Kwame Kuadey, MBA

Kwame Kuadey is the Founder and CEO of Thrive Company, a business consulting firm that helps local businesses reach their potential through business strategy, branding, and marketing. Prior to founding Thrive, he was the Founder and CEO of Gift Card Rescue, which gained prominence when he successfully pitched his then startup on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank – and landed a deal. Kwame grew the company to close to $25 million in revenue, making the Inc 500 list once and the Inc. 5000 three times.

Kwame is an advocate for entrepreneurship in the Baltimore area, with a passion for helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. He currently serves as Chair of the Entrepreneurs' Organization Baltimore's Accelerator Program, which helps businesses scale to US$1 million and beyond.

He currently lives in Carroll County, MD with his wife and three kids. When not working, Kwame enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and food. He has visited 40 of the 50 states and 19 countries and counting.

Education

• MBA, Johns Hopkins
• BA, Middlebury College

Teaching

Current

• Entrepreneurial Finance

Honors and distinctions

• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Maryland 2014
• Baltimore Business Journal - 40 Under 40 Award 2014

Impact and engagement

Business

• 2001-2003: Management Associate, Citigroup, Inc, Baltimore, MD
• 2003-2006: HR Compliance Manager, Citigroup, Inc, Baltimore, MD
• 2006-2008 - Risk and Control Manager, Citigroup, Inc, Baltimore, MD

Community

• 2019-Present - Finance Resource, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Baltimore 
• 2018-Present - Board of Directors, Entrepreneurs' Organization Baltimore
• 2014-Present - Entrepreneurs' Organization Baltimore
• 2015-Present - Advisory Board, Betamore