Jim Bolek, CPP, is the American Payroll Association’s Region 5 Advisor. He serves as the liaison between APA and local chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Learn more about Jim with our exclusive Q&A session!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am the President and Chief Operating Officer of BASIC Payroll LLC, which is a full-service payroll service bureau that processes payroll for about 1,600 clients nationwide. I am the Vice President of the Aquinas Alumni Leadership Council at my alma mater, Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I currently live in Grandville, Michigan, with my wife, and we have seven children—ages 24, 23, 22, 14, 9, and 7-year-old twins.
How long have you been involved with APA and local chapters?
I have been involved with the APA and the West Michigan Chapter since 2000. I was the West Michigan Chapter president from 2004-2006. I have chaired the Michigan Statewide five times and have been on the statewide planning committee since 2004.
What advice would you like to give to the chapters in your region?
Network and meet other chapter leaders in your state and region. Whatever you are facing has probably been faced several times before, so lean on your peers to share advice and ideas. It is interesting to see how other chapters overcome obstacles. When I was taking over the West Michigan Chapter, I wasn’t too confident in what I was doing. But we tried different things and I had a great sounding board in Barbara Youngman, CPP. Barbara was the Regional Advisor at that time. Her support and knowledge were instrumental in helping our chapter grow into a thriving, successful chapter.
What APA resources would you recommend to the chapters in your region?
The Chapter Relations Department and your Regional Advisors are wonderful resources. The Chapter Relations Department and Board of Advisors are designed to help your chapter succeed. All the resources on the Chapters ‘Grow Your Chapter’ page is a great help! But most of all, be sure to network with other chapter leaders to help each other become stronger chapters.
You are welcome to contact the Regional Advisors directly. We are here to help, mentor, and support your chapter.
Are you a proud chapter leader in Region 5? Introduce yourself to Jim in the comments or send him an email.
Jim Bolek, CPP began his 2-year term as the Region 5 Advisor in May 2020.
