the background

Muschlitz Excavating, a Pennsylvania-based construction and excavation company, manages a high volume of vendor and subcontractor payments across multiple projects.

With strong vendor relationships at the core of its operations, speed, accuracy, and reliability in accounts payable (AP) are critical.

Prior to REPAY, the AP process was highly manual and heavily reliant on paper checks.

"We were paying a large majority of our vendors by check. It was very time-consuming." — Brittany Vanwhy, AP Manager, Muschlitz Excavating

Printing, signing, stuffing, and mailing checks created operational inefficiencies amid increasing concerns around check fraud and payment security.

"I stopped putting checks in USPS blue boxes because people were stealing them. Some of these checks were huge." —Brittany Vanwhy

the Solution

The team started seeking ways to simplify processes and reduce AP burden, while maintaining strong vendor relationships. Referred by a partner, Muschlitz implemented REPAY to manage vendor payments across ACH, virtual card, and check within its existing system.

The goal wasn't just automation — it was improving efficiency while maintaining the integrity of vendor relationships.

"We needed something to help us expedite payments and get away from as many checks as possible." — Brittany Vanwhy

Key elements of the solution:

  - Centralized payment execution through REPAY
  - Vendor enrollment and maintenance handled on Muschlitz's behalf
  - Shift from paper checks to electronic payments
  - Reduced fraud risk with more secure payment channels

Importantly, Muschlitz maintained flexibility, prioritizing vendor preferences rather than forcing payment types.

"As long as we're doing what the vendors want… that's what's important for us." — Irina Kirsanova, CFO, Muschlitz Excavating

the result

Significant Reduction in Manual Work

The AP team eliminated time-intensive check processes.

"It saves a lot of time. We don't have to print, stuff, and mail checks anymore." — Brittany Vanwhy

2025 Value Delivered:

 - 700 Hours Saved

 - $30 Saved Per Hour

 - $23,100 Total Time Savings

Improved Security and Fraud Mitigation

By reducing reliance on paper checks, Muschlitz minimized exposure to fraud risks tied to mailed payments.

"Fraud was becoming a real issue. After a vendor experienced an expensive fraud incident, we decided to move all our payments to REPAY." — Brittany Vanwhy

Increased Payment Efficiency at Scale

In 2025 alone, Muschlitz processed:

  - $39M+ in payments

  - Across 441 active vendors

Despite seasonal volume spikes and large, project-based payments, the AP process remained manageable and scalable.

Operational Impact

By offloading payment execution and vendor outreach to REPAY, the AP team reduced administrative burden and was able to focus on higher-value tasks. There were no more trips to the post office to send checks.

Stronger Vendor Relationships

Maintaining flexibility in payment methods helped preserve critical vendor relationships. Faster, more reliable payments also strengthened trust and improved negotiating leverage.

"Because vendors are getting paid more quickly, we have stronger relationships which actually helps us negotiate contracts and serve them better." — Irina Kirsanova

closing insight