Author Archives: Megan Carnes

To prepare for what now seems to be an inevitable reality, there are three questions that every business needs to ask itself today.

To date, AI projects have been a big, expensive experiment. Innovators and early adopters jumped on the hype and have shelled out billions collectively to test and stretch AI to see what’s possible.

Welcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series. 

Our featured employee is Michael Shimkat!

While Michael lives near the Thrive office in Sarasota, Florida, his work is mainly remote, supporting clients across the country. In his role, Michael values strong relationships with existing clients, helping them achieve their IT and security goals. He uses a consultative approach to ensure that Thrive is helping keep clients’ technology secure within their budgets. He prides himself on doing right by the client and advocating on their behalf within Thrive.

His time away from work is largely focused on his son. Other than that, you might find him watching an action movie, mystery, or comedy, or learning from the newest TV documentary.  Everyone needs a break from screen time – especially those in the IT industry! Luckily, Michael enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and boating. When it isn’t too hot or humid, he’s known to get some fresh air during a good bike ride or while hitting the links!

Hi Michael!  Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?

I started out doing bank software support before moving into major telecommunications equipment project management for a multinational manufacturer. Before long, I transitioned into sales for the same company which gave me the opportunity to live in Australia for four years. When I returned, I moved into the Managed Services Provider space, managing a team of project managers in Iowa. Tired of the cold, I was looking to move to Florida, when a Thrive recruiter reached out to me regarding a Senior Principal Consultant role. That ultimately evolved into what is now Thrive’s Technical Advisory Service.

Where did you go to school or get training?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in finance at Iowa State University. I have also earned sales certifications from numerous IT vendors, and professional training regarding sales, project management, and business etiquette.

What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?

I really enjoy the fact that every day is different and that everyone has a working collaboratively mentality. It doesn’t matter who I reach out to, everyone is willing to step up and help to get the job done and help our clients succeed to the best of our abilities.

Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?

I’ve recently been assigned to some exciting clients in hyper growth mode which has broadened my knowledge of the solutions necessary for Enterprise clients. It is very exciting to continuously learn and grow, both personally and professionally!

Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here! 

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time… 

Join Thrive’s CTO, Michael Gray, Director, AI Services, JR Dawkins, and AI Solutions Developer, Emily Steen as they explore how you can apply Gartner’s AI Ambition Framework to your business strategy. Register now to watch the on-demand version!

Scott Steele, Chief Operating Officer at Thrive, said: “For over seven years, Thrive has used ServiceNow to empower our service teams to deliver faster, more personalized support. With ServiceNow’s AI‐powered CRM, we’ve transformed call center experiences with smarter workflows and insights that work in tandem with employees to solve issues at maximum productivity. With the launch of AI Experience, we’re excited to explore how AI voice and web agents can further elevate the service journey, helping our customers get what they need quickly and confidently.”

Welcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series. 

Our featured employee is Iga Piwowarczyk. In her role as Project Delivery Lead, she oversees a variety of projects and orders, ranging from connectivity and SD-WAN deployments to penetration testing, P81 migrations, and even email migrations. No day is the same!

Based in the UK, Iga can be found in Thrive’s Luton or London offices, though she also works remotely. Her responsibilities include acting as the liaison between clients and the engineering team, conducting client meetings, and managing orders from initiation through completion. Taking pride in all she does, Iga ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards – while also identifying risks, coordinating resources, and maintaining clear communication across all stakeholders.

When she’s not juggling all that’s involved in managing complex projects, Iga enjoys going to the gym and cooking. She also appreciates discovering great restaurants while she’s exploring new places – Italian food is her favourite! Iga loves trying the newest nail techniques – and though she’s a certified nail technician, she usually practices on herself!

Hi Iga!  Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?

Before joining the Thrive family, I worked in customer service at the head office of an estate agency, and prior to that, I was an assistant manager at a pub. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the directors at ONI (prior to its acquisition by Thrive) approached me for an interview. Although I didn’t get the role at that time, I was contacted again two years later and offered a position as a Project Coordinator. That marked the beginning of my journey with Thrive!

Where did you go to school or get training?

I grew up in Poland and went to school there, then moved to the UK when I was 18 to study Media and Public Relations. Right now, I’m working towards my Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam to continue to build upon my project management skills.

What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?

What I love most about working at Thrive is the people and the amazing support I get every single day. Some of my colleagues have become like family, and I’ve built close friendships with a few of them. It’s such a supportive and friendly place to be – it honestly makes coming to work so much easier and more enjoyable.

Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?

