Wright & Stephanie Thurston are serial entrepreneurs whose careers are marked by innovation and transformative strategies. Their entrepreneurial journey began in 1996 with the inception of Future Phones, a groundbreaking independent direct sales company in the then-nascent cellular phone industry. Under their leadership, Future Phones experienced meteoric growth, becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing independent direct sales organizations in the field. From 1997 to 2001, the company recruited, trained, and deployed over 2000 independent sales representatives across the United States.
Future Phones was a trailblazer in the industry, being one of the first to launch an e-commerce website dedicated to the direct sales of wireless phones during the pivotal transition from analog to digital technology. The company’s innovative approach revolutionized the industry, directly connecting with consumers and selling thousands of subscriber accounts nationwide. Their proprietary recruiting and training methods left an indelible mark on the mobile industry. In 2001, at the age of 24, they sold Future Phones to OmniServe Wireless and also established a strategic relationship with BIG Planet Inc., a part of Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. (NYSE: NUS).
Wright and Stephanie Thurston have consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in nascent industries. Their foresight and entrepreneurial acumen have allowed them to not only predict market trends but also to actively shape the evolution of various sectors. In 2001, the couple saw an opportunity to apply the recruiting and professional development systems they have perfected at Future Phones to another emerging sector. Smart Home. Like the trasition from analog to digital a new opportunity in the subscription-based monitored home security industry was beginning to unfold. In 2002, The Thurstons founded Firstline Security to capitalize on the technological shift from landline to cellular communications. As the CEO of Firstline Security, Inc., he redefined the market by making monitored home security accessible to middle and low-income families through innovative pricing and provisioning options. Under his guidance, Firstline Security expanded to over 200,000 subscribers and generated revenues exceeding $100 million. The company was ranked as the fifth largest home security company by SDM magazine and featured on the Inc. 500 in 2006. That same year, They were honored as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
In 2006, Thurston transitioned from his role as CEO but continued to influence Firstline Security as a board member and by managing its nationwide recruiting and sales force. In 2010, the company sold its nationwide home security customer base to a hedge fund based in Albany, New York.
The Thurston’s next venture was the founding of Elevate in 2008. Elevate aimed to be among the first cloud-based digital service providers in the United States. In 2009, Wright and Stephanie Thurston reached a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey with the orchestration of a public offering for Elevate, marking the company’s transition into a publicly listed entity. This strategic move was a testament to their business acumen and their ability to successfully navigate the complexities of the corporate world. In 2009, Wright and Stephanie Thurston reached a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey with the orchestration of a public offering for Elevate, marking the company’s transition into a publicly listed entity.
This strategic move was a testament to their business acumen and their ability to successfully navigate the complexities of the corporate world.
Elevate, under the guidance of the Thurstons, had already established itself as a pioneering force in the digital services industry, offering innovative solutions in solar, data, voice, video, mobile, and security markets. The decision to take the company public was a bold step that reflected their confidence in Elevate’s business model, its market position, and its future growth prospects.
The public offering was a carefully planned and executed maneuver, showcasing Wright and Stephanie’s strategic thinking and understanding of financial markets. This transition not only provided Elevate with access to a wider pool of capital and resources but also placed it under greater public scrutiny, demonstrating the Thurstons’ commitment to transparency and corporate governance.
As a publicly traded company, Elevate stands out by leveraging a network of independent, licensed connectivity specialists to sell and service digital services across various sectors. Elevate offers unique product ‘Stacks’ through carrier-level agreements with major infrastructure providers, enabling customized digital service packages for customers. The company operates in all 50 states, with its solar footprint limited to the coverage area of its installation network.
The Thurstons hav recruited, trained, and deployed over 20,000 independent representatives. Thier innovative approach to sales training and market behavior insights has led to thousands of digital service subscriber activations nationwide. As the architect of proprietary compensation plans, which reward sales representatives for both new customer acquisitions and long-term loyalty, reshaping the customer experience with digital service providers. Thurston’s visionary leadership and hands-on approach continue to inspire and motivate global sales teams is unmatched.
In 2016, The Thurstons once again were positioned at the forefront of technological innovation by venturing into the realm of blockchain. They recognized the transformative potential of decentralization and became one of the world’s largest Bitcoin miners. However, Thurston was not content with merely participating in the existing framework. The decentralized nature of Bitcoin, coupled with its high hardware and energy demands, spurred him to envision a new paradigm in blockchain technology.
Thurston’s innovative spirit led him to conceive and develop the Proof-of-Action blockchain protocol. This groundbreaking protocol was the foundation of GREEN – a Blockchain initiative designed to empower users to manage their
home energy efficiently while incentivizing the adoption of renewable and sustainable energy sources.
GREEN represented a significant leap forward in blockchain technology, marrying environmental consciousness with decentralized energy management.
