Jim Lippie, President

Jim Lippie is president of Staples Network Services by Thrive  He is responsible for guiding the company’s overall business strategy with a vision of becoming the premier provider of outsourced IT support for emerging and mid-market companies.  Before being named president in 2005, he served as Thrive Network’s director of business development.  

Under his leadership, Staples Network Services by Thrive has built an impressive client roster and has experienced exponential revenue growth.  The company has been recognized as a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner for Support Services and as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies by the Boston Business Journal.  Lippie also spearheaded the company’s successful acquisition by Staples, Inc.      

Prior to joining  Staples Network Services by Thrive, Lippie was a partner at Client First Associates, a management and organizational development consulting firm.  He is also the author of Five Management Principles in One CREAD: A Management Guide to Live By and a member of the board of directors of the Sean McDonough Charitable Foundation.

A native of Massachusetts, Lippie received his bachelor’s degree in public relations and his master’s degree in urban affairs from Boston University.

Dylan O’Connor, Chief Technology Officer

Dylan O’Connor is Chief Technology Officer at Staples Network Services by Thrive.  He oversees the company’s technology strategy to ensure assets are maximized and applied in thoughtful and innovative ways to help drive greater business value for clients.  Before being named Chief Technology Officer, O’Connor began his career at Thrive Networks as a senior network engineer and has been promoted to positions of increasing responsibility.

O’Connor has more than 10 years of high tech experience, seven of which have been with Thrive Networks.  Prior to joining Thrive Networks, O’Connor worked as a technology consultant and as a member of Fidelity Investments’ internal IT staff where he gained a deep knowledge of IT infrastructure and networking.  

A native of East Hampton, CT., O’Connor attended Eastern Connecticut State University and is a graduate of Middlesex Technical College. He holds numerous technical and IT operations certifications.

Josh Oakes, Vice President of Operations

Josh Oakes, Vice President of Operations at Staples Network Services by
Thrive, is responsible for the oversight and development of programs and processes that drive growth, scalability and profitability in line with Thrive’s major objectives. Over the past 6 years, Mr. Oakes has held a variety of positions, including Director of Client Services and Director of Operations.  

Mr. Oakes has more than 10 years experience managing operations and customer service functions in multiple industries with a proven track record of creating systems that drive business results. 

Mr. Oakes received his BA from Framingham State College with an additional focus on computer programming. He holds certifications in ITIL and Lean Six Sigma, and has taken advantage of post-graduate programs in business finance management.