061: Why I Left My Big Job To Join A Startup!
Manage episode 489202280 series 3569873
A virus named after Mountain Dew became the unlikely catalyst for a cybersecurity career that would eventually spawn a successful managed service provider during one of the worst economic downturns in modern history.
The founder of Triada takes us through their fascinating journey from corporate IT professional to entrepreneur, describing how a 2003 "Code Red" virus attack sparked deep curiosity about cybersecurity. When malicious code rapidly spread through their investment firm's network, questions emerged that would shape their future: Why did someone create this? How did they do it? How could we stop it? This intrigue ultimately led them down a path toward deeper cybersecurity expertise.
By 2008, after building infrastructure from scratch at a small investment firm and developing crucial Silicon Valley connections, an opportunity emerged amid financial chaos. As professionals fled large firms to launch their own funds, they needed expert help with infrastructure, compliance, and security. With four young children at home and as the family's sole breadwinner, the founder made the bold decision—fully supported by their spouse—to launch Triada instead of returning to corporate safety. Their vision extended beyond themselves to creating a business that could support future generations.
The challenges of competing in New York City's dense marketplace, where potential clients and competitors exist in equal measure, required strategic differentiation. By offering unique experiences that professionals couldn't find at financial giants, Triada carved its niche. From its humble beginnings as a "fractional IT manager" splitting time between clients to becoming an established managed service provider, Triada's story demonstrates how entrepreneurial courage, family support, and long-term vision can transform crisis into enduring opportunity. Ready to secure and elevate your business? Reach out today and let's build something that lasts.
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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com
Chapters
1. Building Infrastructure from Scratch (00:00:00)
2. The Code Red Virus Aha Moment (00:00:48)
3. Birth of Triada During Financial Crisis (00:05:12)
4. Family Support for Entrepreneurship (00:09:20)
5. Competing for Talent in NYC (00:13:30)
6. Episode Closing and Call to Action (00:15:05)
61 episodes