Mary Carroll Murphy

Mary Carroll Murphy, an award-winning entrepreneur and former executive of a Fortune 500 company, was born and raised in Western Massachusetts. In 1990, Digital Equipment Corporation relocated her to Bedford, New Hampshire, to lead marketing efforts for its revolutionary integrated office systems.

Having lived and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, California, and abroad, Murphy's extensive career in the information technology and financial services sectors has earned her numerous prestigious awards.

Today, Murphy is at the helm of a trailblazing software company and, along with her husband, owns significant acreage in Francestown, New Hampshire. There, she constructed her "forever" home, Black Shoals, beautifully situated on the Piscataquog River's banks.

Current Roles

Cost Cures

Murphy serves as the CEO of Cost Cures, based in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Established in 2024, this innovative software company is dedicated to providing transparency in pricing for dental, healthcare, and vision services, aiming to reduce the high costs associated with healthcare nationwide.

The company is currently developing an AI-powered database and search tool that enables users to find affordable self-pay, cash, or negotiated prices for various medical services across the country. Additionally, she and her team are incorporating telemedicine and medically trained concierge services into their offerings, accessible via their website and a specialized mobile app.

Black Shoals Farm

In 2022, Murphy and her husband launched Black Shoals Farm, a sustainable agricultural operation in Francestown, New Hampshire. This startup farm emphasizes non-GMO and chemical-free practices in producing fruits, vegetables, edible flowers, and both medicinal and gourmet herbs.

Career History

Charles Schwab

In 2011, Murphy was chosen from a vast pool of applicants to become the first-ever Charles Schwab Independent Branch franchisee. Charles Schwab is a leading investment services firm with about $7.4 trillion in managed assets.

Over a decade, she expanded her franchise to be one of New Hampshire's most substantial independent wealth management practices, managing nearly $1 billion in assets by early 2022. Recognizing her groundbreaking work, Charles Schwab introduced the Champion Award in her honor, prompting her to sell the successful franchise in mid-2022.

Earlier Roles

Murphy began her career in 1979 at what is now Eversource, spanning Massachusetts and Connecticut. By 1982, she joined ITT/Hartford Insurance Group as a Technical Analyst, quickly ascending to Assistant Systems Manager and then Director at a Hartford subsidiary focused on programmer productivity software. From 1982 to 2001, she advanced through senior management roles at high-tech firms like Digital Equipment Corporation, Lotus Development Corporation, IBM, and various startups. IBM/Lotus even relocated her to Europe to lead global operations involving public Internet and email application deployment.

After taking a hiatus in 2001 to care for her ailing parents, she earned a Master's degree from Rivier University in 2004. Briefly, she taught mathematics and personal finance at Manchester High School West. Later, she became a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services and eventually an independent financial advisor with MassMutual in 2008.

Academic Background

Bridgewater State College

Murphy is an alumna of Bridgewater State College, where she graduated early in 1978 after excelling in advanced placement exams. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications, arts, and sciences, with minors in psychology and English. She was actively involved as a class officer, swim team member, and forensic and debate team champion.

Rivier University

In 2004, she obtained an M.Ed. with high distinction from Rivier University, a private Catholic institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Awards

Throughout her career, Murphy has been recognized with numerous awards, including the DEC 100 and Decathlon sales awards from Digital Equipment Corporation. She received the Electronic Mail Association Leadership Award in 1992 and the Lotus Achievers Award in 1994, along with the Summit Award for Manager of the Year in 1995 from IBM/Lotus Development Corporation. While at UBS Financial Services, she won two Leaders Circle Awards for asset growth, and as a Charles Schwab franchisee, she received the Small Business of the Year in 2018 from the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, among other peer and industry accolades.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Together with her husband, Murphy supports various local organizations and non-profits, including the Francestown Old Meetinghouse and the Francestown Volunteer Fire Department. They also actively contribute to the Monadnock Community Hospital and have been involved in local broadband initiatives to improve internet access in their community.

Board Memberships

Since January 2016, Murphy has served on the Board of Trustees at Rivier University, supporting the institution's mission to transform hearts and minds to serve the world. She also served on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Hospital from 2016 to 2019.

Personal Life & Interests

Mary Carroll Murphy, now residing in Francestown, New Hampshire, enjoys a fulfilling life with her husband, a former chemical engineer, and their beloved Belgian Malinois. An enthusiast of organic farming, she also indulges in reading non-fiction, antiquing, kayaking, sport shooting, and hosting gatherings for friends and family. As a former financial columnist and a passionate advocate for community service, she continues to inspire and lead in her professional and personal endeavors.