Michael Kappel vs John B. Gibson, Jr.

Michael Kappel

CEO of Patriot Software LLC

BIO: Michael J. Kappel is the founder and CEO of Patriot Software. After earning an Engineering degree from Ohio University in 1980, Kappel worked in the Nuclear Equipment Division of Babcock & Wilcox. In 1986, Mr. Kappel saw unlimited potential in the relatively young software industry so he left the corporate world to start the first of his 5 successful companies: Synergy Data Systems, LLC (1986); Top Echelon Network, LLC (1988); Top Echelon Contracting, LLC (1992); Career Marketplace, LLC (1995); and, Patriot Software, LLC (2002). With more than 30 years of experience as a successful serial entrepreneur and business owner, Mr. Kappel is passionate about helping millions of American business owners simplify their mundane accounting and payroll tasks.

John B. Gibson, Jr.

CEO of Paychex

BIO: John B. Gibson, Jr. assumed the role of president and chief executive officer in October 2022. Under his leadership, Paychex eclipsed $5 billion in revenue and has continued to thrive as a market leader in the human capital management (HCM) technology industry by focusing the company's strategy of being the digitally driven HR leader. Paychex, which supports over 745,000 businesses and their millions of employees, continues to strategically invest in solutions that deliver a unique blend of innovative technology and advisory services to customers. For more than half a century, the company has made a positive impact in the lives of its customers, communities, and shareholders by focusing the talents of its employees around the world and on the success of small- and mid-sized businesses. While leveraging its vast set of data and insights into these businesses, Paychex is continually recognized as one of the most ethical and innovative companies in the world. A purpose-driven culture and relentless pursuit of innovation allows Paychex to help businesses succeed by attracting and retaining talent, offering affordable benefits to win the war for talent, and businesses better manage their cash flows and access the capital needed to fuel growth. Gibson served as president and chief operating officer for the year prior to being named CEO. In this role, he led the daily operations of the company, including sales, service, marketing, and product management. He had previously served as senior vice president of service since joining Paychex in May 2013. As SVP of service, Gibson led the service organization to record customer satisfaction and retention, enhanced the Paychex service experience with 24/7/365 options, added a full spectrum of digital support capabilities, and expanded the relationship management and advisory support for Paychex customers. He was also instrumental in the company’s international expansion and in growing Paychex’s digital payroll and PEO businesses. Prior to Paychex, Gibson served in senior executive positions at HR outsourcing and technology companies, including Ameritech (now AT&T) and Convergys, where he served as president of the HR management division providing comprehensive global HR solutions to clients in 68 countries. A regular guest on CNBC’s Squawk Box and Mad Money to discuss labor market insights and Paychex financial performance, Gibson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University. He also earned certifications at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the international business program of INSEAD, a global graduate business school. Active in the community, Gibson has served on the community investment board for the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes and the board of directors of Hillside Family of Agencies.