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About Closeknit Connections

Experience Payments Excellence

Closeknit Connections is Ohio’s premier Merchant Services Provider built on advocacy and a “Relationships Over Transactions” philosophy. Our relationship-first approach is at the heart of everything we do, empowering us to deliver innovative financial technology solutions and service that empowers our clients to increase their customer base and revenue, streamline their operations, ensure they are securely processing payments and are in compliance. With a strong focus on supporting local businesses, we are equally proud to serve entities in various industries of all sizes across the nation. We invite you to Experience Payments Excellence—where your success is our priority in every interaction, every time. 
 
Founded in 2023 and proudly headquartered in Akron, Ohio, where our Founder & CEO, Catrice Williams, was born and raised. For the past 22 years Catrice has provided exceptional service and results for her clients and is renowned in the Payments Industry and community. Closeknit Connections is a member of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). Catrice Williams is the ONLY Certified Payments Professional (CPP) in Akron and is 1 of 10 CPPs in Ohio. Catrice serves on the ETA CPP Committee.
Founded in Akron, Ohio

Our 
Vision

Our vision is to redefine the merchant services experience by placing relationships at the forefront, supporting local businesses while expanding our impact nationwide. We aspire to be the trusted partner that companies of every size turn to for seamless payment solutions and unwavering commitment to their growth.

Our mission is to empower businesses to thrive by delivering cutting-edge payment solutions and personalized service that prioritize Relationships Over Transactions. We are dedicated to helping our clients strengthen profit margins, deepen customer connections and Experience Payments Excellence—one transaction, one partnership and one success story at a time.

Our
Mission

Our Core Values

At Closeknit Connections, we believe that real success is built on strong relationships. Our core values guide every partnership and solution we provide:

Relationships Over Transactions

We prioritize authentic connections with our clients, partners and community fostering trust and mutual growth.

Excellence in Service

We are committed to delivering top-tier financial technology solutions and an unmatched client experience.

Ethics & Integrity Always

We operate with transparency, honesty and respect in every interaction.

Responsiveness & Reliability

We show up, follow through and stand by your side every step of the way.

Empowerment Through Innovation & Education

We stay ahead of the curve, offering tools and insights that help businesses grow and adapt.

Community Commitment

We champion small businesses locally and nationally, believing that thriving communities start with strong business foundations.

These values drive us to help our clients
Experience Payments Excellence—every interaction, every time!

Our Founder & CEO - Catrice Williams, ETA CPP

Our Founder, Catrice Williams, ETA CPP, has 22 years experience in the Payments Industry

"As a proud Akron native, I founded Closeknit Connections to reflect the values that shaped me—integrity, reliability, community and a relentless drive to see others succeed. For over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of authentic relationships in business. As a proven leader, advocate and trusted partner to countless businesses and individuals, I formed Closeknit Connections to deliver partnership, strategy and service to help entities of all sizes locally and nationally grow stronger and navigate the complexities of payment solutions with confidence and clarity. When you join our Closeknit family, you’ll Experience Payments Excellence in every interaction, every time, because your success is our purpose."

Catrice Williams, ETA CPP

Catrice Williams is a trailblazing Founder & CEO, trusted partner, advocate and philanthropist recognized for her exceptional leadership and passion to creating positive change for individuals and businesses. With a phenomenal background and over 22 years of expertise in the Payments Industry, she has empowered entities of all sizes in various industries growth and success.


As Founder & CEO of Closeknit Connections, Catrice is influential in empowering individuals and businesses to flourish and prosper. With a passion for strengthening businesses and providing personalized solutions to drive business growth, Catrice has established herself as a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients and has fostered lasting relationships. Her extensive knowledge and innovative approach to sales strategies and consultation have consistently delivered exceptional results, earning her repeated recognition as a top performer.

 
Catrice has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others in the industry. Her dedication to excellence, along with her commitment to staying abreast of the lasted trends and technologies, ensures that her clients receive best-in-class solutions and service tailored to their unique needs. From startups to large enterprise companies throughout the nation, Catrice's unwavering dedication to excellence, customer satisfaction and her proven track record of success make her the go-to choice for entities seeking to optimize their payment processing systems and drive revenue. 


Catrice is also a dynamic networking professional with over two decades of experience in building and nurturing strategic connections. She is a powerhouse in the world of networking with a robust skill set and desire for creating relationships. Catrice utilizes her professional relationships as additional resources for her clients. Catrice is dedicated to uplifting individuals, creating opportunities for success and forging long-lasting closeknit connections. She volunteers and serves on the ETA CPP Committee for Electronic Transactions Association.


Beyond her professional role, Catrice is a proud alumna of The University of Akron. Catrice is a caring and empathetic supporter involved with multiple charitable causes. She volunteers and serves on the Fundraiser Committee for Connecting for Kids, a wonderful non-profit organization that supports families whose children have disabilities and developmental concerns. Catrice also helps individuals in need and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Catrice is intent on improving the various communities she encounters.


Catrice loves being a mom to Gamaliel and Gylan. She is very proud of them and loves them dearly!

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CLOSEKNIT CONNECTIONS

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