Business Communications and Timeline: 2015-2022

Here is a detailed timeline of the main events covered in the sources, followed by a cast of characters:

Detailed Timeline

2015

• April 18, 2015: J.D. Oder downloads the new First Data P2PE manual from the partners portal, noting it is “awesome” and will be used to build their solution document.
• August 1, 2015: J.D. Oder communicates having a “new product that will put us on the map” and mentions having people who can get it done fast.

2016

• January 18, 2016: R. Draper texts J. Draper about a meeting with Creditcall regarding a potential acquisition.
• February 5, 2016: J. Draper texts R. Draper to send a nondisclosure agreement to a new Shift4 email address.
• June 21, 2016: Text messages between J. Mont and another individual about hearing about a “tunnel.”
• June 30, 2016: Jared Isaacman texts J.R. Oko about believing in right and wrong and having influence, power, and control. J.R. Oko asks Jared if he is okay. Jared mentions he is a mess and will research the Rosicrucians.
• July 6, 2016: Text exchange between J. Isaacman and a redacted individual regarding a task and issues with “Will,” who is described as lazy and a liar.
• August 29, 2016: J. David Oder emails Randy L. Miskanic and J. Andre Knowles with a “to do list” that includes calling BofA/First Data to give 30-day notice, talking to legal about fallout from First Data, and finalizing a deal with TSYS.

2017

• March 6-7, 2017: Text exchange between J. Isaacman and an individual with the number XXX-XXX-5581. J. Isaacman mentions “Big problems with the instacartel” and asks for help.
• March 7-9, 2017: Text exchange between J. Isaacman and R. Litle discussing getting “ahead of it” and being “still aligned.”
• March 14, 2017: J.D.L. texts J.R.Olavely asking if he follows what a redacted individual is trying to understand, noting a disconnect.
• March 22-23, 2017: Text exchange between J. Isaacman and R. Litle discussing getting a contact and wanting to “nail that one too.”
• June 13, 2017: Text exchange between JD and a redacted individual, where Dan is cited as accusing JD and another redacted person of taking accounts from reps.
• June 21, 2017: Text exchange between J.D. Oder II and Randy Iscovich where Oder asks “Fire?” and Iscovich replies “Thinking about it.”
• June 23, 2017: J.D. Oder II texts John Shutter regarding a perceived breach and being careful with a redacted individual.
• June 30, 2017: J.D. Oder forwards an email to Adriana Ioli and Jared Isaacman regarding revenue recognition issues at a third party impacting Q2 and Q3 numbers. Sam Warne sends an email to Jared Isaacman and JD Oder titled “Pay@Table Notes.”
• July 26, 2017 (on or about): Shift4 and CardConnect enter into an agreement, becoming partners.
• July 28, 2017: J.R. Ranalli describes to an individual (likely the person testifying) a method using Shift4’s 4Go product and a new application called Token ID to intercept and remove sensitive information from credit card terminal messages, which the individual recognizes as CardConnect’s patented technology.
• August 23, 2017: During a deposition, an individual cannot recall what “it” referred to when mentioning Jared Isaacman would do “it” down the shore with other employees.
• August 25, 2017: R. Isaacman texts “Sure and yes” to J. Isaacman.
• August 27, 2017: J. Isaacman texts R. Isaacman about finding a good time to talk. R. Isaacman replies he is awake. J. Isaacman later texts about going to Wawa and being back in 15 minutes to talk. J. Andreoli emails a redacted individual with the subject “Soprano’s special” and requests information about the verbiage used when a card deal was discussed at a partner advisory meeting.
• September 8, 2017: J.D. Order II asks Nate Hirshberg if “ROCK” ever got the other TYSYS office space.
• September 11, 2017: Jared Isaacman emails Randy Dobkin (copied to Taylor) about 3Delta Systems, stating they will “pull them all out and we’re going to make an enemy of them” due to concealed information about concentration on First Data. He mentions the “underworld is pretty small.”
• September 25, 2017: Text exchange between JS and JI. JI is asked if Jared is present. Discussions about a concern and timing. JI advises JS to delete a message.
• October 21, 2017: Jared Isaacman emails Ryon Packer asking him to call the next day for clarification on something.
• October 27, 2017: Jared Isaacman texts Ryon Packer asking him to call when he can tomorrow for clarification.
• November 2, 2017: J. Isaacman texts R. Isaacman about having a “really big decision to make.”
• November 9, 2017: J. Isaacman texts an individual with the number XXX-XXX-4717.
• November 17-18, 2017: Text exchange between J. Andreoli Jr. and Mr. Isaccman. Andreoli Jr. asks Isaacman to chime in on a call. Isaacman replies, “Any time, brother, love you and have that fraternal bond, no matter.”

