In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, every interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
Kicking the Summer series off is Rosenallis native Kevin O’Loughlin who 20 years ago founded Nostra.
Since then it has become one of Ireland’s most trusted providers of Managed IT and Cyber Security Services for a wide range of sectors.
They employ 400 people, operate in 9 countries, and have 40,000 end users in Ireland, with 10 acquisitions under their belt.
Not content with just that, Nostra is aiming for €250 million revenue in the next five years
The O’Loughlin family is a well-known Laois family. Kevin’s late father, Tom O’Loughlin, was well known in business, farming and GAA circles.
He owned O’Loughlin’s Bar and Grocery in Rosenallis for many years.
He was also an Executive Officer on the Laois GAA County Board and was a key driver, as Chairman of the Football board, in the appointment of Mick O’Dwyer in 2003.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
I grew up in a pub in Rosenallis, so my first job was helping out in the shop during the day and collecting glasses in a packed bar at night. My first real job, though, was working in a meat factory.
I had to measure the fat content of pigs and grade each animal as lean, medium, or fat—each category had different markets and customers.
It taught me the importance of precision, hard work, and understanding what different customers value.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
I’ve always been fascinated by technology. I was drawn to early gaming machines and the computers of the 1980s—the kind you plugged into your TV to write basic programs.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to run my own business. I didn’t have a fixed plan, but I knew I wanted to create something of my own in the tech world.
3 – Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
The biggest turning point was in 2006 when I left a very well-paid job to do something new—though I didn’t know what that was at the time.
I tried being an estate agent in Portlaoise for a few months, did some travelling, and then—by pure chance—I met a stranger in a bar in Warsaw. We started talking about tech, and he offered me a job in the US. He said Europe was years behind.
I flew home and decided to seize the opportunity. That moment changed everything.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
There have been many, but one of the hardest was going broke in 2008. I was single, miserable, broke, and my company was in serious trouble.
But I got up every day and fought to keep my head above water. I was upfront with everyone I owed money to and worked relentlessly to pay everyone back. It took over five years of living on the edge. Resilience is everything in business.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
I dropped out of college after a few months—I hated school and didn’t have the attention span. That cost me over the years.
Grit and determination got me through, but if you combine those with education, you’ll move faster and more successfully.
Today, I place huge value on learning. I’m constantly doing courses and expanding my knowledge. Education doesn’t have to be four years in college—it’s a lifelong commitment to improving yourself every month.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
I get up at 6am and hit the gym. I train with a few friends to keep myself accountable. Then it’s coffee in Dalkey at 7am and into the office for 8am.
My day usually involves meetings with a mix of customers, colleagues, and suppliers. I finish at 5.30pm and I’m home by 6pm.
My evenings and weekends are for family, which is really important to me.
We’ve offices in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Galway, so a good chunk of my time is spent on the road, at airports, and at events around the world.
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
Too many to name! I’m happiest when I’m around other businesspeople—I love sharing challenges and learning from others.
I’m in several mentoring groups where we help solve each other’s problems. I’m also very lucky to be part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme—an incredible group that never stops inspiring me.
No matter how far I go, they raise the bar and remind me there’s always more to achieve.
8 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
Try lots of things—get to know yourself. The Leaving Cert is just a stepping stone. If I’d gotten into my first-choice college course (which I didn’t), my life would’ve taken a totally different path.
Looking back, I’m so glad it didn’t work out. People say, “Do what you love.” I love cars, but I don’t work with them. I say: find what you’re great at, and build your career there.
Never choose a job just because it pays well—you’ll only ever earn big money doing something you excel at.
If you’re the best chef in the world, you’ll be successful and wealthy. Life is too short to do something that doesn’t energise you.
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Have more fun in your 20s. I worked too hard and put myself under enormous pressure to succeed. Life is long—you have to enjoy every phase. Never postpone happiness.
If you ever find yourself saying, “I’ll be happy when…”—a new house, a new car—know this: if you’re not happy now, you won’t be happy then. Happiness is internal, not external.
If I could give my younger self one tool, it would be to create a vision board—a list of lifetime goals.
I did mine at 29: build Ireland’s largest company and help 1 million people along the way. It should feel impossible. I’m still at the beginning of that journey, but I’m loving it.
10 – What’s next for you—any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
We’re flying right now. We’ve just opened our Belfast office and are now focused on acquiring companies in the UK. We’ve a few more deals to close here in Ireland too. Over the next three years, we’ll become one of the largest MSPs in Europe. It’s an incredibly exciting time.
Anything else you would like to add?
Mind your health. Learn about how your mind works. Set goals that scare you and don’t be afraid to dream big. Share your dreams—you might just inspire someone else.
Explain your Laois connection?
I was born in Rosenallis, Co. Laois. I went to primary school in Rosenallis and Derrylemogue, and then to secondary school in Knockbeg College.
I live in Killiney now. Both of my parents, Tom and Geraldine, sadly passed away—Mam in 2011 and Dad in 2015—both far too young, both from cancer.
Most of my family are in Killiney now. I still have lots of cousins in Laois, but I don’t get down as much as I’d like—that’s entirely my fault. I absolutely loved growing up in Laois.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
