St. Pete veteran named Small Business Owner of the Year

The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Pat Mack, founder and CEO of PVM, its 2025 South Florida Veteran Business Owner of the Year. He credits his hometown’s support and a loyal team for the recognition.

The St. Petersburg native’s data analytics firm operates from the Innovation District’s Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. PVM has thrived in the city and counts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency among its more prominent clients.

The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) award highlights Mack’s innovative approach to data analytics and lifelong commitment to public service. The self-described computer science nerd from South St. Petersburg called the recognition extremely humbling.

“To be 100% honest and transparent, we do not receive that award without the stakeholders in this community and the SBA,” Mack said. “The recognition is truly indicative of a collective effort from folks who really love the country and have taken an interest in helping this kid from the wrong side of the city, back in those days, deliver impact.”

Small beginnings, big impact

Mack was raised by his grandparents in the 1970s and early ’80s when the city looked significantly different than it does today – particularly for Black residents. The two had limited opportunities and resources; they instilled the importance of hard work and perseverance.

His father bought Mack, then 9, his first computer with proceeds from a successful day at the greyhound track. While that began a lifelong love affair with information technology, Mack never thought he would one day own a business.

“I couldn’t dream this big,” he said. “I honestly could not have fast-forwarded my horizon far enough to be the owner of a company that’s successful, thriving and growing.”

Mack attended high school in Miami and shipped off to the U.S. Navy in 1986. He completed several deployments, helped modernize warships and, before retiring as a commander in 2011, led data-driven procurement programs.

His military accolades include a Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious achievement or service against an armed enemy. Mayor Ken Welch presented Mack with St. Petersburg’s Honored Veteran Award in 2022.

Mack inspired by challenges faced in the Navy, founded PVM in 2011 while living in San Diego. The startup became a trusted partner of big data analytics firm Palantir.

‘Data for good’

In 2020, intent on giving back to his hometown, particularly its underserved communities, Mack relocated PVM to St. Petersburg. The startup, which pledges to “unlock your data for good,” now employs 50 people.

“I took a leap of faith in the city that has taken a leap of faith in me and supported me,” Mack said. “I feel like we’re just getting started.”

Mayor Ken Welch (right) presents Pat Mack, who retired as a commander in the U.S. Navy, with the St. Petersburg’s Honored Veteran Award. Photo by Mark Parker.

Mack said 90% of his clients operate in the public sector. PVM began partnering with the Florida Flood Hub for Research and Innovation, housed at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus, in January 2024.

PVM has also assisted local law enforcement agencies, and Mack said the “vast majority of activities we’re engaged in fundamentally make our community safe.” He and his company believe artificial intelligence-driven services can help clients and community stakeholders efficiently solve “really hard problems.”

The SBA’s South Florida District spans from Pasco to Miami-Dade County. The agency annually awards small business owners who create local jobs, offer innovative products and services, overcome challenges and contribute to the surrounding community.

Part of PVM’s written strategy is to mentor three small business owners. “To pay it forward,” Mack said.

PVM also participates in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which allows service members to spend their final six months of active duty with a private company. Mack still receives mentorship from the owner of a larger firm, whom he met 30 years ago in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

“We’ve got 50 families that all contribute, sacrifice, invest and believe in the vision we started 15 years ago,” Mack said. “My leadership team … we’ve been together – most of them – since I was in uniform. And all of them since I founded the company.”

While PVM was an inaugural tenant at the Hub, many employees work remotely. Mack plans to consolidate operations in St. Petersburg and is looking for “talented engineers” to “get on this artificial intelligence journey with us” at the collaboration-focused waterfront facility.

“I would like for us to continue to grow in this community that I’m really so fortunate to be a part of, and proud of,” Mack added. “We’re just getting started at PVM, and our future is completely aligned with the growth of the city.”