West Hollywood

BUSINESS: Payment-processing solutions for online merchants

FOUNDED: 2005

TWO-YEAR REVENUE GROWTH: 580 percent

2014 REVENUE: $42 million

Responses from Chief Executive Andy Khawaja

What did you do to achieve this rate of growth?

I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on consumer and merchant needs. I know what they’re looking for. My company and I work hard to create and deliver. We work hard to accommodate them.

How did you manage the growing workload? For example, did you have to add space, hire more employees or move into new facilities?

As the company grew, we had to increase our number of employees, expand our main offices and open up offices in three additional countries in five years to service the business there.

What were the biggest obstacles holding you back from growing? How did you overcome them?

My biggest obstacle was working with banks. Sometimes they lack understanding and are not tech savvy. They are old school and I find myself having to school them and teach them. They didn’t understand e-commerce and its potential.

How do you manage expectations after such strong growth?

I maintain very high expectations. In business, you’ll always have ups and downs. But if you keep your expectations high, even your downs will keep you at the top.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned over the last three years?

I’ve learned the value in building and maintaining friendships and understanding with merchants. Also, the focus of your business should not be only on money. The focus should be on the technology you’re developing and the service you offer. It’s about giving people the best there is.

Is there anything you would have done differently?

No. I feel like I’m on the right path to endless success.

Does your location in the L.A. area help or hinder your growth?

It definitely helps. Los Angeles is the center of the world.