I’ve recently been assigned to an email migration project, which is a completely new area for me. It’s going to be a more strategic piece of work, and I’m really looking forward to digging in! It’s a great opportunity to grow my managerial skills, so I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here! 

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time… 

CRN assembles solution provider lists and rankings throughout the year, including the Solution Provider 500, Tech Elite 250 and Fast Growth 150. Here CRN recognizes the 65 solution providers that earned a spot on all three lists this year with the annual Triple Crown honors.

New Executive to Lead M&A Activity and Shape Long-Term Growth Strategy

Boston, MA, October 1, 2025 – Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for managed AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and IT managed services, today named Kirti Gavri as SVP, head of corporate development, to fuel the company’s continued growth via acquisition. With 26 acquisitions since its founding, Kirti will play a key role in identifying new opportunities for Thrive to continue its M&A streak.

With over 17 years of experience at the intersection of strategy and execution, Kirti brings a breadth of knowledge in leading both private and public technology service companies through high-impact M&A and growth. Before joining Thrive, Kirti was the Head of Corporate Development at Milestone Technologies, Inc., where she led the M&A strategy and drove inorganic growth aligned with business strategy. She has also served as the Head of Corporate Development and Strategy at Wizeline and Corporate Development and Strategy at HCL Technologies.

“Thrive is doubling down on M&A and having Kirti at the helm of these efforts shows our dedication to this part of the business,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Kirti has a proven track record of leading businesses through strategic growth, and I know she will play a pivotal role in Thrive’s long-term vision in fueling expansion and delivering cultural alignment and value to our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

2025 has been another record year for Thrive in terms of acquisitions, with the additions of Baroan Technologies, Abacode, VitalCORE, and Secured Network Services. Additionally, Thrive has been dedicated to expanding its services with the launch of Managed AI Services and Network Detection and Response services.

“Thrive has a proven track record of constantly evolving to ensure they are always delivering unmatched value to their customers,” said Gavri. “Given the company’s aggressive growth goals, I’m ready to dive in with the executive leadership team and contribute to accelerating Thrive’s momentum.”

If you’re interested in learning more about open positions at Thrive, visit the careers page.

About Thrive

Thrive is a NextGen global technology outsourcing provider that empowers small and mid-market organizations to transform their technology into a strategic advantage. Offering a breadth of services from AI and cybersecurity to cloud, compliance, and traditional MSP/MSSP solutions, Thrive’s team of seasoned experts develop strategies that standardize, scale, and automate technology to achieve outsized ROI. From advisory services to a 24×7×365 SOC and NOC, Thrive provides end-to-end IT and cybersecurity management so clients can focus on innovation and growth. With Thrive, your business is always supported and always secure. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Hannah Johnston

thrive@v2comms.com

Navigating Complexity in a Regulated Landscape

Based in Switzerland, PSquared Asset Management is an alternative asset manager that invests with a focussed approach based on fundamental primary research navigating the demands of institutional clients and evolving regulatory pressures. With no internal IT department, the firm relies on expert external support to manage its infrastructure and meet stringent compliance standards. Since engaging with Thrive (formerly Edge) in 2017, PSquared has benefited from a growing partnership that has adapted alongside the firm’s maturing IT needs.

Beyond Basic IT: A Cyber-Focused Strategy

The cyber threat landscape is always in flux, particularly for financial firms under increasing scrutiny from investors and regulators alike. For PSquared, staying ahead of these challenges requires a more robust approach to IT and cyber security. Their COO, Gary Penning, acknowledged the importance of this evolution, “It’s obviously a massively changing landscape every single year, and there are always new demands.”

Under Thrive, PSquared has seen an obvious expansion in the breadth of services available. From patch management and vulnerability scanning to incident response readiness and technology architecture reviews, the firm’s needs have outgrown their original, more straightforward support model. Thrive has stepped in with expert guidance and timely recommendations, aligning PSquared’s infrastructure with best practices in security and compliance.

A turning point came with the overhaul of PSquared’s service contract. Once a vague, high-level agreement became a detailed, regulatory-compliant document. The new contract provided clarity on deliverables and ensured full alignment with all applicable regulations. As Penning noted, “That was super important, from a regulatory standpoint, you had to have a contract going into that kind of depth.”

People Behind the Platform

The true strength of PSquared’s relationship with Thrive lies in the team supporting them. From the start, Thrive’s Account Manager, Client Success Manager, and virtual CIO (vCIO) have taken a consultative, partnership-driven approach, building lasting trust and acting as a true extension of PSquared’s business. Thrive’s Account Manager brings strategic oversight and ensures alignment with business goals, the Client Success Manager focuses on day-to-day satisfaction and smooth service delivery, and the vCIO provides expert guidance on IT strategy and long-term planning. Together, they offer both high-level insight and hands-on support. “Having somebody working for Thrive, but also representing PSquared, was a big gain,” said Penning.

