I admire the Giving Pledge’s mission of using wealth to make the world a better place. Being part of something bigger than my accomplishments – and committing to support sustainable nonprofits that have a lasting impact on the missions they serve – are both of great importance to me and my family.

Growing up in Tuttle, Oklahoma, I learned that if I wanted something, I had to work hard for it. That upbringing gave me a do-for-yourself-and-others spirit, and I am very grateful for that.

In high school, I started my first business hauling hay. As a young entrepreneur, I learned early on that you have to work hard, honor your commitments and surround yourself with good people because no one does it alone. That mentality put me in the position I am today, giving me the opportunity to help others, through both the Green Shoe Foundation and the Richison Family Foundation.

In 1998, I founded Paycom, and have been dedicated to making life easier for businesses and the American worker ever since. At Paycom, we have a philanthropic spirit and are committed to serving those in the communities we call home. Long ago, this company surpassed anything I could have achieved alone, and our accomplishments are the sum of everyone’s efforts.

Paycom is my life’s profession, but the Green Shoe Foundation and what it stands for is my life’s purpose. In 2015, I launched the Green Shoe, which focuses on one’s life experiences prior to the age of 19. At Green Shoe, licensed therapists guide functioning adults through a one-week retreat devoted to helping them reconcile childhood traumas so they can live a life of peace and maturity. Participants reserve their spot with a small fee and are credited their money back when they complete the program, making it free to all who finish. And more than 99% of all participants finish. This is sustainable work that can have a lasting impact for generations.

Through the Richison Family Foundation, my family has given to many sustainable organizations supporting education, health, foster care and other mental health initiatives.

My hope is this commitment inspires others and demonstrates that what we can achieve in life is only limited to our imagination and when we do good deeds, the whole world unites to help us.