Erik Helgesen is a builder, a visionary, and the engine behind PayMore Stores’ explosive growth. Honored as the “Most Innovative Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, 2025” by the CToday Awards, Erik has redefined how modern retail can operate at the intersection of e-commerce, sustainability, and human connection. As President and Co-founder of PayMore Stores, his journey blends real-world grit with next-gen thinking, anchored in authenticity and foresight.

A Career Forged by Experience, Not Just Ambition

Erik’s path wasn’t linear, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. He came from the tech world, moving through roles in enterprise software sales and teaching e-commerce strategy before ever launching a storefront. Those roles might seem unrelated, but they became the perfect foundation for what would follow: the creation of PayMore’s proprietary tech systems and operational model. Before building the platform, Erik ran a PayMore store himself for nearly a decade, learning firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and what franchisees would truly need at scale. That blend of hands-on experience and tech-driven thinking is what now sets PayMore apart in a competitive, fast-evolving industry.

Values at the Center of Every Decision & Recognition Beyond Titles

At the core of Erik’s leadership philosophy lies a simple but powerful belief: treat people like family. From long-time franchisees who’ve opened hundreds of stores to first-time entrepreneurs with tech-savvy instincts, Erik brings honesty, loyalty, and respect to every interaction. His values don’t bend with scale; they scale with the business. In a room full of partners, customers, or potential investors, he leads with sincerity and shows up for people as much as for the product. That human-centered approach has been critical in building trust, empowering others, and creating a business where people genuinely care about the mission.

For Erik, recognition isn’t about trophies; it’s about watching a dream become reality. “We started with a tiny secondhand shop on Long Island,” he says, “and now we’re in three countries with 600 units in development.” That kind of growth isn’t just impressive, it’s deeply personal. To Erik, success is watching franchisees build generational wealth, pursue independence, and turn recycled electronics into sustainable futures. That impact is the reward.

Leading Through Disruption & Wisdom for the Next Generation

Erik sees cross-industry innovation not as a threat, but as a force multiplier. AI has already supercharged PayMore’s operations, making backend systems faster and smarter. Sustainability is embedded in the model, reselling electronics diverts waste, extends product lifecycles, and gives consumers ethical choices. Behavioral economics plays a role too: people want to upgrade tech, get cash fast, or avoid the retail markup. Erik’s vision has always aligned with those real-world behaviors, and his model fits, no matter the market climate.

When Erik advises rising entrepreneurs, he cuts through the noise: “Build your business like it’s already the 10-year version of your dream.” Don’t skip research, ignore advice, or chase shortcuts. Instead, prepare systems for scale now. As for the future? Erik is clear-eyed: those who harness technology, especially AI, will have the edge. Fear won’t build the future. Adaptability and mastery will.