2018

• February 13-14, 2018: Text exchange between J. Andreoli Jr. and “Me” (likely Jared Isaacman based on context). They attempt to connect for a chat.
• April 25, 2018: Text messages involving Mike Russo and Brian Ward. A message from J. Isaacman to Mike Russo states, “For f sake. I don’t have time for this Mike. You can use our software but not distribute it. How many times do I have to say it.” This message appears not to have been delivered. Another message from Isaacman to Russo asks if Shift4 intends to do anything more than use Card Connect software internally, to which there is no response.
• June 3, 2018: J.D. Oder, II emails Tom Ward regarding “CLG.” Ward advises against sending something as it will cause major issues. Oder states he will protect and not cause issues.
• June 29, 2018: Randy Miskanic emails JD Oder, Jared Isaacman, and Michael Isaacman expressing commitment to their mission regarding “PROJECT FALCON.” JD Oder replies “Amen Brother!!!!!”. Taylor Lavery emails Jered Isaacman asking if he can be quoted on “40 bps.” Jered Isaacman replies “Yes.”
• July 24, 2018: Dan Clivner emails Samir Jauhar (copied to others at Evercore) with a draft engagement letter for “Project Bolt.”
• July 27, 2018: J. Mont texts a redacted individual, checking in and asking if they want him to try and work something out before sending a letter. J পৠরতিবনৠধকতা R3 (likely J.R.O.) emails J.D. Oder and Daniel Montell regarding Oracle, mentioning issues with sold/installed items outside a list, unpaid new items, the possibility of walking away, and wanting the “final ask on this for the bribe.”
• August 6, 2018: J.R.O. texts a redacted individual. The redacted individual replies they will get a “wiseguy” on it and may bring in another, mentioning “Harbortouch and First Data.”
• August 8, 2018: J.D. Oder, II emails Jared Isaacman asking him to approve his Amex. Isaacman confirms it is done.
• August 9, 2018: Samir Jauhar emails JRI (Jared Isaacman) with a draft markup to the engagement letter, highlighting the tail as a key open item and noting the high likelihood and strategic nature of a transaction. JRI replies, confirming and stating thanks.
• August 10, 2018: Jared Isaacman emails J.D. Oder, II stating he plans to reference something in both depositions and isn’t sure if Oder wants to use it.
• August 27, 2018: J.R.O. forwards an email regarding “Harbortouch and First Data” to J.D.L. and a redacted individual.
• December 9, 2018: Text exchange between Jared Isaacman and J.D. Oder, II regarding an offer (He is at 11.5) and strategy. Oder mentions Kyle and a ROFR at Isaacman’s price. Isaacman agrees not to respond further.
• Undated (mentioned in testimony April 25, 2018): Text message from J.D. Oder to Isaac Manning stating, “I’m cracking their Masonic cipher now.” Oder testifies this was a joke.

2019

• January 15, 2019: Text exchange between J.I.D. and R.I. discussing “philosophical society” as code word for “B.” J.I.D. states B. will do whatever he tells him to do. A text from B. asks what the philosophical society is, confirming it’s “You, me and R.?” and referencing “The good old days.”
• February 6, 2019: Text exchange between J. Andreoli and J.R. Isaacson. Isaacson sends messages to disregard and apologizes for being a “dumb ass.” Later, Isaacson states he has “all of their toys in my possession” and plans on “going nuclear on friday,” asking Andreoli to keep an eye on emails.
• April 3, 2019: Jared Isaacman texts Andreoli asking him to ask about the FSA.
• April 21, 2019: Text exchange between Andreoli and Jared Isaacman. Andreoli states, “I have had it… I am going to quit,” citing dealing with various issues. Isaacman replies he understands and it’s probably “2 years overdue.”
• May 9, 2019: Text messages with phone numbers +14845575827 and +16105734876. One party states they cannot make a commitment and needs assistance. Text exchange involving “Owl + pyramid + 33.”
• May 19, 2019: Text exchange between J. David Oder and J.R.O. Oder sends a redacted message and asks if J.R.O. is on board after that. J.R.O. replies “Yup” and “Ok with me.”
• August 14, 2019: J.D. Oder II forwards an email to a redacted recipient (copied to Jared Isaacman, Taylor Lavery, Nate Hirshberg, and Nick) regarding “HT – DOLLARS ON THE NET – Merchant Request.” Nick replies he will look into it.
• August 16, 2019: Nate H. emails J.R.O. with a “Draft CR.” Nate H. later emails J.R.O. stating “FYI Rock is getting acquired by someone else.”
• August 29, 2019: Text messages with phone numbers +14845575827 and +16105734876. One party sends “??”
• October 25, 2019: Text exchange between Oder and a redacted individual. Oder states he can make something happen and is working on it. He later instructs the individual to meet downstairs, not text, and use a “Burner phone.” Oder also texts about needing to get a burner phone.