Thrive’s Account Manager recognized that PSquared needed more than technical support; they needed a partner who could break down complex information into actionable insight. Thrive’s Advisory Services, specifically the vCIO, became both a translator of technical detail and a behind-the-scenes driver of strategic improvements. Frequent communication, whether through scheduled meetings, casual lunches, ad hoc calls, or industry events, has enabled the Thrive team to develop a deep, working knowledge of PSquared’s needs and culture.

This strong relationship is built on shared goals rather than sales agendas. “There has to be confidence on our side Thrive is going to recommend products and services right for our business, not just to make a sale,” said Penning. That trust is reinforced by regular technology business reviews aligned to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) framework, which ensures a consistent cycle of evaluation and improvement. Thrive proactively advises on secure, modern technologies and identifies opportunities to enhance infrastructure before issues arise.

Beyond day-to-day support, Thrive has helped PSquared strengthen their cybersecurity readiness. While the firm has not experienced a major incident, the existence of a formal incident response plan, and the ability to speak with a live security expert within minutes provides critical peace of mind. “It’s reassuring to have that in place. I’m more comfortable now,” said Penning.

Confidence at the Boardroom Table

The impact of this evolving partnership extends all the way to board-level confidence. As COO, Penning is responsible for reporting on the firm’s IT posture and service provider performance. “I’m at a point now where I am very comfortable with the current IT architecture and support, and I’m happy sharing that with the board. We cannot stand still though,” he shared. With greater transparency, regulatory alignment, proactive and responsive support, Thrive has become a partner PSquared can count on.

“We want our IT architecture challenged by Thrive on a regular basis. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and our systems and security must be able to face those challenges. Data security is vital.” – Gary Penning, COO, PSquared Asset Management

About Thrive

Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Leading global MSP/MSSP continues upward trajectory with its fourth acquisition of 2025

Boston, MA, September 9, 2025 – Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, cloud, and IT managed services, today announced its acquisition of VitalCORE, a managed technology partner that helps companies make strategic moves—including mergers and acquisitions—and create platforms for future success. Through the addition of the VitalCORE team, Thrive will now have three locations in the Midwest as the company expands across the U.S.

VitalCORE offers deep expertise in fast and accurate technology valuations, managed security, transactional advisory, and comprehensive managed technology services, from front-line service desks to vCIO deployments. Known for enabling its clients through technology acquisition, integration, and management, VitalCORE seeks to help companies grow through thoughtful strategy and next-level customer service. This alignment with Thrive’s own priorities—to give customers the services, technology and support they need to grow and be successful— made the company a natural fit as Thrive continues to expand westward.

“With new technology evolving quickly and costs skyrocketing across the board, it’s essential that we offer our customers the services and strategies they need not only for operations but also during major opportunities for growth,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “VitalCORE’s unique strengths in bridging strategy with seamless technology deployment echo our own and give us an opportunity to better serve our customers in the Midwest and beyond.”

Thrive has spent the majority of 2025 expanding its suite of services and capabilities through internal investment and strategic acquisition. VitalCORE marks Thrive’s 26th acquisition since the company was founded, including the additions of Baroan Technologies, Abacode, and Secured Network Services this year. Thrive has also launched new key services to ensure customers get the support they need as security and technology continue to evolve, including its new Managed AI services, Compliance Center, and Network Detection and Response services.

“Thrive’s deep expertise across cloud, cybersecurity, and now, AI are unmatched in the services industry,” said Chris Gurko, CEO of VitalCORE. “Our clients will not only continue to get the top-notch service and Midwest hospitality they’ve come to expect, but they now can access these offerings at scale, allowing them to really leave technology to the experts so they can focus on what’s best for their business.”

To learn more about Thrive, visit the website.

About Thrive

Thrive is a NextGen global technology outsourcing provider that empowers small and mid-market organizations to transform their technology into a strategic advantage. Offering a breadth of services from AI and cybersecurity to cloud, compliance, and traditional MSP/MSSP solutions, Thrive’s team of seasoned experts develop strategies that standardize, scale, and automate technology to achieve outsized ROI. From advisory services to a 24×7×365 SOC and NOC, Thrive provides end-to-end IT and cybersecurity management so clients can focus on innovation and growth. With Thrive, your business is always supported and always secure. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Hannah Johnston

thrive@v2comms.com