Paitrick is a graduate of University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering.  Paitrick, who grew up in rural northern Minnesota, began his career in engineering services as a Process/Specialty Engineer for Fluor, serving clients across a number of industries across the world.  In 2015 he returned to Minnesota to accept a role with KFI Engineers as a Senior Project Manager where he assisted clients in development of projects for the Agrichemicals and Ethanol industry. Paitrick was hired as the CEO of Heartland Corn Products in the spring of 2023. Paitrick serves on the board at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, Renewable Fuels Association, RPMG, and Guardian Energy Management.