2020

• February 26, 2020: Sam Minkoff texts J. Angelo Stio asking for his copy of “project ocean” and joking about Stio having “sugar daddy money now and retired to an island.” Stio replies he is traveling back from the Bahamas and will send something when he is back at the office.
• May 27, 2020: Matt Goulet emails JRI (Jared Isaacman) with an invoice and a question about monthly gateway fees. JRI forwards this to Daniel K. and Mike.
• August 28, 2020: Text message exchange between JI and JD, where JI states, “I don’t like the tone of this” and “lot more weight coming from you.”
• October 14, 2020: Text exchange between Sam and another individual. Sam asks to grab lunch and suggests Wegman’s.
• October 21, 2020: J. Darrell Street texts a redacted individual about speaking to another redacted individual who deflected blame and pushed the “mkultra project” onto him, stating he doesn’t want to put the rest in writing.
• October 22, 2020: J. Darrell Street texts about being available for a conference call. He later texts he may need to reschedule as his wife found positive tests for the kids.

2021

• June 15, 2021: J.D. Oder II emails Mike Sommers (copied to Jordan Frankel, Michael Isaacman, and Taylor Lavery) asking if there are kickers for sales reps who close a Shift4Shop deal. Sommers replies he doesn’t know of any but thinks they could and leaves it up to them.
• October 8, 2021: J. Darrell Street texts “Thanks rock. Will do” and mentions speaking to a redacted individual, offering to fill in the blanks on a call.

2022

• Undated (in transcript): Lou Russo and Jared Isaacman discuss MOD Pizza. Russo states they had them, they went to First Data, and are now coming back to Isaacman. Isaacman clarifies that Shift4 is not doing the processing but is “all over it.” They discuss “taking shots” at each other in the competitive landscape. Isaacman states he doesn’t care about customers at Fiserv but a Shift4 gateway customer is different.

Cast of Characters

This list includes principle people mentioned by name in the provided sources, along with brief bios based on the information given.

