Laura is well-versed in all industries and delivers cutting-edge technology options and customizable solutions. Laura’s expertise includes e-commerce, platform integrations, point-of sale systems, QR codes, contactless transactions, commercial card optimization, surcharging and cash discounting, as well as statement analysis. With an extensive career in business development, operations, and marketing, Laura McDaniel creates solutions in the merchant services space by analyzing market challenges and identifying customizable solutions. She regularly leads educational talks on credit card processing with business groups in Spanish and English.
Laura began her career in advertising on Michigan Avenue developing media plans and analyzing test markets for blue chip clients like Proctor & Gamble, Nestle, and Bayer AG at EURO RSCG Tatham. Leaving nearly 10 years later as an Associate Media Director, Laura then took the helm as Operations Director for Evanston non-profit The Musical Offering managing daily accounting, database development, grant reports, payroll, audits, lease negotiation, website evolution, student registration, and board reports for over a decade.
Laura holds a B2 Advanced Certificate in Spanish from the Servicio International de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE) and has served as a bilingual field representative during the 2000 and 2020 US Census. At EPNA, she uses her bilingual skills to help Spanish dominant clients navigate the merchant services space. In the community, Laura continues her 20+ year tradition of teaching Spanish classes to adults and children to build language skills and cross-cultural competencies.
A passionate leader and youth mentor for many years, Laura believes genuine relationship building has been the key to her success in business and life. A co-founder of Evanston’s Community Indoor Farmers Market, Laura wrangles a team of volunteers that manage the market and provide grants to organizations fighting hunger locally and around the globe. Clients consistently recognize Laura’s professionalism, depth of knowledge, and easy-going manner. Laura is a proud member of NAWBO Chicago.
“I have worked with payment processors before where it was very difficult to find answers to my questions. Laura McDaniel was very supportive, having been a bookkeeper herself, and was able to answer all of my questions. She provided help getting us set up too.”
Ted Jackson, Operations Director, Multilingual Connections
“Laura McDaniel is an awesome partner!! From the moment I approached her about being our credit card processor, she was all in. She made sure she got us the best deal from the credit card vendors, got the programming team to create the links for our baskets, donated her time and services to test with me and made sure all the links worked properly – streamlining the shopping experience for our donors. Thank you, Laura, for being a part of our success!”
Noemi Rosa-Axelsen, Leader, Matteson Rotary Club
Laura, you did a phenomenal job! Talking about credit card processing was far from boring with you as our speaker!! 🙂 You took a rainy Friday afternoon and made it fun. Congratulations to EPNA having you on their team.
Sue Kramer Harrawood, Founder, Peace of Mind Virtual Assistants
“The link has been AMAZING! The payments are coming in a lot faster than our old processing of invoicing with a button. Thank you!”
Jessica Reed, Owner, Reed Accounting
“I am enthusiastic about Laura McDaniel and the services she provides. We are completely satisfied with the work she does. Laura has been very helpful with us in everything we need. Laura is one of the nicest people we’ve meet.”
José Zuniga, Owner, Superior Cleaning
