Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive, emphasizes the transformative role of AI in managed services. He notes that predictive analytics help technicians address issues more swiftly, provide self-remediation options, and enhance overall customer experiences. Additionally, AI contributes to security by filtering out irrelevant data and honing in on real threats.
Since assuming the CEO role in February, McLaughlin has concentrated on streamlining the customer experience and reinforcing Thrive’s status as a premier global solution provider for midmarket and SMB sectors. He stated, “We’re committed to continued M&A activities, significant investments in security, and the launch of innovative AI-driven products.”
Growth will be achieved through strategic mergers and acquisitions that align with Thrive’s culture while addressing geographic and service gaps. Under McLaughlin’s leadership, Thrive aims to maintain its focus on integrity, professional development, and employee engagement. He acknowledges that it’s challenging to balance strategic objectives with employee accessibility but credits his capable leadership team for allowing him to concentrate on high-level initiatives.
McLaughlin highlights that a strong focus on cybersecurity and AI is crucial. He insists that while AI significantly impacts managed services, its proper implementation is vital. “You need clean data, rigorous quality control, and strong security measures,” he explains. “When executed properly, AI enables employees to operate more efficiently, delivering quicker and smarter services.”
In an interview, McLaughlin shared insights about Thrive’s culture and priorities. He emphasized that the company’s employee-first culture, established by former CEO Rob Stephenson, is foundational. “We prioritize hiring individuals with integrity and invest heavily in their development through training, certifications, and engaging team-building events,” he noted.
As cybersecurity remains a top priority, McLaughlin stressed the importance of collaboration with partners like Gartner to stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies. “Being a private-equity-backed entity enables us to continually invest in new security solutions, ensuring our clients can navigate evolving risks effectively,” he added.
Looking ahead, Thrive plans to continue its strategic M&A efforts to expand its footprint across the U.S. and beyond. McLaughlin aims for the company to be recognized as the leading technology services provider in the midmarket and sophisticated SMB spaces, making interactions smoother and offering peace of mind in the complex landscape of cloud and cybersecurity.
