Thede first wrote about using a payment to screen incoming email while researching the problem as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. He combined that research with the experience he gained building several technology companies (as a principal at Diamond Technology and Management Consultants, a founder of Leverage Information Systems and an early employee of Match.com) to bring Boxbe to life.

As co-founder and President of Boxbe, Thede is working feverishly to make Boxbe's vision a reality. In addition to being Boxbe's evangelist, he leads the company's technology efforts, acting as chief architect and head of engineering and technical operations. Thede is also chairman of Boxbe's Board of Directors.