Bud Patterson is a veteran construction and engineering executive with over 45 years of multifaceted experience leading award-winning, high-impact projects across the globe. Known for his ability to bridge hands-on technical leadership with high-level strategic execution, Bud has successfully directed initiatives across the construction, military contracting, oil and gas, RV/hospitality, and agricultural sectors. His career has spanned both public and private sectors, encompassing domestic operations as well as international high-threat environments, including critical infrastructure projects in Afghanistan during the U.S. and NATO drawdown.
Bud’s career is defined by his ability to transform concepts into operational and financial success. As the founder and principal of multiple companies—including 4Square Solutions, Midstream UAV, Midstream Group, and Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park (RRCAP)—he has demonstrated a consistent talent for developing and scaling organizations from the ground up. From federal contracting and drone-based telecom infrastructure inspection to executive recruiting and joint venture matchmaking, Bud has built a portfolio of businesses that reflect his entrepreneurial versatility and commitment to delivering results.
During his tenure with MANTECH International in Afghanistan, Bud served as Executive Manager and Engineer for the USFOR-A JARB/Surge Recovery. There, he played a mission-critical role in validating over $100 million in monthly operations, construction, and service contracts while managing base closure logistics for the U.S. and NATO forces. He also developed the Base Transition Retrograde System (BTRS), a forecasting tool endorsed by then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and deployed across 450 military bases.
As CEO of Trinity Group, LLC, Bud led residential, commercial, and government construction projects with values up to $35 million, earning accolades such as the “Southern Living Home of the Year” award. He was also selected to build Oklahoma’s first LEED-certified casino and completed FEMA contracts with remarkable efficiency.
A former First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Bud served as an Aviation Supply, Logistics, and Fiscal Officer and was awarded numerous honors, including the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Achievement Medal. His leadership in the military continues to inform his rigorous approach to operations, logistics, and crisis management.
Bud is deeply committed to mentorship, employee development, and sharing his lifetime of experience with the next generation of leaders. He is the founder of the OKC Pipeliners Club, which grew to over 500 members in its first year, and is a frequent speaker at entrepreneurship conferences. Through his YouTube channel, Side Hustle Survivalist, he provides practical business insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Multilingual with conversational abilities in Farsi, Pashto, Hebrew, and Arabic, Bud has a global mindset and a unique cultural fluency acquired through years of military and professional engagement abroad. He holds a B.S. in Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University and an Associate Degree in Construction Management. His certifications include LEED Green Builder, Master Carpenter, 6G Code Welder, and Class D Water/Wastewater Operator. He also holds a Top Secret security clearance.
A values-driven leader, Bud lives by a simple mission: “Get to Work.” Whether building infrastructure, advising startups, or helping businesses prepare for IPO, Bud is dedicated to applying his skills, insights, and disciplined leadership to organizations that are ready to grow, transform, and succeed.
Character: Bud Patterson exemplifies resilience, integrity, and a hands-on leadership style forged through decades of service in both military and civilian sectors.
Knowledge: With over 45 years of experience across construction, federal contracting, and entrepreneurial ventures, Bud possesses deep, cross-industry technical and operational expertise.
Strategic: He consistently demonstrates strategic foresight by identifying growth opportunities, optimizing infrastructure, and guiding complex projects from concept to completion.
Communication: A natural communicator and mentor, Bud shares his insights through public speaking, advisory roles, and digital platforms, inspiring teams and entrepreneurs alike.
