About Thrive IT

Jeff Smith co-founded Thrive IT in 2004 with his wife Liz. He brings 25 years of IT and business ownership experience — and a deep appreciation for what makes technology work for real people (and what makes it occasionally want to be thrown out the window).

Before launching Thrive IT, Jeff owned an IT company where he learned the ins and outs of business operations and technology management. That hands-on experience became the foundation for Thrive IT's continued success serving auto dealerships, farm-supply companies, and other small-to-midsize businesses throughout the Midwest.

Jeff has a knack for connecting with owners and decision-makers — speaking their language when it comes to both pain points and profits. Known for his practical insight and down-to-earth approach, he's helped forge the long-term client relationships that Thrive IT is built on. Simply put: Jeff's the guy you call when you need the problem solved and explained without the jargon.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys following the Kansas City Chiefs, politics, boating, blasting music, and exploring backwoods ATV trails across Missouri, Arkansas, and beyond. He's married to his co-founder and partner in life, Liz, and is a proud dad to a daughter, 2 granddaughters, and three spoiled pups — Molly, Murphy, and Milo.

In 2004, Liz Lowry co-founded Thrive IT alongside her husband and business partner, Jeff, with a simple but ambitious goal — to give small and mid-sized businesses access to the same level of reliable, enterprise-grade technology support as the big guys. Two decades later, that mission still fuels everything she does.

With more than 20 years of experience in IT management, operations, and client relations, Liz brings equal parts structure and heart to Thrive IT. She oversees all back-office operations, including accounting, human resources, and management responsibilities. Known for her ability to develop solid relationships with her team and clients. Liz brings reassurance, and a steady send of humor under pressure, she's the calm voice of reason when technology (or life) decides to misbehave.

Beyond the office, Liz is a news hound, enjoys boating, board games, and tackling the occasional jigsaw puzzle that tests her patience as much as Windows updates do. She's happiest with good music, a deck of cards for a competitive game of Pitch, and time spent with her close-knit family, Jeff, Kim, Lucy and Grace, along with Murphy, Milo and Molly, her 4-legged kiddos.

Bob Paul brings a wealth of sales expertise and business development experience to the Thrive IT team — along with a knack for inspiring everyone around him. As a top three-time national sales winner at Gateway Computers, Bob knows exactly what it takes to build relationships, close deals, and help both clients and colleagues succeed.

Born without his left hand, Bob has never let challenges define him — in fact, he's made a habit of outperforming expectations. A former football standout, he can still drive a golf ball single-handedly, cruise across the lake on his jet ski, and take in the Lake of the Ozarks scenery from his deck like a man who's truly mastered balance — in life and on the water.

More than a sales leader, Bob is a mentor, motivator, and genuine friend to many. His energy, humor, and optimism remind the entire team that success isn't just about what you achieve — it's about how you inspire others along the way.

As Thrive IT's Sales Manager, Summer Woody brings a warm, approachable energy to every client interaction — she truly never meets a stranger. With a natural gift for building connections and an unstoppable drive to find the right solution, Summer's conversations often turn into long-term partnerships. Her competitive streak doesn't stop on the golf course; she's equally determined when it comes to getting the answers clients need and making sure every project hits the mark.

Summer's longstanding interest in information technology fuels her passion for helping businesses simplify their workdays with smart, efficient solutions. Guided by the philosophy of working smarter, not harder, she combines strategic thinking with genuine care — ensuring both clients and the Thrive IT team benefit from her forward-focused approach.

Outside of work, Summer enjoys golfing, laughter-filled days with her husband, and keeping up with her three energetic boys who always seem to be on the move. Whether she's chasing deals or chasing kids, her energy, optimism, and drive make her an essential part of Thrive IT's success story.

As Thrive IT's Technical Manager, Shaun Winters keeps the digital wheels turning smoothly — and somehow makes it look easy. With a strong mix of technical expertise, patience, and quiet leadership, Shaun tackles complex issues with the calm precision of someone who's seen just about everything a network can throw at him.

