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ThrottleNet Leadership: The St. Louis IT Team Led by George Rosenthal
ThrottleNet’s leadership team has guided the company’s St. Louis managed IT services since founder George Rosenthal started the firm in 1999. Today the ownership group is led by Founder & President George Rosenthal, CEO Mike Heil, and COO Eric Aguado. They lead a team that protects hundreds of businesses and almost 8,000 end points with proactive managed IT, cybersecurity, and an under-90-second average response.
Most of our owners and directors have been with the company for 15 years or more, starting as engineers, consultants, and support staff before moving into leadership. Meet the people accountable for your technology and strives to make every client’s day better.
George Rosenthal
George Rosenthal is the founder, President, and co-owner of ThrottleNet, the St. Louis managed IT services company he launched in 1999. Under his leadership ThrottleNet has become a top-rated provider, recognized as Best in IT for over a decade. For more than 25 years he has led ThrottleNet’s growth into one of the Midwest’s most trusted managed service providers, shaping the company’s proactive, client-first approach to managed IT, cybersecurity, and IT strategy for St. Louis-area businesses. As the public face of ThrottleNet’s IT thought leadership, George can be heard on KMOX, 97.1 FM Talk, Fox 2 News, and KSDK Channel 5. George has advanced expertise in Cybersecurity Best Practices and the evolving field of Artificial Intelligence. He is a certified CLE presenter and a sought-after Vistage speaker, regularly engaging audiences with insightful, practical strategies. As a frequent guest on local media platforms, George shares his knowledge to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture and adapt to the demands of today’s digital landscape.
Mike Heil
Mike Heil is Chief Executive Officer and a co-owner of ThrottleNet and leads long term strategy. As CEO he keeps ThrottleNet focused on the client outcomes that define its reputation: a fast response, proactive managed IT, and built-in cybersecurity for businesses across St. Louis and Kansas City. Mike has a passion to help other business owners and is involved in CEO round tables that help people understand cybersecurity and AI. He began his journey in 2006 as an MSCE-certified network engineer, working directly with customers and building trusted relationships through hands-on support. In 2008, he became ThrottleNet’s first Networking Director, and by 2010, he had taken on the role of the company’s second CEO. Mike is widely recognized for his empowering and thought provoking leadership style. His ability to ask insightful questions and provide steady, strategic support has helped the company navigate major initiatives and achieve professional growth.
Eric Aguado
Eric Aguado is co-owner and the Chief Operating Officer of ThrottleNet, where he leads company operations, oversees the customer support team, and drives the vCIO strategy. He is responsible for the service delivery and operations that keep the St. Louis managed IT team running at an under-90-second average response. Eric’s focus on process and people is a core reason ThrottleNet’s clients stay for the long term. Since joining ThrottleNet in 2005, Eric has played a key role in shaping its service model and delivery. Before his time at ThrottleNet, Eric served four years in the U.S. Army as an 11B Infantryman, receiving multiple commendations for his exemplary service. After leaving the military, he worked in a variety of IT roles, gaining a wide range of technical and leadership experience. Eric carries industry certifications that include CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), and MCSA. His unique blend of military discipline, technical expertise, and leadership continues to fuel operational success.
Todd Budde
Todd Budde is the Director of Managed Services. He began his ThrottleNet career as our first vCIO, and one of the first vCIOs in the midwest. He has overseen the expansion of the vCIO program and our the initiatives behind our 98.3% customer happiness score. He leads all aspects of ThrottleNet’s managed and co-managed services along with our industry leading 93% same day IT support resolution.
Chris Montgomery
Chris Montgomery is the Director of Sales. He started with ThrottleNet in 2011 and has over 30 years of sales experience. He is an IT subject matter expert and in-demand speaker on cybersecurity, AI, managed IT services, and the dark web. He understands what is required to address an ever changing technology landscape and has assisted hundreds of organizations of various industries and sizes.
Michael Riehn
Michael Riehn brings more than 25 years of expertise in marketing, business strategy, and technology. He leads the marketing, communications, and business development initiatives focusing on storytelling and growth. As a former COO and IT Director, Michael excels in creating client-facing sensibilities and understanding client pain points. He offers unique insights into customer needs.
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca Smith is the Financial Controller and Office Manager. She is the friendly voice behind the company’s customer invoicing and leads our human resources initiatives with consistency and care. Her organizational skills, friendliness, and approachable demeanor make her an essential team member. She plays a vital role in fostering the open, collaborative, and thriving culture that defines ThrottleNet.
Technology With a Human Connection
At ThrottleNet, we’re more than just technology people. It’s true that we offer advanced technology solutions, but our expert IT strategists also provide you with the human element that makes those solutions really work. We combine your IT with processes and strategy that bring your business success, and it’s that commitment to excellence in both IT solutions and services that sets us apart.
We also care about really connecting with our clients. We know that the real reason you’re looking to IT experts is to build and better your business, and that need trumps any piece of hardware we can hand you. We make it our business to get to know you and your organization, your frustrations, and your goals, then help you absolutely crush it!
The bottom line is, our people power our solutions, and we’re excited to become a part of your team, too!
Work With the Team Behind ThrottleNet's Managed IT
The leaders above are the people accountable for your technology. See why St. Louis businesses choose ThrottleNet, read client testimonials, or request your free network assessment with our team.