Colleague spotlight: Topher Barrow

Meet Topher Barrow, Manager, Technical Sales for our Unified Monitoring and Management solutions. Topher has been a vital part of the ConnectWise team for over 11 years. We explored how he got started in the software industry, his view on technology’s role in making the world a better place, and what it’s like being a ConnectWise colleague.  

Getting started in tech…  

What did you do before the job you have now?  

I was attending Florida State University, pursuing my degree in Marketing and working full-time at CenturyLink Telecommunications on their sales team.  

How did you get started in the software/technology industry?  

While working for CenturyLink, I knew I wanted to move to the Tampa area after graduation and find a place to start my career. My brother told me about an awesome software company where his friend worked. That company turned out to be ConnectWise. Just before I graduated, my brother handed off my resume. A few days later, I was called for a phone interview, and I did horribly. It was an interesting process, and I almost didn’t get called back, but here I am 11 years later.  

What inspires you about technology?  

Technology can single-handedly improve the lives of those it touches. Pair technology with data, and you get something special that can impact the individual, society, and even the globe. I like to think that technology allows us to have a more fulfilling future while reducing our impact on the Earth.  

Being a ConnectWise colleague…  

What different roles have you had with the company?  

I often refer to myself as “the mailroom guy”—I started at the bottom, and here I am. I began my career in our support department as a support representative for ConnectWise Manage. After that, I started implementing the software, then went into product consulting, business consulting, and then to our Education Team as an Education Consultant. This is where I got to meet a ton of new partners while traveling to different IT Nation events. After the Education Team, I ventured over to Product Management, Product Marketing, and now over to our Sales Team as our Technical Sales Manager for our Unified Monitoring and Management category of products.   

What do you enjoy about working at ConnectWise?  

Two-fold response! For starters, I enjoy the relationships that I've been able to build and engage with both internally and externally. The network of colleagues, thought leaders, business owners, and beyond has taught me a ton about the industry, business, and myself over the years. It's been a very valuable journey. In addition, I have a personal mission to have a positive radiating impact on the lives of others, and this is something that I can fulfill while working at ConnectWise. The positive impact our software has on our partners is then reflected in the lives of those SMB customers they manage, which helps out a much broader and larger audience than I could impact alone.   

What’s something about your job that makes you feel accomplished?  

The most satisfying part of my job is the ability to help others. This includes colleagues, partners, and even prospects. I have the privilege of being able to work with and influence their success.  

What’s a big win that you’re proud of?  

Although it was launched while in my previous role as Product Marketing Manager, the recent launch of the new ConnectWise RMM solution was a huge project and endeavor that I worked diligently on for nearly two years. It was a ground-up development effort to revolutionize and future-proof the RMM solution as we know it today and bring MSPs what they’ll need to differentiate themselves moving forward. It has also been extremely valuable in my new role as Unified Monitoring and Management Technical Sales Manager as I work to ensure the solution is demonstrated and positioned appropriately for all partners and prospects.   

What’s something you want people to know about ConnectWise?  

It’s more than just software! ConnectWise has many additional resources to help partners be successful. I’ve seen organizations who are two years into their journey use these assets and outperform similar companies who have been in business for 10 or more years. That really speaks volumes about these resources.  

And now for some fun!  

If you could have any superpower for 24 hours, what would it be and why?  

Teleportation. It’s way better than flying, and so much faster!  

What’s a country you’d like to visit and why?  

Egypt. Since childhood, seeing the pyramids and the Sphinx has always been a dream of mine. The mystery and intrigue around these wonders baffle me, and I want to know more.  

What’s the bucket-list item you’re most looking forward to?  

I recently turned 35, and there have been two items on my list for quite some time: climb/summit Mt. Denali in Alaska and get my pilot’s license. Well, I’m lucky enough to say now that I was able to summit Mt. Denali earlier this year. So, next up on the list...investing in my pilot’s license!  

Now, a question for you—Are you ready to harness your passion and create a prosperous career in technology? Explore the available career opportunities.