Pat Snyder, owner of CCSI, Inc., leads a company that provides commercial and industrial boiler services across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Maryland. From hospitals and schools to manufacturers and gas drilling companies, CCSI supports critical infrastructure in the region.

Before becoming a business owner, Pat spent nearly a decade traveling the country as a shutdown boilermaker, often gone ten months of the year. When he started a family, he knew he needed a new path. An accidental resume submittal on Indeed led him to Jim, the longtime owner of CCSI. After working under Jim for more than a year and learning the business, Pat purchased the company in July 2025. Jim continues to work at CCSI as a mentor, helping guide its next chapter of growth.

The transition wasn’t easy. Pat and his family uprooted their lives, leaving behind their home and community to pursue the opportunity. They lived with relatives during the move, and his wife left her job to support the change. At the same time, Pat needed to earn the trust of CCSI’s employees, who were unaware at first that he would soon become the owner. By working alongside them in the field, he built mutual respect and laid the foundation for a strong team culture.

To navigate the acquisition process, Pat turned to the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Business Consultant Chelsea Blair guided him through creating a business plan, market analysis, and connections with banking partners. Through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), consultant Will Hooten assisted with financial projections and provided guidance on the types of loans and community programs Pat could pursue. This financial insight ultimately helped him secure a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to purchase the company.

Since purchasing the business, Pat has grown CCSI’s team from four to seven employees, with more opportunities on the horizon. The company also holds an R1 Pressure Vessel Welding Certificate, a highly valuable credential held by less than 50 companies in Pennsylvania, positioning them for long-term growth. With steady demand and a dedicated team, Pat sees “a lot of meat on the bone” for expanding services while maintaining quality and reliability.

For Pat, entrepreneurship has been both a professional and personal test of his limits. Motivated by his family and inspired by his twin brother, a decorated soldier, he is committed to building a successful business without sacrificing his role as a husband and father. Through CCSI, he is proud to support hospitals, schools, and industries that keep communities running.

With guidance from the Penn State SBDC, SSBCI, and SBA, Pat turned a daunting challenge into a thriving business. “There’s no chance I’d be where I am today without the SBDC,” Pat said. His journey shows how perseverance, mentorship, and the right support system can transform an entrepreneur’s vision into reality.