Date of Birth: December 10, 1949
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: July 9, 2017
Biography
Neal Patterson was an influential American businessman best known for co-founding Cerner Corporation, a leading supplier of health information technology (HIT) solutions, services, devices, and hardware. Born in rural Oklahoma, Patterson’s journey from a farm boy to a tech mogul is a testament to his determination and vision. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and his MBA from Oklahoma State University. In 1979, along with Paul Gorup and Cliff Illig, he co-founded Cerner, initially focusing on developing software for medical laboratories. Under his leadership, Cerner grew to become a global powerhouse in healthcare IT, transforming the way health data is managed and shared. Patterson was known for his no-nonsense leadership style and his commitment to innovation. His contributions to the healthcare industry have left an indelible mark, ensuring better patient care through improved information systems.
5 Interesting Facts about Neal Patterson
1. Neal Patterson co-founded Cerner Corporation in 1979, which became the largest publicly traded pure-play HIT company in the world.
2. He was a notable philanthropist, contributing to various causes including education and healthcare.
3. Patterson was a cattle rancher and owned a 1,700-acre ranch in Oklahoma.
4. He was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer in January 2016 but continued to lead Cerner during his treatment.
5. Patterson’s leadership style was often described as demanding, but he was also deeply committed to mentoring young talent within Cerner.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Neal Patterson
1. “We’re in the business of saving lives.”
2. “You must be willing to disrupt yourself if you want to stay relevant.”
3. “Healthcare is an information business, and we have to treat it that way.”
4. “Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about changing the way we think and act.”
5. “Success comes from a relentless focus on the customer.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Neal Patterson’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.1 billion.
Children
Neal Patterson had three children: Clay Patterson, Lindsey Patterson Smith, and Cortney Patterson.
Relevant Links
1. [Cerner Corporation](https://www.cerner.com
2. [Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/neal-patterson/
3. [Oklahoma State University Alumni](https://business.okstate.edu/alumni/
