, I dive straight in and give it my all,” Morley says of confronting hurdles[5]. This mindset—cultivated since his days in the Alaskan wilderness—has been crucial in guiding PlatPay through the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Whether adapting to technological disruptions or navigating economic uncertainty, Morley’s approach is to engage problems directly, with confidence that persistence will yield solutions.
Equally important to his leadership is an unwavering focus on supporting and uplifting others. Morley believes that a true leader’s success is tied to the success of his team and partners. He often cites John F. Kennedy’s famous adage, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” as encapsulating his leadership mission. It “fully embodies the kind of leader that I strive to personify at all times – someone that is there to provide support during difficult times and lift you up,” Morley explains[6]. In practice, this means fostering a company culture where employees are encouraged to grow into leaders themselves and where clients and partners are treated as extensions of the team. Morley’s goal is to be the “tide” that helps those around him reach new heights[6], creating an environment in which everyone thrives together.
“I’m not the kind of person to leave things halfway. Whenever I encounter a hurdle or an issue of some kind, rather than back up from it, I dive straight in and give it my all.”[5]
Morley’s personal values also play into his leadership style. A devoted family man and active community member, he emphasizes integrity, faith, and continuous self-improvement. He begins his days early — hitting the gym, spending time with his children, and centering himself through prayer before work[7]. This disciplined routine reflects the same principles he brings to business leadership: preparation, balance, and a clear sense of purpose. By taking care of his own well-being and staying grounded in his values, Morley is better equipped to guide his organization through ups and downs with steady confidence.
Lifting Others and Leading with Purpose
One of the hallmarks of Jed Morley’s leadership is his commitment to purpose-driven work. In building PlatPay, he ensured that the company’s mission went beyond profits. “At Platinum Payment Systems, no matter how unconventional our start, we’ve grown to really love our work. After over a decade in the industry, we’ve found a purpose,” Morley says[8][9]. Part of that purpose comes from giving back. Morley spearheaded PlatGives, PlatPay’s charitable initiative that runs “behind-the-scenes of all our processing work to give back to all the different causes that we support as a company”[9]. This initiative not only contributes to communities in need but also keeps Morley and his team motivated. By dedicating themselves to a cause, they infuse everyday work with greater meaning.
Morley’s example underscores that resilient leadership isn’t just about personal toughness — it’s about empathy and vision. By staying true to his values and investing in the growth of others, he has cultivated a loyal team and a robust network of partners. The success of PlatPay (which has grown from zero to thousands of merchant accounts and was once one of Utah’s fastest-growing payment processors[10]) is a testament to this inclusive, purpose-driven approach. Colleagues praise Morley as “a great business mind and an effective leader” who “is not afraid of any task large or small and is very good at seeing things through to the end”[11]. Such recognition reflects how his leadership style resonates with those around him.
From chopping wood in the Alaskan wilds to chopping through barriers in the fintech industry, Jed Morley’s journey illustrates that great leaders can come from anywhere. With resilience, a love of challenge, and a heart for lifting others, Morley has carved out a legacy that goes beyond business success — it’s a legacy of inspiration. Aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned executives alike can learn from his story that stepping outside your comfort zone and staying true to your purpose are key to leading not just with success in mind, but with significance.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse experiences build resilience: Morley’s non-traditional background (from lumberjack to missionary to businessman) gave him unique skills and mental toughness that he applies in leadership.
- Embrace challenges head-on: Rather than shy away from obstacles, Morley tackles them directly and energetically, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to improve[5].
- Lead by lifting others: Morley adheres to the “rising tide lifts all boats” philosophy, focusing on supporting his team, partners, and clients so that everyone succeeds together[6].
- Stay grounded in purpose: Infusing work with meaning — through initiatives like PlatGives and personal core values — keeps Morley and his team motivated and aligned on the bigger picture[9].
- Consistency and integrity matter: From daily morning routines to long-term business strategies, Morley’s disciplined and value-driven approach fosters trust and reliability in his leadership.
About PlatPay
Platinum Payment Systems (PlatPay) is a leading payment processing and merchant services provider founded in 2008 by Jed Morley. PlatPay offers diverse, competitively priced solutions — from card processing to mobile and text payments — tailored for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on personalized service, innovative technology, and robust security, PlatPay helps clients streamline their payment operations while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and customer support. The company’s mission is to empower businesses to grow by making payments simple, efficient, and reliable.