Vertical vs General Solution Strategy

As the payments landscape continues to evolve, how should ISOs, agents, and software providers approach 2026—by going all-in on vertical-specific solutions or by refining generalized offerings that can serve a wider market? In this solo episode, James Shepherd shares hard-earned insights from his experience running both CCStorage, a vertical-specific solution, and Stackably, a more generalized tech platform. He breaks down the advantages and challenges of each approach and offers practical advice on how to align your strategy for growth, innovation, and long-term success in the coming year. Whether you’re building software, growing an ISO, or rethinking your 2026 roadmap, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.