Leadership, Loyalty, and Legacy: Lessons from Charles Read of GetPayroll

In this episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia speaks with Charles Read, President of GetPayroll, about the realities of growing up in a family business, the leadership discipline he developed in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the powerful role loyalty plays in building durable relationships with both employees and clients. Charles offers practical, experience-driven insights that resonate deeply with B2B leaders, family business owners, and next-generation successors navigating growth, transition, and long-term sustainability.

Building a Business Grounded in Discipline, Loyalty, and Real-World Experience

Charles begins by reflecting on how early exposure to his father’s consulting firm shaped his understanding of responsibility, hard work, and what it means to run a family business. This hands-on upbringing created a natural comfort with entrepreneurship and gave him the foundational perspective he would later bring into his own company. His service in the Marine Corps added the structure and discipline that ultimately defined his leadership philosophy.

He explains how loyalty—both given and received—became central to GetPayroll’s culture. Charles shares stories of clients who remained with his company for years, not because of pricing or contracts, but because they felt valued and supported. The same applies to employees: when people are cared for during personal challenges, loyalty becomes long-lasting and mutually reinforcing.

In the episode, Charles also provides clear, practical advice for business owners facing IRS challenges. As a U.S. Tax Court practitioner, he explains why business owners should never accept the first notice they receive, how to appeal administrative errors effectively, and when it’s strategically wiser to resolve issues quickly rather than fight them. His IRS insights offer B2B leaders clarity and confidence in navigating compliance obstacles.

About Charles Read

Charles Read is the President of GetPayroll, a Marine Corps veteran, CPA, U.S. Tax Court practitioner, and author of The Payroll Book. With decades of experience in payroll, compliance, and small business leadership, Charles is known for his disciplined, practical, and people-first approach to guiding business owners through operational and regulatory challenges.

About GetPayroll

GetPayroll provides payroll services, compliance support, and IRS resolution guidance for small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. The company is known for its deep tax expertise, high-touch customer care, and commitment to simplifying payroll and compliance for owners seeking accuracy, peace of mind, and long-term trust.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Charles Read LinkedIn

• GetPayroll Website

Key Episode Highlights

• How early exposure to family business operations shaped Charles’s leadership approach

• Why Marine Corps principles influenced his mission-first, people-centered mindset

• The difference between a satisfied client and a loyal client

• Practical IRS guidance every small business owner should understand

• Why next-gen family business leaders benefit from experience outside the family firm

Conclusion

The conversation between Ed Delia and Charles Read offers a compelling perspective on leadership built from lived experience, discipline, and genuine care for people. Charles’s journey reinforces that strong businesses are built on loyalty, clarity of mission, and the willingness to adapt while staying true to core values.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.