Founder: Pat Mack
Business: PVM, Inc.
Revenue/Month: $600K
Founders: 1
Employees: 50
Website: pvmit.com
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Founded: 2010

In the data-driven era, where actionable insights are the currency of success, PVM, Inc. has positioned itself as a force behind transformative solutions. Specializing in software engineering services, the company operates across big data storage, analytics, and custom applications. Its clients include local police departments and federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With a nimble yet potent team of nearly 50 employees, PVM prioritizes tackling high-stakes challenges—particularly the kinds that demand innovative thinking and tailored execution. 

At the heart of this growth is Pat Mack, PVM’s founder and CEO, who started the company as a one-person operation. Mack’s leadership has guided the firm’s evolution, enabling it to secure projects with some of the most mission-critical organizations in the country. “We don’t have a signature product—we have signature partnerships,” Mack explains. “Every solution we deliver is purpose-built for the client, and that’s how we’ve built trust over time.” 

Transforming Public Health During Crisis 

When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe, the CDC turned to PVM for support in a race against the clock. The agency needed to integrate advanced mapping capabilities into its COVID-19 response platform—a task that demanded swift database migrations and real-time solutions to production bottlenecks. 

“This wasn’t a situation where you could afford to take your time,” Mack recalls. “We had to execute quickly and get it right the first time because the stakes were so high.” Within tight deadlines, PVM delivered a solution that enabled the CDC to visualize critical data more effectively, improving its situational awareness in an unprecedented health crisis. 

The success of the project was recognized with the prestigious 2020 NCEZID Honor Award for Information Technology. But for Mack, the real achievement was more profound. “The award was nice, of course, but what mattered most to us was knowing that we helped improve the CDC’s ability to respond to a global crisis. That’s what drives us—making a tangible difference.” 

PVM’s expertise extends beyond public health, with a proven track record in creating tools for public safety organizations. One notable achievement involved building a custom application, dubbed the “Accurint Helper,” to bridge two complex systems: Palantir and LexisNexis. These platforms are widely used for data analysis in public safety, but users faced significant challenges integrating their outputs for actionable insights. 

“The problem was, users were spending way too much time manually pulling data together,” Mack explains. “It wasn’t just inefficient—it could delay critical decisions.” In response, PVM engineered a tool that automated the integration, allowing users to pull reports seamlessly while adhering to stringent privacy regulations. 

The project, completed in just six months, exemplifies PVM’s approach to simplifying complexity. “What we do best is take messy, complicated systems and make them work smoothly for the people who rely on them,” Mack adds. “It’s about removing barriers so they can focus on their mission.” 

One of the cornerstones of PVM’s success is its network of strategic partnerships with leading technology providers. The company is one of only six preferred partners of Palantir, a status that grants it unique access to advanced tools and technical support. PVM also collaborates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) on cloud computing initiatives and works closely with MicroFocus on its Vertica analytics platform. 

“These partnerships amplify what we’re able to do,” Mack says. “They give us the resources and expertise to deliver the best possible solutions to our clients, whether it’s migrating massive datasets to the cloud or training teams to use analytics tools more effectively.” 

Such alliances have positioned PVM to tackle projects of increasing scale and complexity. For example, the company recently assisted a federal client in transitioning its on-premises applications to AWS’s cloud infrastructure, a migration that not only improved performance but also reduced costs. “It’s not just about technology,” Mack explains. “It’s about understanding how to implement it in ways that make a real difference for the client.” 

At its core, PVM thrives on a culture of curiosity and problem-solving. Mack describes his team as “big data nerds who love a challenge,” a sentiment reflected in the company’s rapid growth and long-term client relationships. The firm boasts an average client tenure of seven years—a rare achievement in an industry where engagements are often short-lived. 

“Our clients know we’re in it for the long haul,” Mack says. “We’re not just here to deliver a project and walk away. We’re here to help them succeed over time.” This philosophy has shaped PVM’s reputation as a trusted partner, one that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard problems others might avoid. 

As PVM continues to grow, it is preparing to take advantage of new opportunities, including an 8(a) certification—a federal program designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace. For Mack, this step represents more than just a strategic move; it signals the company’s ambition to expand its impact even further. 

