He Wanted More Time With His Son. So He Built a Second Income | Walid Ali

Walid Ali built a credit card processing business to stop depending on overtime. With 22 approved merchant accounts, the police sergeant shares how he reclaimed roughly 40 to 50 hours a month for his son, his health, and life outside work.

On this Mentee Fridays episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Walid Ali of Legendary Payment Systems to discuss building residual income while working full time in law enforcement.

Shortly after getting promoted to sergeant, Walid herniated two discs in his back and spent about five weeks out of work. His salary continued, but the overtime pay he had built his lifestyle around disappeared. After more than a decade on the job, he realized how much his income depended on his ability to keep showing up for extra shifts.

Walid explains how he started his merchant services business in March 2025, worked around overnight shifts and his son’s school schedule, and grew to 22 approved accounts. He shares what he learned about approaching business owners, handling rejection, earning referrals, and providing service that gives clients a reason to stay.

The conversation also gets personal. Walid discusses losing 60 pounds over a year and a half, making room for rest and family, and whether he would ever leave the career he had always wanted.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The injury that exposed his dependence on overtime pay

• Why he chose credit card processing and merchant services

• Helping business owners explore ways to reduce processing costs

• Building a business around night shifts and parenting

• Why rejection and overthinking hold beginners back

• How small accounts can lead to bigger referrals

• Reclaiming time for his son, sleep, and health

• Building the option to retire early without rushing the decision

CONNECT WITH WALID ALI:

Legendary Payment Systems

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_payment_systems/

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If you could get 40 hours back every month, what would you do with them? Tell us in the comments, and share this episode with a first responder or someone working overtime to get ahead.

#TheLevelUpPodcast #WalidAli #MerchantServices