• Jared Isaacman (J. Isaacman, JRI, Jered Isaacman, J.R. Isaacson, JI, J.I.D.): Identified as CEO (Page 45 of Document 131-4 deposition excerpt). Involved in numerous text and email exchanges regarding business deals, acquisitions (“Project Bolt,” “Project Ocean,” “Rock”), internal company matters, relationships with other companies (CardConnect, First Data, 3Delta Systems, Oracle, TSYS, BofA, Fiserv), employee interactions, and personal reflections (“right and wrong,” “good and evil,” “influence, power and control”). Appears to have a close relationship with J. Andreoli Jr. and J.D. Oder, referring to a “fraternal bond.” Involved in discussions about “artificial volume” and Gematria/Kabbalah.
• J.D. Oder (J.D. Oder II, J. David Oder, J.D. Order II, J. D. Oder, JDO, JD, J.D.L., joder, jddod2@gmail.com, jodert@shift4.com): Involved in communications regarding Oracle, account management, inflated processing volume, interactions with other companies (CardConnect, First Data, BofA, TSYS), internal Shift4 matters (revenue recognition issues, Shift4Shop deals), and discussions about sensitive topics (“burner phone,” “Masonic cipher”). Testifies about conversations with Jared Isaacman regarding inflated volume. Appears to have a close relationship with Jared Isaacman, referring to a “fraternal bond.” Mentions meeting in a “dark parking lot” and concerns about non-competes. Discusses “VITRIOL” and makes jokes about the “Masonic cipher.”
• J. Andreoli Jr. (J.R. Andreoli, Andreoli, J. Andreoli Jr., J. Andre Knowles, J): Involved in text and email communications with Jared Isaacman and others. Appears to have a close relationship with Jared Isaacman, describing a “fraternal bond.” Expresses frustration with “tests,” “telemarketing,” “corporate drama,” and “legal stuff,” leading him to consider quitting. Involved in discussions about a “card deal” and “Soprano’s special.” Receives an email about a new spec and deployment.
• Nate Hirshberg (Nate H., nhirshberg@shift4.com, Nate): Involved in email and text communications. Provides updates on “Rock” being acquired. Appears to have conversations with J.D. Oder regarding TSYS office space. Mentioned in relation to Gematria and Kabbalah, described as a “persuasive guy” who believes in these concepts.
• Samir Jauhar (Samir): Involved in emails regarding “Project Bolt” and a draft engagement letter with Evercore. Discusses a “tail” provision in the agreement and the high likelihood of a transaction.
• Dan Clivner (dan@mcderm.com): Involved in emails regarding “Project Bolt” and a draft engagement letter from McDermott.
• Lance Taylor (lance.taylor@evercore.com): Cc’d on emails regarding “Project Bolt.”
• Jason Sobol (jason.sobol@evercore.com): Cc’d on emails regarding “Project Bolt.”
• Neil O’Donnell (neil.odonnell@evercore.com): Cc’d on emails regarding “Project Bolt.”
• Paul Petraglia (petraglia@mcderm.com): Cc’d on emails regarding “Project Bolt.”
• Daniel Montell (dmontell@shift4.com): Cc’d on an email regarding Oracle and the possibility of a bribe.
• Randy Iscovich: Involved in a text exchange with J.D. Oder II where Oder asks “Fire?”
• John Shutter (JS): Involved in text exchanges with J.D. Oder II regarding a perceived breach and with JI regarding a concern and timing. Discusses potential issues with a non-compete.
• Sami: Sends an email to “all.” (Email exhibit 59). Also mentioned in relation to J.D. Oder’s text messages. Possibly the same person as Sam Minkoff.
• Sam Minkoff (Sam): Texts J. Angelo Stio asking for a copy of “project ocean” and jokes about Stio’s wealth.
• J. Angelo Stio (J. Angelo Stio III, Sam to me): Receives a text message from Sam Minkoff about “project ocean” and “sugar daddy money.” Testifies about this text exchange.
• Randy Dobkin (Randy): The chief/main person at 3Delta mentioned in an email from Jared Isaacman about pulling business and making an enemy.
• Taylor (Taylor Vaughn, tlavery@cardconnect.com, tlavery@shift4.com, Taylor Lavery): Appears to be involved in various communications, including texts with Brenner and J. Isaacman. Cc’d on emails. Is asked if Jared is present. Involved in a text exchange about a “fraternal bond” with Isaacman. Emails Jared Isaacman asking if he can be quoted on “40 bps.” Cc’d on an email about Shift4Shop deals.
• Brenner (JRB): Involved in text messages with Taylor Vaughn and J. Isaacman, proposing a conversation with them, Andre, and perhaps Franklyn. Describes himself as a “sensitive dude.” Has a difficult day.
• Franklyn (FTV): Mentioned by Brenner as someone he would like to have a conversation with.
• J. Draper: Involved in text messages with R. Draper. Testifies about these messages and a meeting with Creditcall.
• R. Draper (Rush, Mr. R. Draper): Involved in text messages with J. Draper regarding a potential acquisition by Creditcall.
• Jeff Shanahan: Identified by J. Draper as an executive at Card Connect.
• Angelo Greco: Identified by J. Draper as an executive at Card Connect. J. Draper believes he may have met him once a long time ago.
• Patrick Shanahan: Identified by J. Draper as an executive at Card Connect.
• J. Mont: Involved in text messages with a redacted individual about a “tunnel” and sending a letter.
• Mike Russo (M. Russo): Involved in text messages with J. Isaacman regarding using Shift4 software and not distributing it. Does not respond to a direct question about Shift4’s intent. Mentioned in an audio transcript discussing MOD Pizza and “taking shots.”
• Brian Ward: Involved in text messages mentioned alongside Mike Russo.
• Tom Ward (Tward@firstdata.com): Involved in an email exchange with J.D. Oder II regarding “CLG.” Advises Oder against a certain action.
• Kyle: Mentioned by J.D. Oder, II in a text exchange with Jared Isaacman regarding a ROFR at Isaacman’s price.
• Adriana Ioli: Receives a forwarded email from J.D. Oder about revenue recognition issues.
• ROCK: Mentioned by J.D. Order II and Nate Hirshberg in relation to TYSYS office space and by Nate H. as being acquired by someone else. Possibly a company or a nickname.
• Jason Yeager: Emails J.R. Andreoli about a new spec being done and deployment. Texts Andreoli asking if “it” launched and if “everything good?”
• Isaac Manning: Receives a text message from J.D. Oder about “cracking their Masonic cipher.”
• Randy L. Miskanic (rmiskanic@shift4.com, Randy): Receives an email from J. David Oder regarding a to-do list concerning BofA/First Data and TSYS. Emails JD Oder, Jared Isaacman, and Michael Isaacman about “PROJECT FALCON.” Cc’d on emails between Jered Isaacman and Taylor Lavery regarding confidential information and “40 bps.” Involved in text messages on May 9, 2018.
• TSYS: A company mentioned in relation to finalizing a deal.
• BofA (Bank of America): A bank mentioned in relation to giving 30-day notice to them and First Data.
• Will: An individual described in a text exchange as being lazy and a liar, who doesn’t handle constructive criticism well.
• Mike Sommers (msommers@shift4.com): Emails J.D. Oder II regarding kickers for sales reps on Shift4Shop deals.
• Jordan Frankel (jfrankel@shift4.com): Cc’d on an email about Shift4Shop deals. Possibly related to Mr. Frankel mentioned in a deposition transcript.
• Michael Isaacman (misaacman@shift4.com, Mike): Emails about “PROJECT FALCON.” Cc’d on an email about Shift4Shop deals. Likely related to Jared Isaacman.
• J. Darrell Street (Jds): Involved in text messages discussing conference calls, deflection of blame, and the “mkultra project.” Refers to someone as “rock.”
• Nick (VP, Software Integration Shift4 Payments): Replies to an email forwarded by J.D. Oder II regarding a merchant request.
• Mike Kâtel (mikeg@acius11.ee.com): Emails Jered Isaacman about an “Acius deal” and being available to reconnect.
• Sam Warne (swarne@shift4.com): Emails Jered Isaacman and JD Oder about “Pay@Table Notes.”
• B. (B.): Referred to as a code word for “philosophical society.” J.I.D. claims B. will do whatever he tells him to do. Included in text messages.
• R.I.: Involved in text exchanges with J.I.D. regarding the “philosophical society” and “B.” Does not know what the philosophical society is initially. Notes B. is not a party to an agreement.
• JJ: Involved in text messages on May 9, 2018, stating “It’s all set” and “We are ready when you are.”
• David Isaacson: Expert Report is sealed (Document 153-03).
• Jared Isaacson: Expert Report is sealed (Document 153-04). Likely Jared Isaacman.

