Spotlight Series: A Conversation with Kim Erbaugh
In the PayNearMe Spotlight Series, we shine a light on the people that make our company thrive. In this month’s interview, we’re excited to introduce Kim Erbaugh, Senior Project Manager. Kim shares insights into her career journey, what she loves about working at PayNearMe and how she stays connected in a remote environment.
Q: How long have you been with PayNearMe?
Kim Erbaugh (KE): I joined in December 2022, so I just celebrated my three-year anniversary. As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun!
Q: Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to PayNearMe?
KE: Prior to joining PayNearMe, I spent a decade in client services and project management at a payments company that started with multi-family billing and expanded to the utility payment sector. This company introduced me to the payments industry.
When I learned about PayNearMe, I was immediately drawn to its growth potential and strong company culture. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to expand my experience, so I made the leap—and I’m so glad I did!
Q: Have you always wanted to pursue a career as Project Manager?
KE: Not exactly! I kind of fell into project management based on the nature of my previous work. In school, no one really talked about project management as a career path. But as I got deeper into large-scale projects in the utility sector, I realized how much I enjoyed bringing complex initiatives to life.
Q: How has PayNearMe helped you in your career development?
KE: PayNearMe has given me incredible opportunities to grow. I was promoted from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager, which was a big milestone. I’ve also had the chance to work on large-scale client onboarding projects that require cross-functional collaboration, which has been a fantastic learning experience.
Q: Do you have any advice to share with those who are just getting into the fintech industry who might want to join a company like PayNearMe?
KE: My biggest advice is to see your job as more than just a paycheck. Every company evolves, so it’s important to be flexible and open to change. Focus on how you can contribute, whether through process improvements or feedback—your career will grow as a result.
The fintech industry is exciting because of its rapid innovation, and there’s so much opportunity for professional development.
Life at PayNearMe
Q: What are some of your favorite things about working at PayNearMe?
KE: The culture, the values and the flexibility—especially as a parent! Work-life balance was a huge factor in my decision to join, and PayNearMe truly supports that. Plus, it’s just a fun place to work.
Q: PayNearMe’s Core Values are Together, Do the Right Thing, Results-Driven, Transparent, Flexible and Respectful. Which one most resonates with you and why?
KE: They’re all important, but I’d have to say Flexible and Respectful. Across the organization, people are incredibly supportive and willing to step in when needed. There’s no micromanagement—just a genuine sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
I don’t think I’ve encountered anyone at the company with any hateful intent. Everyone is just really nice! There is a general mentality across the organization that we’re here to work hard, have fun and be respectful to each other.
Q: Let’s shift the focus to your role. What does a day in the life of a Senior Project Manager look like?
KE: No two days are the same! My main focus is managing project plans, ensuring we hit milestones, and coordinating with teams across the company. Since I specialize in client implementations, I spend a lot of time in meetings with clients and internal teams.
One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was the Santander Consumer launch. It was a massive, year-long effort that required tight coordination with the client and multiple departments. Seeing it come to life was incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Let’s talk about remote work. How are you able to stay connected with your team virtually?
KE: While I meet with our project management team internally once a week, I meet with the different team members assigned to my projects sometimes multiple times a week.
Beyond that, we stay connected through Slack, and I love the company’s human-interest channels where we share recipes, travel photos, book recommendations and more. It’s a great way to bond with colleagues—even those in different time zones that you may not work with regularly!
Q: What are three things you have to have on your desk each day for a productive workday?
KE:
- My planner
- A notebook (I’m old-school and like to write things down!)
- A fidget toy—it helps me focus during long meetings
Oh, and I have a picture on my desk that says, “You can’t make everyone happy—you’re not a taco.” 🌮
Q: What are some things that you’ve learned about yourself while working at PayNearMe?
KE: I’ve realized how much I thrive in a remote environment. It helps me stay focused and be more productive. Plus, the flexibility it provides for my family is invaluable.
Q: So what about you—what kinds of activities or hobbies are you interested in outside of work?
KE: I have two boys, ages 7 and 12, so we do a lot together as a family. We’re part of the Disney Vacation Club, and we take a trip to Disney every year!
We also love playing board games, video games and trying out local restaurants here in Ohio.
Q: If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
KE: I’d love to be a Disney Imagineer! They’re the creative minds behind the theme park attractions, and as a Disney fan, that would be a dream come true.
Q: Any fun facts you’d like to share with us?
KE: On Saturdays my husband, kids and I try to go to a fun local place in Ohio to try new foods and do things as a family. We love finding food halls and going to local parks or stores for shopping. I would say we enjoy going to Columbus the most and although there are some really cool spots in Dayton and Cincinnati as well. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was a great place to visit in Columbus, and my kids are obsessed with a really cool place called “Otherworld.”
Q: Do you participate in any volunteer work or have any organizations you’d like to shine a light on?
KE: Yes! My 8-year-old niece has cystic fibrosis, so my family actively supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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