“What excites me most about the future isn’t just the growth—it’s the chance to keep solving the tough problems that really matter,” Mack says. “That’s what got us here, and it’s what’s going to keep pushing us forward.” 

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom 

To truly understand PVM, it’s important to trace its origins back to the lessons Mack learned over nearly 25 years in the U.S. Navy. His career spanned high-pressure operational leadership and rebuilding critical infrastructure in the aftermath of war. These experiences were not just formative; they laid the foundation for a company designed to bridge the gap between real-world needs and the inefficiencies often inherent in large organizations. 

Mack’s most pivotal experiences came during his time stationed in Iraq, where he spearheaded efforts to rebuild defense infrastructure after years of devastation. “We were responsible for everything—bases, ports, police stations. It wasn’t just about construction; it was about giving people the tools to restore some sense of order and security,” he says. The complexity of the mission was staggering, with logistical challenges and unpredictable security conditions adding layers of difficulty. Despite his team’s tireless work, Mack often found himself frustrated by the limitations of bureaucracy. “It was hard knowing we were putting everything we had into these projects, and sometimes the impact wasn’t what we hoped for. There was always something in the system that seemed to slow us down.” 

When Mack returned to the U.S., that frustration grew into a profound realization. Within more traditional organizational structures, he noticed a shift in focus—from solving external, mission-critical problems to grappling with internal obstacles like budget battles and rigid timelines. “I kept thinking about the people on the front lines. They needed solutions yesterday, but instead, we were bogged down in red tape,” Mack explains. This disconnect between mission urgency and organizational inefficiency became the driving force behind what he would eventually build. 

By the time Mack retired in 2010, his path was clear. He envisioned a company that would adopt the urgency of the end user as its own, cutting through unnecessary complexity to deliver what mattered most: results. PVM was born with a single-minded focus on solving tough problems and removing the roadblocks that had once frustrated him in his military career. 

However, starting PVM wasn’t without its own set of hurdles. Mack launched the company during the Great Recession, bootstrapping its growth without outside funding. “I didn’t want to be beholden to investors,” he says. “I wanted the freedom to build the business in a way that put the end user first, without anyone else dictating our priorities.” That decision shaped PVM’s DNA as a lean, agile organization deeply attuned to its clients’ needs. 

The same principles that guided Mack in Iraq—prioritizing outcomes over processes, focusing on the mission, and ensuring every effort had a meaningful impact—became the backbone of PVM. From its earliest days, the company focused on tackling challenges that demanded precision and clarity of purpose, an approach that has consistently set it apart. 

“We take the mission personally,” Mack states simply. “The problems we solve are not abstract; they directly affect people’s lives. Whether it’s public health, public safety, or defense, we approach every project with that mindset.” This ethos, forged in the crucible of war zones and operational urgency, has not only shaped PVM’s identity but also propelled its growth into a trusted partner for some of the nation’s most critical organizations. 

Building a Business, One Relationship at a Time 

PVM’s growth story isn’t one of splashy campaigns or shortcuts to success. Instead, it has been carefully crafted through patience, persistence, and relationships built on trust. Mack’s deliberate approach to scaling the company reflects his belief that meaningful, long-term partnerships outshine quick wins, a philosophy that continues to define PVM’s trajectory. 

In its earliest days, PVM’s only “product” was Mack himself: his technical expertise, his leadership experience, and his ability to tackle complex challenges with precision. “I leaned on everything I’d learned in the Navy—both in engineering and in teaching computer science. It was my edge,” Mack says. This deep technical foundation and familiarity with government processes helped him establish credibility with his first clients, many of whom had worked alongside him during his military service. 

Breaking into the federal contracting space, however, proved to be an uphill climb. Mack quickly discovered that technical skills alone weren’t enough. Navigating long sales cycles, complex procurement processes, and institutional resistance to new ideas required persistence and a strategic mindset. “It wasn’t just about knowing how to solve the problem,” he explains. “It was about building trust, proving you understood the mission, and showing you could deliver.” 