Companies/Entities Mentioned:

• Shift4 (Shift4 Payments, Lighthouse): Payment processing company. Involved in various business deals, internal discussions, and lawsuits/disputes.
• CardConnect: Payment processing company. Partners with Shift4 in July 2017. Subject of legal disputes and discussions about patented technology.
• First Data (Fiserv): Payment processing company. Mentioned in relation to giving notice, fallout, and customer relationships (MOD Pizza, 3Delta Systems).
• Oracle: Mentioned in emails and discussions regarding merchants and potential bribes.
• Evercore: Investment banking firm involved in “Project Bolt.”
• McDermott: Law firm involved in “Project Bolt.”
• Creditcall: A company discussed in relation to a potential acquisition.
• TSYS: A company mentioned in relation to finalizing a deal and office space.
• 3Delta Systems: A company mentioned in an email from Jared Isaacman regarding pulling business and concealed information.
• Harbortouch: Mentioned in an email subject line and text message.
• MOD Pizza: A customer discussed by Lou Russo and Jared Isaacman.
• Sound Ford: A merchant mentioned in a deposition excerpt.
• Acius: Mentioned in an email from Mike Kâtel to Jered Isaacman regarding a “deal.”
• Illuminati: Mentioned by J. Resnik in an email, seemingly as a threat or intimidation tactic.
• Philosophical Society: A code word used by J.I.D. in text messages.
• Rosicrucians: Mentioned by Jared Isaacman as something he will research.
• Instacartel: Mentioned by J. Isaacman as causing “Big problems.”
• Datacap: A strategy mentioned as being on hold.
• UTG: An interface mentioned in a deposition excerpt.
• Shift4Shop: Mentioned in an email regarding sales rep kickers.
• Project Bolt, Project Ocean, Project Falcon: Names used to refer to business projects or deals.
• MKULTRA project: Mentioned by J. Darrell Street in a text, referring to something pushed onto him.