About Us

At Redwood Payroll, we specialize exclusively in payroll — and we’ve been doing it for decades.

We're a small, family-run business dedicated to providing efficient, affordable, and accurate payroll solutions tailored to small businesses. Our team combines personalized service with the powerful capabilities of SwiftPay software, which we now proudly own and support.

Our History

Our journey began in 2005, when we purchased an existing payroll service. For nine years, we ran the business successfully before selling it in 2014 and taking a brief detour to work as workers’ compensation auditors.

But payroll was always our passion, and in 2017, we returned to it full time.

In 2018, we stepped in to support the clients of Dan, the founder of Petaluma Payroll, after his sudden passing. We purchased the business from his family, continuing the legacy he began decades ago.

The Legacy of Petaluma Payroll & SwiftPay

Dan’s story goes all the way back to 1982, when he launched his first payroll service — The Computer Company — in St. Helena, California. He was an early pioneer in payroll automation, using an Alpha Micro computer and hiring programmers to customize software that could handle payroll efficiently.

In 1986, Dan evolved the concept, hiring Jim to develop a system that allowed multiple payroll processing centers to operate independently using his software. Over the years, centers were established across California, Oregon, and Nevada — from Santa Cruz to Chico, and from Eugene to Carson City.

Eventually, Dan sold the business to Dave, who rebranded it as Payroll Masters and expanded the client base to over 1,500 businesses. Meanwhile, the original software continued to evolve under the contintued care of Jim, the original programmer. Dave also added another programmer, Steve.

After a long journey through industry changes, economic downturns, and the retirement of major players, the software lived on. In 2022, Swift Payroll, Inc. was formed to support and maintain the software.

We have always used SwiftPay software in our payroll operations, and as of August 1, 2025, we’ve acquired full ownership of the Swift Payroll, Inc. This means even more control, flexibility, and stability for our clients.

You can learn more at swiftpayroll.net.

Meet the Team

Though we're small in size, each member of our team plays a big role in delivering reliable service to our clients.

• Virginia – Owner & Director
  Virginia, Jim's daughter, leads Redwood Payroll and is the primary point of contact for all clients. With over a decade of experience, she brings a deep understanding of payroll processes and a hands-on approach to client service.
• Rick – Payroll Data Specialist
  Rick handles much of the payroll data entry and ensures every detail is accurate. His precision and dedication keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
• Back Office Support
  Our son handles the back office for us. From packaging to shipping, he keeps the processing moving and on schedule.
• Office Assistant
  Our daughter assists with internal operations and is responsible for handling automatic payrolls and other office tasks, so we can stay responsive and efficient.

Our Mission

We focus on helping small businesses handle payroll without the stress or cost of a large provider. That’s why we’ve partnered with Granite Insurance to offer E-Comp — a pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation solution — and provide a web-based timekeeping system for easier, more integrated payroll processing.

Let’s Work Together

We’re here to make payroll easy, accurate, and affordable — with real people behind the process.