Damien Patton

Damien Patton is a dynamic entrepreneur, innovator, and mentor with a career spanning the U.S. Navy, NASCAR, and the tech industry. Damien has a talent for turning big ideas into impactful ventures, using his diverse background as a foundation for creativity and leadership.

Damien’s journey began in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aircraft mechanic on F/A-18 Hornets, supporting operations during the Gulf War. His military experience instilled strong work habits, adaptability, and a drive to solve complex problems.

After the Navy, Damien joined NASCAR as a race car mechanic for top-tier teams, including Joe Gibbs Racing. The fast-paced world of racing taught him to excel under pressure, think on his feet, and continually improve performance. It also helped Damien develop critical leadership, decision-making, and precision skills—qualities that shaped his approach to business.

Damien’s passion for technology and problem solving led him to the startup world, where he founded Banjo, a company developing real-time data analysis tools to improve safety and emergency response. Banjo gained significant traction, partnering with organizations like the Utah Department of Public Safety to provide real-time situational awareness during critical incidents, including natural disasters. Under Damien’s leadership, Banjo became a leader in situational awareness, providing insights to public safety organizations and first responders.

Damien is passionate about addressing societal challenges through technology. At Banjo, he led efforts to reduce emergency response times and improve public safety outcomes. His work has been recognized by media outlets including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his dedication to making a difference through technology.

As a founder and tech leader, Damien is committed to mentoring the next generation of innovators. He shares his knowledge and experience with young professionals and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate industry challenges and encouraging them to make a positive impact. His mentorship includes speaking at Stanford University and one-on-one coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With over two decades in tech, Damien Patton remains focused on building solutions to tackle real-world problems, empowering others, and leading with integrity. He continues to advocate for technology’s power to make communities safer and more connected.

To learn more about Damien, see his website or his recent op-ed in The Hill.