From Newspaper Delivery Boy to CEO: The Story of Freedom Technology Solutions Group’s Vernon Saunders

Humble Beginnings

Humble Beginnings
From Newspaper Delivery Boy to CEO: The Story of Freedom Technology Solutions Group’s Vernon Saunders
Jul 09, 2025 Season 1 Episode 33
WashingtonExec

In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” we sit down with Vernon Saunders, CEO of Freedom Technology Solutions Group, as he shares how he journeyed from grappling with a nearly paralyzing fear of public speaking to communicating boldly and effectively while leading with intention.

His story is one marked by life in the military, navigating the transition to civilian life, and now bringing all of his experiences together in the world of GovCon.

None of his successes happened overnight. From his first job delivering newspapers on a bicycle to relying on college mentors to help him navigate greater learning and success, Saunders recounts key moments in his life and shares how he arrived at his current position. 

Tune in to hear the complete story.

Episode Artwork From Newspaper Delivery Boy to CEO: The Story of Freedom Technology Solutions Group’s Vernon Saunders 29:25 Episode Artwork Lessons from a Coal Mining Town: How Accenture Federal Services' Garland Garris Draws From His West Virginia Roots 21:23 Episode Artwork Building a Legacy: Brandy Durham Turns Passion for Tackling National Problems to Career Path in Data, AI 36:56 Episode Artwork Shawn Purvis' Transformational Leadership Relies on Lifelong Values: 'Family, Faith, Hard Work and Doing Good to Others' 48:20 Episode Artwork Small Town Values, a Strong Work Ethic and Career Turning Points: Rick Wagner's Rise to CEO 31:58 Episode Artwork When Paths Cross and Stay on Course: Federal CIOs Mittal Desai, Yemi Oshinnaiye on Family, Friendship and Public Service 42:18 Episode Artwork IntelliBridge's Cass Panciocco on His Unplanned Path to CEO: A Story of Family, Timing & Work Ethic 26:30 Episode Artwork V2X' Jo Ann Bjornson Finds Her Passion for People After Self Guidance, Life Pivots & Hard Work 53:18 Episode Artwork ULTRA Intelligence & Communications' Mladen Brkic on Resilience, Relationships and Well-Rounded Leadership 40:16 Episode Artwork Leidos' JR Williamson Emerges from Life's Instabilities to Succeed, Supporting Himself and Others Along the Way 47:52 Episode Artwork Kion's Brian Price Journeys 'Across the Bridge' to Solve Problems with Software 42:26 Episode Artwork From Family Business to 'Fixer-Upper:' LMI's CEO Doug Wagoner Isn't Afraid of the Hard Jobs 45:54 Episode Artwork A Story of People, Events and Moments that Changed the Course of Gil Smith's Life 1:00:03 Episode Artwork Working Through Life's Challenges: CEO Jon Rucker's Story is 'About the Journey, Not the Endgame' 56:36 Episode Artwork Behind Sev1Tech CEO Bob Lohfeld's Reputation for 'Running Towards the Fire' 49:32 Episode Artwork SPA's Richard Sawchak Shares Generations of 'Humble Beginnings': A Story of Mentorship, Giving Back & Family 38:28 Episode Artwork From Apartheid South Africa to Stateside CEO: Aarish Gokaldas' Unpredictable Path to Leading with Purpose 47:59 Episode Artwork Paul Smith's Big Family Roots Fuel a Strong Work Ethic and Focus on Connection 25:04 Episode Artwork 'I Can Survive Cancer, I Can Go Learn How to Run a Business': John Ustica on Unknowns and Opportunities 44:56 Episode Artwork Exposure, Loss, Opportunity & Diligence: The Making of Acentra Health's CEO Todd Stottlemyer 36:08 Episode Artwork DCS Corp.'s Jack Jackson's Journey from Naval Ships and Small Towns to People-First Leadership 25:19 Episode Artwork The Future for XLA CEO Gary Slack Wasn't Always Clear, but Business Made it Bright 26:36 Episode Artwork Dreams Redefined: Luwanda Jones on Finding Purpose, Education & Leadership 24:18 Episode Artwork Pizzerias, Roofing and ROTC: Ed Swallow's Resourceful Ride to Management and Mentorship 32:39 Episode Artwork From Sharecropper's Son to SVP: Stan Sims' Story of Ambition, Work Ethic and Perspective 50:09