When someone close to Philip Korniotes introduces him, they don’t start with job titles or career highlights. Instead, they might say, “Phil is all about starting a nonprofit called WholeWay to help transition people from recovery to leadership.” That one sentence captures the heart of a man whose work blends purpose, community, and a desire to create real change, starting right here in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Philip is the founder of WholePay, a payment processing company with a very different mission from most. Instead of focusing on profits or corporate perks, WholePay exists to support people and build communities. “WholePay was founded as the commercial enterprise behind WholeWay and Whole Impact Communities,” he explained. “It’s an initiative to bring business owners with shared traditional family values together.”
Unlike many payment companies that prioritize executive lifestyles, Philip says WholePay is committed to something else entirely: giving more. “Most payment companies are funding their leaderships lifestyles while we are focused on giving more,” he said. That commitment to generosity and purpose runs through every part of WholePay’s structure, especially in how it supports WholeWay and Whole Impact.
WholeWay Houses are transitional communities focused on turning lives around. Their goal isn’t just to provide shelter or basic services. It’s to help people heal, grow, and become leaders themselves. “WholeWay Houses is our mission to launch transitional communities focused on building leaders and business owners,” said Philip. “Whole Impact is how we bring people together for community and shared resources.”
To fund these efforts, WholePay redirects the majority of its revenue toward serving others. It’s a model that blends commerce with community, and it’s catching on with small businesses that want their payment fees to go toward something meaningful. “Our affiliate program helps to raise funds for community leaders that have initiatives in serving their audience,” he said. “Our processing fees fund community and transition.”
Philip and his family moved to Tennessee from Massachusetts in 2021. Since then, they’ve been putting down roots in the Upper Cumberland region and have come to love the area. “The location is beautiful but the people make it special,” he shared. That sense of community is part of what makes Cookeville such a natural home for WholePay and the larger mission of WholeWay.
In addition to running a business and launching a nonprofit, the Korniotes family also considers themselves “make-believe farmers.” “We are homesteaders as well,” Philip laughed, “so we support the local agriculture movement, especially the stores that are bringing local products to market and educating the community on why they do things the way they do.” That local-first mindset fits right in with Cookeville’s strong sense of community and neighborly support.
When asked what he wishes more people understood about WholePay, Philip didn’t hesitate. “WholePay is out to serve,” he said simply. And for those wondering if this kind of business model actually works, the answer is yes — and then some. WholePay’s clients often comment on the transparency and genuine care they receive. “Our clients love the commitment to transparency and personal care and support,” said Philip. Even though the WholeWay initiative is still in its early stages, it’s already getting meaningful support from businesses that want their payment fees to go toward something that matters.
While there have been many proud moments along the way, it’s often the small, unseen ones that stand out the most to Philip. “There are all of the little moments when we step in for our clients in a moment of need that remind us what we do is important,” he said. “We are the grease in the wheels of commerce for small businesses and we really care.”
And what does the future hold? For Philip, seeing the first WholeWay House become a reality is at the top of his bucket list. That dream of providing a place where people can recover, grow, and lead is what drives him every day. “Seeing our first WholeWay house,” he said, “that’s it.”
For those who want to get involved or learn more, it’s easy to take the first step. “Hop on my calendar at wholepay.org/schedule,” said Philip.
Even in the middle of meaningful work, Philip keeps things lighthearted when he can. When asked what animal he would be, he laughed and shared what his kids told him: “a monkey/bear.” That mix of playful and strong feels just about right for someone working to shift the landscape of business and recovery at the same time.
WholePay isn’t just another payment company. It’s a movement with heart. And here in Cookeville, it’s laying the groundwork for something much bigger than transactions. It’s about transformation.
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