Tackling Barriers with Strategy 

Even with his expertise and network, Mack encountered significant obstacles as he grew PVM, many of which were rooted in organizational culture. Federal agencies, wary of vendor lock-in or adopting unfamiliar technologies, often hesitated to embrace commercial solutions. Mack found that shifting the focus from the tools to their impact on the mission helped overcome resistance. 

“I would never walk in and talk about the product first,” Mack recalls. “What I did was start with the problem they were trying to solve and show how the technology would make their mission easier to accomplish. The conversation always starts with the mission.” 

This mission-first philosophy remains a cornerstone of PVM’s strategy today. The company specializes in implementing off-the-shelf technologies for clients who would otherwise spend time and money reinventing the wheel. PVM handles the technical complexities so customers can focus on what makes their organizations unique. 

Mack also took a strategic approach to the financial side of building the business. By bootstrapping PVM and keeping overhead low, he avoided the constraints often imposed by outside investors. “Staying self-funded gave us flexibility,” he says. “It let us focus entirely on the needs of our clients, rather than on meeting shareholder demands.” 

But that independence came with its own challenges. Securing capital as a minority business owner was often an uphill battle, even with programs like the Small Business Administration in place. Mack recalls how banks encouraged him to take personal financial risks, such as mortgaging his home, to secure funding. “It was frustrating,” he admits. “But it forced us to grow intentionally, making smart decisions rather than rushing into anything.” 

Earning Trust, One Project at a Time 

In the federal contracting world, trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through consistent delivery and understanding your client’s needs. Mack recognized early on that reputation and word of mouth would be critical to PVM’s success. “We didn’t just want to win contracts; we wanted to deliver so well that clients came back to us for more,” he explains. 

Retention became a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. In an industry where relationships often last for years, PVM focused on making each project a foundation for deeper engagement. This approach allowed the company to expand its work with existing clients while carefully onboarding new ones at a sustainable pace. 

“We look for win-win opportunities,” Mack says. “It’s not about what’s easiest for us—it’s about making sure the client feels like we’re all in this together.” 

Redefining Marketing with Authenticity 

For much of PVM’s history, traditional marketing wasn’t part of the playbook. Mack’s aversion to transactional sales tactics led the company to rely on what it did best—delivering results and fostering relationships. Over time, however, he saw an opportunity to share PVM’s story more broadly through inbound marketing. 

“Inbound marketing matched our values perfectly,” Mack explains. “It’s not about pushing a product. It’s about helping people see who we are and how we approach the work.” The company’s marketing efforts now combine technical insights with human-centered storytelling, highlighting its mission-driven culture. 

Recent initiatives include showcasing its new office in the St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, which strengthens its ties to the local community. “People connect with stories about our team and our purpose,” Mack says. “It’s those human moments that resonate more than any technical pitch.” 

Staying Grounded in Relationships 

As PVM continues to grow, Mack remains steadfast in his belief that people are the foundation of the company’s success. Whether it’s fostering long-term client relationships or mentoring the next wave of leaders within the company, the focus is always on trust and collaboration. 

Mack surrounds himself with employees whose expertise exceeds his own, creating an environment where teamwork thrives. “I’ve always believed in hiring people smarter than me,” he says with a laugh. “The best thing I can do is give them the tools and the space to do what they do best.” 

For Mack, the lessons of PVM’s growth are clear: success is built on relationships, a commitment to purpose, and a willingness to put the mission first. “At the end of the day, it’s about understanding the people behind the work,” he says. “Technology changes. Markets shift. But people—that’s the constant.” 

A Future Shaped by Innovation and People 

For PVM, growth is more than a metric—it’s a reflection of how well the company continues to innovate, invest in its people, and adapt to meet evolving client needs. Mack has intentionally cultivated an environment that pairs cutting-edge technology with a human-centered approach, ensuring that the company is as focused on employee development as it is on delivering exceptional solutions. 

This year, the company has taken a bold step into the future of cloud computing through its new partnership with AWS. As industries increasingly rely on cloud technology to improve scalability, security, and cost-efficiency, the collaboration represents a turning point for PVM. “The cloud isn’t just the next big thing—it’s already essential for our clients’ success,” Mack explains. “This partnership gives us the tools to deliver solutions that are faster, smarter, and more secure than ever before.” 