Since joining Thrive IT, Shaun has implemented new technologies, streamlined internal processes, and helped shape a more efficient, organized, and client-focused operation. His background as an Eagle Scout speaks volumes — demonstrating a lifelong commitment to integrity, preparedness, and excellence. Those same qualities show up daily in his work, whether he's troubleshooting a network outage or mentoring a teammate through a tricky install.

Outside the office, Shaun enjoys board games, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, and even crocheting — proving that attention to detail isn't just for firewalls and firmware. He's a very calm dependable guy who makes everyone else's job easier — and does it all with patience, transparency, and a touch of class.

As Thrive IT's Operations Manager, Michelle Birdno is the organizational heartbeat of the company — the one who somehow keeps projects, people, and priorities all running in sync (and usually on time). Since joining Thrive IT in early 2023 as Office Manager, she's become the go-to problem-solver, blending structure with a friendly, approachable style that makes even the busiest days feel manageable.

With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Michelle brings a sharp eye for efficiency, an instinct for leadership, and a calm presence that keeps things from ever completely catching fire — at least not for long. Her ability to balance process and people has made her an invaluable part of the team and a steady hand behind Thrive IT's growth and success.

Outside of work, Michelle is a proud mom of two wonderful adult children and five beloved four-legged companions. She enjoys time on the water, crocheting, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, and making memories with friends. Deeply committed to her community, she also supports survivors of domestic violence and individuals with intellectual disabilities — proof that her compassion extends far beyond the office walls.

Mandy doesn't just run her IT depot — she orchestrates it. From a PC new build to logging in a new users or hunting down error codes, she keeps every system humming behind the scenes like a backstage wizard. Whether she's setting up laptops, locking down accounts, or juggling a half-dozen projects at once, Mandy does it all with precision, speed, and a flair for turning even the most mundane ticket entry into a perfectly formatted mini thriller.

Detail-obsessed, relentlessly clever, and endlessly reliable, she makes sure the tech just works — and makes it human, approachable, and yes, even a little fun. She doesn't just solve problems; she clears paths, adds order, and brings a touch of personality to everything she touches. And through it all, she remembers the small things: a quick note, a friendly check-in, a heartfelt "thank you."

Mandy is the kind of IT professional who makes the complex feel simple, the stressful feel manageable, and the daily grind feel just a little brighter. She enjoys life with her husband, dueling video games and two grandchildren!

Before finding his home in technology, Dylan Miner served three years in the U.S. Army as an 11B Infantryman — where he learned discipline, problem-solving, and how to stay calm when things get complicated (skills that come in handy in IT, too).

Always fascinated by computers and how things work, Dylan turned that curiosity into a career helping businesses run smoothly and efficiently. He takes pride in solving problems before clients even realize they exist and ensuring every system stays as reliable as he is.

Outside of work, Dylan is an avid gamer and devoted Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast — a combination that keeps his creativity sharp and his strategic thinking one step ahead of the next network hiccup. Whether he's slaying dragons or squashing bugs, Dylan approaches every challenge with focus, good humor, and a knack for finding the right solution.

Nathan Andrews is an IT Technician at Thrive IT, specializing in troubleshooting and maintaining secure network environments. He studied Network Administration at WTI and holds a CompTIA A+ certification. With a unique perspective from his prior experience in law enforcement, Nathan emphasizes security and attention to detail in every project. Outside of work, he enjoys family life with his wife of 11 years and their two children.

Matthew Cooper is an AI Specialist with nearly a decade of experience in manufacturing and process optimization. After establishing a strong foundation in control room operations, he developed a deep passion for process automation and operational efficiency, which led to a career pivot toward artificial intelligence and automation technologies.

As a skilled Python programmer, Matthew stays current with the latest AI advancements and practical implementations, bringing both technical depth and real-world operational insight to every project. His background in manufacturing combined with hands-on programming experience positions him to identify automation opportunities that drive measurable business value.

Outside of work, Matthew is devoted to his two children and enjoys exploring nature with his family, with aspirations to visit all of America's national parks.