159: Built to Last — Inside the Partnership and People Strategy Behind iBusinessSolutions
How Three Leaders Turned a Lanai Startup Into a Trusted Payroll and HR Provider Through Shared Values, Follow-Through, and Client-First Care
What happens when three unlikely business partners combine grit, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by people?
You get iBusinessSolutions.
Joey Brannon sits down with David Yohn, Jamie Dunnam, and Mike Braun—the founders of iBusinessSolutions (iBusiness)—for a candid look at how they built a trusted payroll and HR company from a lanai-turned-office into a firm that serves hundreds of businesses across the Southeast.
From humble beginnings to long-term client loyalty, this episode unpacks the mindset, frameworks, and relationships that fueled their growth—and continue to define their culture today.
A Partnership Built on Purpose
David and Jamie didn’t come from payroll or insurance. What they shared was a belief that they could build something better—where character mattered as much as capability.
Their success came not from perfect planning but from:
Keeping egos out of the boardroom.
Staying in their respective lanes.
Making decisions based on what’s best for the business—not just themselves.
Mike Braun joined the team after a career in golf. What started as a leap of faith became a long-term partnership grounded in shared vision and follow-through. “They didn’t sugarcoat anything. They told me it would be hard. That’s what made me say yes,” Mike says.
A Framework for Healthy Partnership
Whether you're already in a partnership or considering bringing someone into equity, this episode offers real-life insight into what makes those relationships work long-term:
✅ Defined roles and lanes—Operations, sales, and leadership responsibilities are divided based on strengths.
✅ Consistent follow-through—Mike’s sales approach is rooted in follow-up. “I’ll keep calling until they tell me to stop.”
✅ Faith and humility—This team doesn't just work together—they pray together, lead together, and support each other like family.
✅ Ownership mindset—Knowing when to take off the “manager” hat and put on the “owner” hat is key.
Ownership Isn’t a Perk—It’s a Weight You Carry Well
When Mike became a partner, it wasn’t symbolic. It was earned—through years of consistent performance, leadership, and alignment with the company’s values.
“I didn’t want it handed to me. I bought in. And I still report to these guys. Ownership doesn’t mean coasting—it means responsibility.”
For business owners grooming future leaders, it’s a helpful reminder: equity should reflect character and commitment, not just tenure or charisma.
People First—In Every Direction
What truly sets iBusiness apart is how they treat people—both inside and outside the business.
Clients aren’t case numbers. They’re known by name, and when something big happens—an illness, a graduation, a loss—the team takes time to stop, listen, and respond. They send handwritten notes. They pray. They care. As one client put it: “It’s not just payroll. It’s personal.”
Employees experience the same. Turnover is rare. Promotions are earned, not rushed. Mike’s own path from team member to partner is a picture of how the company builds leaders over time—with mentorship, not micromanagement.
Even day-to-day, leadership fosters a culture where it’s okay to knock on a door and say, “You got a minute?”—as long as it’s thoughtful and solution-oriented. Respect and responsibility go hand in hand.
Not Just Payroll—A Full-Service People Platform
iBusiness may have started in payroll, but today their services cover far more:
Integrated tech: Applicant tracking, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and learning systems all live under one platform.
Human support: No call centers here. Clients are paired with reps who know their names—and their needs.
Strategic insight: From AI-powered payroll alerts to benefits education, the tools are built to support long-term growth, not just compliance.
Financial wellness tools: Employees get access to resources that help them make better decisions about loans, budgeting, and more—reducing stress and increasing retention.
Unmatched retention: While most companies switch payroll providers every 3 years, iBusiness clients typically stay twice as long. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from flashy pricing—it comes from consistency, care, and capability.
For Business Owners, Leaders, and Teams
This episode is more than a founder’s story. It offers practical insight for leaders navigating the challenges of partnership, people management, and long-term customer care.
From building trust with your leadership team to retaining great clients and employees, the iBusiness team shows what it looks like to lead with clarity, consistency, and character.
🎧 Listen in for practical takeaways—and a reminder that with the right people beside you, the hard stuff becomes possible.
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