The AWS partnership is more than just an addition to PVM’s technological arsenal. Mack is ensuring that every member of the team is equipped to leverage the technology’s full potential. Engineers, project managers, and even support staff are undergoing AWS training and certification, reflecting Mack’s belief that technical fluency should run across the organization. “It’s not enough for just a few people to be experts,” he says. “We want everyone at PVM to understand how to use these tools, so we can approach problems from every angle.” 

The focus is clear: by deepening its expertise in cloud technology, PVM aims to help its clients maximize the value of their data while positioning itself as a leader in one of the most transformative areas of modern technology. 

Scaling for Success 

PVM’s momentum extends beyond technology. The company is experiencing rapid growth, with its team of nearly 50 employees expected to expand significantly in the coming months. The uptick in hiring mirrors the rising demand for PVM’s services, as the company continues to win contracts with both existing and new clients. 

This expansion has also prompted a move to a larger office within St. Petersburg’s Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, located in the city’s Innovation District. The new space is a strategic choice, designed to promote collaboration and spark new ideas. Sharing a physical presence with other forward-thinking companies in maritime and defense technology creates opportunities for innovation and partnership that extend beyond PVM’s immediate projects. 

For Mack, the move is also about contributing to the local community. “We’re not just growing for the sake of growth,” he notes. “We want to be a part of St. Petersburg’s broader innovation story, working with others to push boundaries and give back.” Future plans include community outreach initiatives and collaborative efforts to bolster the region’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement. 

Lessons Learned Along the Way 

Even as PVM scales, Mack’s focus remains on the principles that have defined the company from the start. He emphasizes that people—both employees and clients—are at the center of everything the business does. “It’s not about me,” he says. “I’ve always tried to build a team that’s smarter than I am because that’s what creates the kind of environment where real innovation happens.” 

Mack works to foster a culture of authenticity within PVM, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported in every aspect of their work. “We don’t just talk about culture—we live it,” he explains. “It’s about actions, not words. And at the end of the day, success isn’t defined by us; it’s defined by our clients.” 

He’s also open about the role of failure in the company’s journey. “Mistakes aren’t the end of the road,” Mack says. “They’re how we learn, improve, and grow.” This willingness to view challenges as opportunities has shaped PVM’s resilience, enabling the company to bounce back stronger each time it faces adversity. 

Rooted in Relationships 

At the heart of everything PVM does is a belief in the power of genuine connection. Whether it’s forming strategic partnerships like the one with AWS, collaborating with innovators in its new St. Petersburg headquarters, or mentoring a team built on shared expertise, Mack remains steadfast in his commitment to building meaningful relationships. 

“Relationships are everything,” he says. “When you prioritize trust and authenticity—whether it’s with clients, employees, or partners—that’s when you create something truly lasting.” This philosophy not only drives PVM’s current success but also ensures that its growth remains purposeful and aligned with the values that have guided the company from the beginning. 

Advice Rooted in Purpose 

For Mack, every entrepreneurial journey begins with a simple but profound question: why? He believes that starting a business requires more than just a great idea or a clever strategy—it demands a purpose that informs every decision. This clarity of purpose, he says, is what enables business owners to navigate the inevitable challenges and seize meaningful opportunities. “You need to know why you’re doing this,” Mack explains. “Your ‘why’ isn’t just important in the beginning. It’s what keeps you grounded when things get tough or when you’re deciding which path to take next.” 

From its inception, PVM has been guided by a clear mission: solving problems that matter, particularly for those on the front lines. This purpose has shaped the company’s identity and the way it prioritizes projects. It influences not only the solutions PVM delivers but also how the company approaches its relationships with employees and clients. Mack emphasizes that a mission isn’t just a starting point; it’s the foundation that brings consistency and focus as the business grows. “It’s not about chasing trends or doing what’s easy,” he says. “It’s about staying true to the people you’re trying to help and the impact you want to make.” 

