Alum co-founds 'thriving' business

Many students dream of starting their own businesses after they graduate from the University. For alumnus Nate Wolfson, this dream became a reality when he co-founded Thrive Networks.

Thrive Networks, of which Wolfson is now the CEO, is a company that provides Internet Technology (IT) services to small businesses in the Boston area. Thrive Networks helps small businesses to maintain their computer systems.

Wolfson, a native of Harvard MA, graduated from Tufts in 1998 and majored in political science.

"Tufts was my first choice," Wolfson said. "I liked the size, the quality of academics, and I loved, and still love, the campus."

Wolfson was a highly active student. He played ultimate Frisbee, was a member of the debate team, the president of the Political Science Honor Society, an RA, and also worked in computer services. But his favorite Tufts memories and experiences are about the people he met at the university.

"I take pride in the fact that I went to Tufts," Wolfson said. "At Tufts, there's a great emphasis on collaboration and teamwork."

After graduating, Wolfson was unsure of what he wanted to do. His first job was as a strategic consultant at Liberty Mutual, where he worked for two years.

"I enjoyed the challenge of working on high-level business issues," Wolfson said. "It was good preparation for starting a company."

Two friends, Chris Merrill and Calvin Wilder, approached Wolfson with the idea that would become Thrive Networks. "The basic idea was to serve as an outsource IT department for small companies," Wolfson said. The three men formulated a business plan, found a need that should be addressed, raised money, and started Thrive Networks.

"When we first started, my parents thought it was a horrible idea," Wolfson said. "They were surprised by how well it turned out."

Since the founding of Thrive Networks in August 2000, the company has grown from employing three people to 23. His company's focus is on good customer service and on helping small businesses be successful at what they do.

"We have a great team of mostly young, smart people who love to come to work," Wolfson said.

Although Wolfson and his co-founders started Thrive Networks at a time when the economy was in a downturn and many dotcom companies were failing, Thrive Networks has remained successful. The company has been profitable since its inception.

Thrive Networks now has over 100 clients _ small businesses consisting of 10-200 employees, as well as non-profit organizations _ in areas such as venture capital firms and real estate.

"It was a difficult time to choose to start an Internet company," Wolfson said. "But it forced us to bring our A game every day to every client."

Wolfson credits the company's success to its relationship with its customers. In addition, he credits the caliber of the people who work at Thrive Networks, who are very proud of their company's over 97 percent customer retention rate.

Thrive Network's excellent reputation has gained media recognition, including a front-page article in The Boston Business Journal, a prominent business newspaper.

Wolfson credits Tufts for teaching him the value of teamwork and collaboration, as well as time management. "There's a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom when you get a Liberal Arts education," Wolfson said. "The culture at Tufts leads to innovation."

Teamwork is especially important to companies like Thrive Networks. Interpersonal skills that are emphasized at Tufts lead to success, Wolfson believes.

Wolfson has several pieces of advice for Tufts students. The first is to realize that grad school is not necessary for success and happiness. "It's ok to not know what to do with life," Wolfson said. "I still see myself as trying to figure out what I want to do with my life."

Wolfson also tells students to follow their dreams. "There will always be people who discourage you from chasing your dreams," Wolfson said. "But if you work hard and have the right people, there's no limit to what you can do."