“Everyone has a story. Every story is a journey.”
Pete Richardson, Master Facilitator
The Paterson Story
Paterson is more than a name; it’s our legacy. Founded by the man Peter Drucker called “The greatest process thinker in the world,” we’re committed to helping people and organizations grow into their fullest potential and purposeful impact.
Watch his remarkable life story, then discover how his breakthrough process can help you get where you dream of going.
Tom Paterson
Born in New Jersey in 1925, Tom develops his unique ability while working with IBM and RCA, before developing his own innovations which eventually lead to the Paterson Process.
Born in New Jersey
Tom married Ginny, his high school sweetheart, in 1944.
Space Mountain
1967
Taking his insights on light technology from RCA, Tom helps the Disney brothers to design and engineer Space Mountain. Midway through the pitch meeting, Roy Disney famously interrupts Tom’s presentation, slamming his fist on the table and saying “Tom, if you can get me that – you can have anything you want!”
1967
Tom’s daughter Debbie tragically dies of spinal cancer. The loss sends Tom into a deep season of grieving, but the pain later catalyzes his formative thoughts on individual purpose.
The ATM Pin Technology
1968
Sitting in his car on the campus of Stanford University, Tom has the idea for the ATM PIN technology, which he patented.
THE STRATOP PROCESS
Tom sits in Ted Smith’s office at RCA. The two reflect on the bad reputation of strategic planning. Together they dream of a method for discovery to help teams understand where they are – where they really are today – and then discern where they want to be tomorrow.
As Tom refines this innovative process, over the subsequent years, he created an industry-changing strategic system called StratOp, using inductive logic and the Socratic method, inviting all viewpoints, minimizing waste, and making the work fun.
Ronald Reagan
1981
Tom is commissioned by the Reagan Administration to open up the Chinese economy to foreign trade.
1998
Tom loses his wife and partner Ginny, to lung cancer.
THE LIFEPLAN PROCESS
A CEO whose company Tom has helped says, “I love what you’re doing for my company – but could you help me figure out what my own contribution is in life?” From that challenge, Tom suddenly sees the inevitable intersection of his personal pain, longings, and experiences with his strategic brilliance and professional expertise, creating LifePlan.
Mastery
After years of perfecting his skills as a facilitator, Tom identifies younger, passionate protégés committed to passing along his processes. Masters pass on their craft. In the years that follow, Pete Richardson and Doug Slaybaugh launch the first training classes.
Our Legacy
Tom developed his unique approach to strategy into a replicable process, and passed his knowledge on to a new generation of strategic guides.