Learning from Others 

Equally essential to success, Mack stresses, is seeking guidance from those who have already traveled the entrepreneurial road. He points to mentorship as one of the most important resources for anyone building a business. “Nobody builds something great alone,” he says. “You need to learn from people who’ve been there—who’ve faced the obstacles you’re going to face and can help you figure out the right way forward.” 

Mack speaks from experience. In PVM’s early days, he reached out to seasoned business leaders and industry experts who shared insights on everything from operational strategies to navigating government contracts. “I asked questions all the time,” he recalls. “Not just about what worked for them, but about what didn’t. Sometimes learning about someone else’s mistakes can save you from making your own.” 

But mentorship, Mack believes, is about more than advice. It’s about building authentic, reciprocal relationships. He has cultivated a network of mentors and peers who not only provided guidance but also became trusted collaborators over time. “The best mentorships aren’t transactional,” Mack says. “They’re built on shared values and mutual respect. When you have that kind of support system, you’re not just growing your business—you’re growing yourself.” 

Staying True to the Mission 

Mack’s advice to aspiring business owners reflects his belief that success doesn’t come from shortcuts or flashy strategies. Instead, it grows from a commitment to purpose, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to learn. “When you know why you started, everything else falls into place,” he says. “It helps you make the tough decisions and stay on course, even when the path gets rocky.” 

For Mack, PVM’s purpose has been a constant anchor, guiding the company through challenges and fueling its steady rise. “At the end of the day, everything we do comes back to our mission,” he explains. “If we’re not solving problems that matter or making a real difference for the people we serve, then what’s the point?” 

It’s advice that reflects Mack’s own entrepreneurial journey—a reminder that the most enduring success is built on clarity of purpose and a dedication to the people and goals that matter most. 

Success Factors: Why Did PVM Inc Succeed? 

• Clear and Mission-Driven Purpose: PVM operates with a laser focus on solving problems that matter, particularly for those on the front lines. This mission has been the company’s guiding principle from its inception, ensuring consistency in decisions, projects, and priorities. Mack emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind the business. This clarity has helped PVM stay grounded and purpose-driven, even as it has scaled.  

• Strong Leadership and Vision: Mack’s nearly 25-year career in the U.S. Navy shaped his ability to lead in high-pressure environments and solve complex, mission-critical challenges. These experiences provided the foundation for PVM’s ethos and approach. His ability to transition lessons learned from military operations into the private sector helped bridge the gap between operational needs and bureaucratic inefficiencies.  

• Relationships and Trust: PVM’s growth has been fueled by authentic, long-term relationships with clients and partners. Mack focused on building trust and delivering value over time, rather than chasing quick wins. Federal clients, in particular, value PVM’s reputation for understanding their needs and solving their most pressing challenges. Mack’s credibility as a former Naval officer helped establish this trust early on.  

• Focus on People—Clients and Employees: Mack built PVM around the idea that people matter most. Whether fostering strong client relationships or hiring employees whose expertise surpasses his own, the company thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. Internally, PVM emphasizes creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, which contributes to the company’s ability to attract and retain top talent.  

• Technical Expertise and Adaptability: The company specializes in simplifying complex problems, taking on challenges that others might avoid. From cloud solutions to big data analytics, PVM has consistently demonstrated technical excellence. Mack’s insistence on training the entire team—regardless of department—on AWS cloud tools reflects a forward-thinking approach to innovation and adaptability.  

• Mission-Focused Approach to Technology: Rather than focusing on flashy tech, PVM ensures that every solution is tailored to meet the mission-critical needs of its clients. Mack prioritizes adopting proven commercial technologies that allow clients to focus their resources on their core operations. The company’s partnerships with AWS, Palantir, and other industry leaders give it access to cutting-edge tools, which are strategically deployed to solve client-specific problems.  

• Financial Discipline and Independence: Mack bootstrapped PVM from the start, avoiding outside funding and remaining self-reliant. This financial independence allowed the company to make decisions based on client needs, rather than external investor demands. By growing intentionally and sustainably, PVM has avoided the pitfalls of overexpansion and maintained control over its trajectory.  