Recognizing the enormous potential of this novel protocol, they took a bold step by forking the blockchain code. This strategic move led to the co-founding of GALA Games, a platform that rapidly gained traction and experienced exponential growth. GALA Games emerged as a testament to the Thurston’s visionary approach, integrating the principles of decentralization, sustainability, and technological innovation.
The Thurston’s journey from pioneering entrepreneurs in the mobile industry to a trailblazer in blockchain and sustainable energy underscores his relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to stay ahead of technological trends. Their contributions to various industries continue to resonate, influencing business models and technological advancements worldwide.
In 2022, Wright and Stephanie Thurston embarked on a new venture with the formation of TrueNorth Investments, a family office with a mission to broaden their impact across the globe. This venture was conceived as a platform to leverage their innovative Proof-of-Action blockchain technology across multiple industries, driving significant changes and fostering sustainable growth.
TrueNorth Investments represented a significant expansion of the Thurston’s vision, taking the core principles of their blockchain innovation and applying them to a diverse array of sectors. Their commitment to utilizing technology for positive change was evident in the choice of industries they targeted:
Healthcare: In healthcare, the Thurston’s technology aims to improve patient data security, enhance the efficiency of medical records management, and foster transparency in drug supply chains. The project has developed and released the first AI platform to detect warning signs for mental health using advanced voice recognition that measures thousands of bio-markers. The app also promotes fitness by tracking heart rate and other indicators.
International Finance: In the realm of international finance, their blockchain solution was designed to streamline transactions, reduce fraud, and increase access to financial services in underserved regions.
Outsourcing and Remote Work: Recognizing the growing trend of remote work, TrueNorth Investments focused on deploying blockchain to facilitate secure and transparent outsourcing practices, ensuring fair compensation and work attribution.
Industrial Mining: In industrial mining, the Proof-of-Action blockchain was employed to enhance supply chain transparency, ensure ethical sourcing, and reduce environmental impact.
Agribusiness: In the agricultural sector, their technology sought to improve supply chain efficiencies, verify the authenticity of organic products, and support sustainable farming practices.
The Thurston’s approach with TrueNorth Investments is not just about technology deployment; it is about creating a positive societal impact. They aimed to address some of the pressing challenges in these industries, leveraging their extensive experience and innovative technology to make a tangible difference.
TrueNorth Investments stands as a testament to the Thurston’s continued dedication to innovation and their unwavering commitment to using technology as a force for good. Their endeavors across these diverse sectors illustrate their belief in the power of blockchain to transform industries and improve lives on a global scale.
Wright and Stephanie Thurston exemplify the essence of quiet yet impactful philanthropy. Their approach to giving is characterized by a deep sense of humility and a strong commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. Each year, they donate millions to various causes, choosing to make a significant difference behind the scenes.
One of the key areas of their philanthropic focus is the prevention of human trafficking. Recognizing the gravity and complexity of this global issue, the Thurstons contribute to initiatives that aim to combat trafficking, provide support to its survivors, and raise awareness about this heinous crime.
Another vital area of their philanthropic endeavors is providing access to clean water. Understanding the fundamental role of clean water in health, education, and economic development, they invest in projects that ensure communities, especially in underprivileged regions, have access to this essential resource.
Their philanthropy extends beyond these areas, touching various projects that align with their vision of creating a better, more sustainable, and just world. The Thurstons’ approach to giving is strategic and thoughtful, ensuring that their contributions make a lasting impact.
The Thurstons’ philanthropic efforts, though conducted without fanfare, have had far-reaching impacts. Their dedication to making a positive difference in the world, coupled with their substantial contributions to various causes, makes them exemplars of effective and heartfelt philanthropy.
Wright and Stephanie Thurston, along with their six beautiful children, form a close-knit family united not just by bonds of love and mutual respect, but also by a shared commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Residing in the picturesque locale of Puerto Rico, the Thurston family has created a nurturing and inspiring environment where values of compassion, responsibility, and altruism are deeply ingrained.
The Thurstons have been keen on involving their children in their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors from a young age. This family-centric approach to doing good has fostered a sense of social responsibility and a spirit of giving in their children. Whether it’s contributing to initiatives for clean water, combating human trafficking, or supporting local community projects, each family member plays a role, creating a powerful collective impact.
Their home in Puerto Rico not only offers a serene retreat from their busy lives but also serves as a hub where ideas for positive change are discussed and nurtured. The beauty and diversity of the island have instilled in the family a deep appreciation for different cultures and the importance of sustainable living.
Despite their significant achievements and contributions, Wright and Stephanie have maintained a humble and grounded family life. They prioritize spending quality time together, whether it’s engaging in outdoor activities, exploring the rich culture of Puerto Rico, or simply enjoying each other’s company at home.
The Thurston family’s close-knit dynamic and their joint efforts to contribute positively to the world set an admirable example. Their collective approach to philanthropy and business, underscored by strong family values, demonstrates that making a difference can truly be a shared and enriching journey for the entire family.