Ivybrook Academy Finds Trust and Loyalty with Netchex Payroll Services

Kevin Drucker operates one of Ivybrook Academy’s many campuses across the country, each one rooted in the belief that children thrive when they’re nurtured in a community that celebrates their individuality, creativity, and curiosity. Ivybrook blends elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Multiple Intelligences into a progressive model that prepares students to be compassionate citizens. But running a vibrant school requires more than just a solid curriculum. It also requires smooth, trust-building operations that work behind the scenes.

Previously using Paychex for payroll, instead of support, Kevin got silence. Instead of solutions, he got wait times. And instead of confidence, he was constantly second guessing whether the system was working at all. As he put it plainly:

Payroll is one of the few things you can’t afford to get wrong in a school setting; when it’s off, your people notice immediately. And when your payroll provider makes things harder instead of easier, it becomes a liability you can’t keep managing.

Kevin knew he needed to make a change, and that’s when he found Netchex.

Making the switch to a new payroll provider can be stressful, especially for a busy campus administrator balancing a million tasks. But Kevin’s onboarding process with Netchex was anything but stressful. That’s thanks to Josh Cardinale, the Implementation Project Lead, who handled his transition in 2021. Josh walked Kevin through the setup step by step, bringing a level of care and clarity that Paychex had never delivered.

Payroll, which had once felt like a burden he dreaded, suddenly became a non-issue.Dedicated to optimizing their payroll process, Ivybrook turned to our experts in Implementation once again—this time to Katilynn Koeppel. She didn’t just help Kevin get things done. She made the process smooth, manageable, and even enjoyable. In his words:

At a time when Kevin was pulled in every direction, Katilynn brought order, consistency, and calm. She became the kind of go-to resource every small business owner hopes for— but rarely finds.

What impressed Kevin most wasn’t just that Katilynn showed up when he needed her. It’s that she always seemed two steps ahead.

Whether he was distracted, busy, or unsure about next steps, Katilynn stayed grounded and supportive. She listened first, answered clearly, and always prioritized doing things right the first time. Kevin didn’t have to chase her down or repeat himself across departments. With Netchex, he had a direct line to someone who understood his business and cared about getting it right.

And she didn’t just check boxes. She respected how Kevin preferred to run his business. That level of partnership made her feel more like a team member than a service rep.

When you’re running a school, payroll isn’t just paperwork. It’s a direct reflection of leadership. If paychecks are late, wrong, or inconsistent, employees notice. Morale suffers. Trust erodes. That’s why Kevin doesn’t take payroll lightly. And why Netchex has been such a difference-maker.

That feeling of being seen and supported (not just ticketed and queued) is what sets Netchex apart. It’s what turns payroll from a source of stress into something Kevin doesn’t have to worry about.

And it’s not just about keeping Kevin happy. When payroll runs smoothly, it builds employee trust and that trust is essential in education, where connection and consistency are everything.

Kevin summed it up best: “With Netchex, I’ve never felt the need to switch providers.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from flashy features. It comes from real support, real people, and real impact. With Netchex, Kevin isn’t stuck in a help desk loop. He’s supported by a team that listens, responds, and actually improves his day.

For Ivybrook Academy, Netchex has delivered not only operational efficiency but peace of mind, giving Kevin more time to focus on what matters most: building a thriving school community. And for anyone who’s still struggling with inconsistent service, he has one thing to say:

For Kevin and Ivybrook Academy, Netchex has proven to be a trusted partner that shows up, listens, and delivers. From the initial onboarding support to day-to-day dedication, every interaction reinforced what Kevin values most: real people who care about doing things right.

For businesses that believe customer service should be personal, not performative (and who want a payroll solution built for trust, not just transactions) Netchex delivers. And for Ivybrook Academy, that partnership continues to make all the difference