• Resilience Through Challenges: PVM was launched during the Great Recession, and Mack faced significant barriers as a minority business owner, including difficulties in accessing capital. However, these challenges reinforced the company’s intentional, methodical approach to growth. Mack’s willingness to view failure as a learning opportunity has helped the company refine its processes and strengthen its operations over time.  

• Mentorship and Learning: Mack credits much of his success to learning from mentors and seeking advice from seasoned business leaders and industry veterans. These relationships have provided valuable guidance and helped him avoid common pitfalls. His emphasis on learning from both successes and failures has created a culture of growth and continuous improvement within PVM.  

• Strategic Location and Community Engagement: PVM’s move to the St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub reflects a strategic effort to position the company within a collaborative, innovation-focused environment. This decision supports both the company’s technical growth and its community outreach efforts. Mack sees community involvement as an opportunity to give back and create shared value, aligning with PVM’s ethos of building meaningful connections. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Start with a Clear Purpose: Mack emphasizes that every business should begin by answering the fundamental question: why? A clear mission not only provides direction but also serves as a touchstone during challenges and periods of growth. PVM’s focus on solving meaningful problems, particularly for front-line organizations, has anchored the company’s identity and guided its decision-making from the start. Lesson: A strong purpose creates clarity, fosters consistency, and aligns actions with long-term goals. 

2. Solve Problems That Matter: PVM focuses on tackling real, high-stakes problems for its clients, such as enabling public health agencies to manage a pandemic or streamlining data workflows for public safety organizations. Mack has shown that prioritizing impact over convenience—by addressing the most critical challenges—builds credibility and trust with clients. Lesson: Solve problems that make a meaningful difference, and clients will value your expertise. 

3. Build Authentic Relationships: PVM’s success stems from its relationships, both with clients and employees. Mack prioritized trust and long-term partnerships over short-term wins, cultivating a reputation for reliability and deep understanding of his clients’ missions. The company also fosters an authentic culture internally, creating a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered. Lesson: Authenticity and trust are the cornerstones of sustainable growth—whether with clients, employees, or partners. 

4. Hire Smarter Than Yourself: Mack stresses the importance of surrounding himself with a team of experts who surpass his own abilities in their respective fields. He believes a collective intelligence enables the company to solve even the most complex challenges. Empowering employees to innovate and collaborate has been key to PVM’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Lesson: Great leaders hire for expertise, trust their team, and create an environment where innovation thrives. 

5. Stay Lean and Independent When Possible: From the outset, Mack bootstrapped PVM, choosing to grow the business without external funding. This independence allowed the company to make decisions based on its clients’ needs rather than shareholder demands. Though capital was difficult to secure, Mack’s financial discipline laid a sturdy foundation for long-term sustainability. Lesson: Maintain financial discipline and avoid unnecessary dependencies to retain control and stay aligned with your mission. 

6. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: PVM was born during the Great Recession, and Mack faced hurdles as a minority business owner, including barriers to capital and institutional resistance to new ideas. Instead of becoming discouraged, Mack reframed challenges as opportunities to learn, refine processes, and grow. Lesson: Resilience and adaptability are essential for overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger. 

7. Focus on the Mission, Not the Technology: While PVM specializes in complex technologies like cloud computing and data analytics, Mack has always approached solutions with the mission in mind. Instead of leading conversations with technology, PVM emphasizes how the tools will address the client’s mission-critical needs. Lesson: Technology is a means to an end—always focus on how it serves the bigger picture. 

8. Invest in Your People: Mack has prioritized equipping his team with the tools and training they need to excel. For example, PVM’s company-wide AWS certification program ensures that employees at all levels understand cloud technology and how to implement it for clients. PVM’s culture fosters learning, collaboration, and personal growth, creating a workforce that thrives on solving tough problems. Lesson: Continuous investment in employee development ensures a company that is both skilled and aligned with its mission. 

9. Learn from Others: Mack has relied heavily on mentorship throughout his entrepreneurial journey. By seeking advice from seasoned leaders and industry experts, he gained insights into navigating challenges and avoiding common mistakes. For Mack, mentorship isn’t just about receiving advice—it’s about building authentic, mutual relationships that provide ongoing support and collaboration. Lesson: Seek out mentors and learn from their successes and failures to accelerate your own growth. 

