Work With James 1 on 1 in 2026
A 12-Month Implementation Partnership to Build a Vertical Payments + Software Portfolio
Generic merchant services is being replaced by vertical software with embedded payments. This program exists to help experienced agents adapt before their portfolios erode.
This is a premium, application-only program with limited capacity.

Work With James 1 on 1 in 2026
A 12-Month Implementation Partnership to Build a Vertical Payments + Software Portfolio
Generic merchant services is being replaced by vertical software with embedded payments. This program exists to help experienced agents adapt before their portfolios erode.
This is a premium, application-only program with limited capacity.

Why This Is an Asset - Not Just More Residuals
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$5k/month
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40x multiple
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Portfolio Comparison
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Generic portfolio (low multiple, churn risk)
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Vertical portfolio (sticky, sellable)
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Not all residual income is equal. Vertical portfolios command dramatically higher multiples.
Why This Is an Asset - Not Just More Residuals
-
$5k/month
-
40x multiple
-
Portfolio Comparison
-
Generic portfolio (low multiple, churn risk)
-
Vertical portfolio (sticky, sellable)
-
Not all residual income is equal. Vertical portfolios command dramatically higher multiples.
The Opportunity for 2026
The agents who stay general in 2026 will see increasing churn, tighter margins, and more competition from software companies that own the merchant relationship. Those who commit to verticals now are building defensible portfolios that grow every month.
Agents who stay general will face declining margins, rising churn, and increasing competition from software companies that own the merchant relationship.
This Is Not a Course
This is a 12-month implementation partnership with James Shepherd.
The focus is on helping you:
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You’ll know exactly which vertical is right for your experience and network.
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You’ll have a software + payments partnership that gives you leverage, not competition.
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You’ll have a repeatable demo and sales process that wins in your vertical.
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You’ll have a plan to close your first 50 deals and scale beyond.
This program is built for professionals who are serious about making a meaningful investment in their long-term portfolio.
This Is Not a Course
Vertical Sales Mastery is a 12-month implementation partnership with James Shepherd.
This is not a course.
This is a 12-month implementation partnership with James Shepherd.
The focus is on helping you:
-
You’ll know exactly which vertical is right for your experience and network.
-
You’ll have a software + payments partnership that gives you leverage, not competition.
-
You’ll have a repeatable demo and sales process that wins in your vertical.
-
You’ll have a plan to close your first 50 deals and scale beyond.
This program is built for professionals who are serious about making a meaningful investment in their long-term portfolio.
How Vertical Sales Mastery Is Delivered
Participants will meet with James one-on-one each month, along with weekly group sessions and structured support materials that make the execution process clear and achievable
Choosing the Right Vertical for You
Software & Payments Partnership Strategy
Vertical-Specific Offer Creation
Building Your First 50 Vertical Deals
Direct Feedback on Real Deals
Long-Term Portfolio Scaling
If you want access to someone who has built multiple vertical software ecosystems, directs over 50+ software developers, and understands both payments and SaaS inside and out, this is your chance.
Who this Program Is For
This program is built for agents and small ISOs who:
This Is For
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This Is NOT For
|
If you want to build something that lasts, you are the right fit.
Who this Program Is For
This program is built for agents and small ISOs who:
This Is For
- Experienced merchant sales professionals
- ISO owners focused on growth in 2026
- Agents ready to specialize in one vertical
- Operators who want to build a sellable asset
This Is NOT For
- New agents
- People looking for passive income
- Anyone unwilling to focus on one vertical at a time
- Anyone uncomfortable with software and change
If you want to build something that lasts, you are the right fit.

Why This Works
This program is based on the same framework James uses to build and scale vertical SaaS companies inside the Full Stack ecosystem. The process is proven, execution-focused, and designed to help agents move from scattered prospecting to a defensible, high-value portfolio.
Why This Works
This program is based on the same framework James uses to build and scale vertical SaaS companies inside the Full Stack ecosystem. The process is proven, execution-focused, and designed to help agents move from scattered prospecting to a defensible, high-value portfolio.
This Vertical Sales Mastery is a premium, high-touch program with Limited Capacity
The monthly investment for the program is $2,995 per month
ThisVertical Sales Mastery is a premium, high-touch program with Limited Capacity
The monthly investment for the program is $2,995 per month
Limited Availability for the First 40 Participants
This program is capped at 40 participants for the 2026 cohort. We are speaking with agents and small ISOs on a first come first served basis, and once the first 40 seats are filled, enrollment will close. If you want to explore whether this program is a fit for your goals and whether you qualify for one of the available seats, now is the right time to schedule your introductory call. Once the cohort is full, we will begin a waitlist.
Limited Availability for the First 40 Participants
This program is capped at 40 participants for the 2026 cohort. We are speaking with agents and small ISOs on a first come first served basis, and once the first 40 seats are filled, enrollment will close. If you want to explore whether this program is a fit for your goals and whether you qualify for one of the available seats, now is the right time to schedule your introductory call. Once the cohort is full, we will begin a waitlist.
Ready to Explore Vertical Sales Mastery?
Apply to explore whether Vertical Sales Mastery is a fit.
All applications are reviewed before calls are scheduled.
Capacity is limited to the first 40 accepted participants.
Ready to Explore Vertical Sales Mastery?
Apply to explore whether Vertical Sales Mastery is a fit.
All applications are reviewed before calls are scheduled.
Capacity is limited to the first 40 accepted participants.
