Samuel
J. Patterson, owner and CEO of Veridyne, Inc. (formerly
Shepard-Patterson), is a classic example of the American
Success story. Born and raised in Yeadon, Pennsylvania,
one of nineteen children, his parents instilled family
values long before the phrase became chic. After receiving
a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Cheyney University,
he began his career as a Programmer Analyst at the E.I.
Dupont Company, where he designed and implemented various
database management and accounting systems. As a Marketing
Analyst for IBM, he was responsible for developing unique
marketing programs and later for direct marketing to corporate
and retail customers. As a consultant for the Wharton
Business Development Center, he assisted business and
government clients with the collection and analysis of
marketing data. In 1985, Mr. Patterson received an MBA
in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton
School. Mr. Patterson is also a graduate of Dartmouth's
Amos Tuck School's Minority Business Executive Program.
In 1986, Mr. Patterson co-founded Veridyne, Inc., an
information management and technology consulting company.
The company developed a substantial commercial customer
base initially, and later expanded into the federal,
state and municipal marketplaces.
In 1995, Mr. Patterson became Chairman, CEO, and sole-owner
of Veridyne, Inc.
After Veridyne graduated from the U.S. Small Business
Administration's 8(a) program in 1998, Mr. Patterson
established Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (ADS), wholly-owned
subsidiary of Veridyne, Inc., in an effort to take better
advantage of the explosive growth of the internet. With
a focus on Internet consulting, software design and
development, networking, and customized training, ADS'
client list included the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
State of Maryland, DuPont, Lockheed-Martin and the Center
for Medicaid and Medicare Services. During his tenure
as company President, Veridyne, Inc. has become a $14
million dollar company with eleven locations in five
states and field operations world-wide. In early 2002,
ADS was merged back into Veridyne, Inc.
Mr. Patterson is active in civic and fraternal programs
providing mentorship for inner city youths. For programs
such as "Guide Right" and Young Black Leaders,
he has been instrumental in the development and funding
of computer laboratory facilities and scholarships.
In 1999, Mr. Patterson and his wife Deidre donated $250,000
to their alma mater, Cheyney University. The gift is
the largest gift from an Alumnus in the School's history.
Mr. Patterson's professional and civic affiliations
include the Wharton Alumni Association, Cheyney University
Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the
Men of BACA, and he sits on the board of the Center
for Literacy. Mr. Patterson's other board appointments
include Innovation Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce,
the Philadelphia Academies, and the Council of Trustees
at Cheyney University. In addition, he has received
numerous awards including "Entrepreneur of the
Year" from Ernst and Young and recently named "Minority
Small Business Person of the Year" by the U.S.
Small Business Administration. In 2000, the Pennsylvania
State System of Higher Education presented Mr. and Mrs.
Patterson with the coveted Ebberly Award for Community
Service. In 2001, Sam and Deidre Patterson donated $50,000
to Simon Gratz High School to establish a Robotics Institute.
At the end of 2003, Mr. And Mrs. Patterson established
the Veridyne Private Foundation to assist in a variety
of community outreach programs.
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