10. Stay True to Your Values: PVM has remained true to its guiding principles, even as it scales. Whether expanding its workforce, partnering with AWS, or moving into the St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, the company’s growth is always purposeful and aligned with its mission. Mack ensures that PVM’s decisions are rooted in its values of trust, authenticity, and impact. Lesson: Growth is only meaningful when it aligns with your core values and purpose. 

11.  Marketing Can Be Human-Centered: For much of its history, PVM avoided traditional sales and marketing tactics, relying instead on word of mouth and proven results. Recently, Mack embraced inbound marketing because it aligned with the company’s values of authenticity and helpfulness. PVM’s marketing emphasizes its people-first approach, showcasing the stories and expertise that define its work. Lesson: Effective marketing isn’t about selling—it’s about sharing your story in a way that resonates with your audience. 

12. Balance Local Roots and Global Reach: PVM’s move to the St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub highlights the company’s dual focus: fostering innovation alongside local collaborators while maintaining its ability to serve federal and national clients. Mack’s commitment to community involvement is a reminder that business success can also contribute to regional growth and partnerships. Lesson: Rooting your company in a local community can strengthen relationships and spark innovation, even as you operate on a broader scale. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background  

Pat Mack, former U.S. Navy officer with nearly 25 years of experience in operational leadership, engineering, and computer science. Gained expertise in solving complex problems in high-stakes environments, including rebuilding defense infrastructure in Iraq. 

Problem Identification  

Identified inefficiencies in bureaucratic systems and the disconnect between operational needs and technical solutions. Aimed to address mission-critical challenges for clients in public health, public safety, and defense. 

Market Opportunity  

Increasing reliance on big data, cloud computing, and custom software solutions across industries. Federal agencies, including the CDC and Department of Defense, needed reliable and mission-driven partners to handle critical operations. 

Competitive Landscape  

Faced competition from larger, established defense contractors and consulting firms. Differentiated by offering tailored, agile solutions with a focus on the client’s mission rather than off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all approaches. 

Market Research  

Leveraged Mack’s firsthand experience as a former end user to understand federal client pain points. Drew insights from relationships with industry peers and mentors to align offerings with customer needs. 

Business Model  

Service-based model providing big data storage, analytics, cloud migration, and custom application development. Focused on long-term federal contracts and public sector partnerships with an emphasis on solving highly specific client problems. 

Initial Capital  

Bootstrapped without external funding during the Great Recession. Maintained financial independence, avoiding shareholder-driven constraints and prioritizing lean, sustainable growth. 

Product/Service Development  

Delivered customized solutions, such as integrating mapping tools for the CDC during COVID-19 and creating the “Accurint Helper” for public safety data workflows. Developed expertise in deploying commercially available tools like AWS and Palantir to meet mission-critical needs. 

Marketing Strategy  

Avoided traditional, transactional marketing in favor of relationship-building and word of mouth. Recently adopted inbound marketing to align with the company’s ethos of authenticity and transparency. Highlighted both technical insights and human-centered stories. 

Milestones  

• Assisted the CDC with its COVID-19 response, earning the 2020 NCEZID Honor Award. 

• Secured partnerships with AWS, Palantir, and other leading tech companies. 

• Expanded into the St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. 

• Grew from a one-person startup to nearly 50 employees with plans for further expansion. 

Scalability  

Positioned for growth through cloud computing expertise (AWS partnership) and federal 8(a) certification to compete for more government contracts. Ability to scale solutions across multiple industries while maintaining tailored service delivery. 

Potential Risks and Challenges  

• Institutional resistance to adopting new technologies (vendor lock-in fears). 

• Barriers to accessing capital as a minority-owned business. 

• Balancing growth with maintaining a client-first, mission-driven culture. 

• Competitive pressures from larger, more established firms. 

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics  

• Client retention rates (average client tenure of 7+ years). 

• Number of federal contracts secured. 

• Employee certifications in critical technologies like AWS. 

• Revenue growth and profitability without external funding. 

• Expansion into new industries and geographic locations.