The Green Sheet Online Edition
April 13, 2026 • 26:04:01
Street Smarts
Translating payments expertise into marketing insight
My career has always lived at the intersection of marketing and finance—two worlds that don't always speak the same language but absolutely need each other to succeed. I've spent years working inside the payments industry with organizations like Cardservice International, First Data, TASQ and eProcessing Network, as well as in financial services for XP Systems, Fiserv, Logix Federal Credit Union and Digital Insight. I've seen firsthand how complex the financial and payments ecosystems really are.
From acquirers, issuers, OEMs and ISOs to fintechs and merchants, there are countless moving parts—and even more layers of technology, compliance and nuance behind every transaction.
At the same time, my background has always been rooted in marketing and communications. Not just campaigns or content, but strategy: understanding how to position a message, connect with an audience and ultimately support growth.
Driving results through story
That perspective shaped the work I now do through Kackert Marketing, where I help companies translate complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that drive results.
When I write for The Green Sheet, I'm not approaching topics as an observer. I'm writing as someone who has built go-to-market strategies, supported sales teams, and worked through the same challenges many of your organizations face. I understand how difficult it can be to simplify a message without losing its meaning, and how important it is to get that balance right.
My goal is always to bridge that gap. I take complex industry topics, whether it's evolving payment technologies, shifting market dynamics or marketing strategy within fintech, and break them down into something practical and usable. Something that helps readers not just understand what's happening, but why it matters and what they can do about it.
Connecting with purpose
Marketing has often been described as the "wingman" to sales, and I believe that applies to content as well. Good writing should support the broader business objective. It should educate, build trust and create momentum.
Ultimately, everything I do—whether it's consulting or writing—comes back to connection. Helping companies communicate more clearly. Helping ideas land more effectively. And helping our industry tell its story in a way that keeps up with the pace of innovation.
That's what I aim to bring to every article I write for The Green Sheet. I'm honored to be asked to contribute to such a well-respected publication, and thankful to the editing team for their guidance and knowledge. I'm equally honored to be following in Allen Kopelman's footsteps. May the coming year be a learning experience for both me and you, the reader! 
Editorial Note: With this, our first April issue, we welcome marketing expert Jaki Kackert as our new Street SmartsSM author. For the past two years, Allen Kopelman has helmed the column with inspiration, energy and first-hand knowledge of what's happening for sales reps in the field day to day. In his unique voice, he puts a fire under ISOs and merchant level salespeople, and we hope he'll continue to write articles for us from time to time. Jaki is also an outstanding professional, and we are delighted she will be writing Street Smarts for the next year. Reflecting on her new role, she said she's happy to collaborate with us on the column and believes marketing will resonate with ISOs, especially smaller ones who may not have the staff to tackle marketing as well as they want to. Jaki mentioned that during her 25 years in the payments space, she has noted how tight-knit it is and has "always enjoyed telling the ISO story and celebrating their successes in building and retaining their merchant portfolio through consistent communication and resources." Please give Jaki a warm welcome, and send your questions and suggestions to her at jbkackert@gmail.com.
Jaki Kackert is a seasoned marketing professional with experience supporting organizations across the payments and financial services industries. Through expertise in content marketing, digital strategy, public relations, and communications, she helps ISOs and Resellers build marketing strategies that attract, retain, and grow merchant portfolios. For more information please visit www.kackertmarketing.com or reach out to Jaki at jbkackert@gmail.com
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