How Tepia Found Real Payroll Support in a Remote, Multi-State World

Before working with A&A Employer Services, Tepia relied on QuickBooks Online Payroll to manage payroll operations. When COVID hit, the company was already navigating the stress of uncertainty, remote work, and business continuity. That stress intensified when new relief programs, including the Employee Retention Credit, became available.Accessing support through QuickBooks during this time proved nearly impossible. Critical payroll and employment documentation was required, yet there was no clear way to speak with a knowledgeable person.“It was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. This was during COVID, when everything already felt overwhelming, and this was money meant to help support our business. Not being able to talk to someone left a really bad taste in my mouth.”What should have been a moment of relief instead became a source of stress, confusion, and delay.

Growth Required Better Service
As Tepia expanded during COVID, the company became fully remote and began hiring employees across multiple states. While the business itself was built for distributed work, payroll compliance quickly became a top priority.Each new hire introduced state and city-specific employment laws, registration requirements, and business ID numbers. Once again, QuickBooks offered little guidance or hands-on help.“There are state laws and city laws, and I had to register as a business in different states. QuickBooks just would not touch it, and it made the process very complicated.”

The lack of service made it clear that automation alone was not enough for a growing, multi-state business.

The Turning Point: Choosing Service Over Software
Through professional networking, Abraham had already built a relationship with Scott at AA Payroll. Before Tepia officially transitioned payroll services, Scott helped by connecting Abraham with a trusted professional who could assist with multi-state business registrations. That support made a lasting impression.“Scott did not try to sell me at all. He just helped me solve the problem,” said Abraham.
Shortly after, the decision became clear.“I told Scott I was ready to give him all of our payroll business. I was done with big tech. Done with automations. Done with faceless entities. I am a small business, and I was excited to support and work with another small business who provides exceptional service.”

Why AA Payroll Was the Right Fit
Tepia is a technology company, but one rooted in professional services. Its team builds custom mobile applications with human intelligence and emotional understanding at the core. That same philosophy shaped Abraham’s expectations for payroll.“I am in professional services. I know what it is like to serve customers. That service side is what is missing from technology sometimes.”AA Payroll delivered exactly that.• Direct access to real people• Immediate responses by phone or email• Guidance through complex, multi-state payroll requirements• A family-owned business that genuinely cares“I really care about Scott’s business and the fact that it is a family business. We are a small business too, and I want to go out of my way to support other small businesses.