How Steve Kowalski Built Entrust Payroll Solutions Around Service and Trust in Southwest Florida
What does it take to build a payroll company around relationships instead of transactions? In this episode of SWFL Spotlight Built Here, we sit down with Steve Kowalski, founder of Entrust Payroll Solutions, to discuss his journey from New Jersey to Southwest Florida, raising five boys, building a people-first business, and helping companies across 21 states navigate payroll, HR, compliance, and growth. Steve shares how years inside large corporate payroll systems inspired him to create a company focused on communication, responsiveness, and real human connection. From supporting local schools and youth programs to helping businesses grow through trusted partnerships, this conversation highlights the mindset behind building a successful business in Southwest Florida. Topics include: • Building a payroll company from the ground up • Entrepreneurship and leadership • Small business payroll and HR • Southwest Florida business growth • Family, resilience, and business ownership • Customer service and company culture • Supporting local communities and schools Produced by MelloD Designs Discover more local business stories at https://SWFLSpotlight.com #SouthwestFlorida #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Payroll #SmallBusiness #FortMyers #SWFL #Leadership #businessgrowthstages Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:24 Meet Steve Kowalski 01:15 How Steve Got Into Payroll 02:20 Why Entrust Payroll Solutions Was Created 03:15 The Problem With Large Payroll Companies 04:10 Growing Through Referrals and Relationships 05:05 Supporting Southwest Florida Communities 06:00 Helping Schools and Local Organizations 07:00 Working With Businesses Across Multiple Industries 08:10 HR, Compliance, and Business Support Services 09:20 Steve’s Journey From New Jersey to SWFL 10:30 Raising Three Boys as a Single Father 12:05 Family, Leadership, and Resilience 13:45 Managing Client Relationships and Business Stress 15:05 The Biggest Challenges in Payroll 16:30 Why Payroll Is Really About People 17:35 Advice for New Business Owners 19:00 Final Thoughts
