After working for B.F. Goodrich Chemicals, he joined FMC Corporation as an area production manager in 1967. In 1969, he joined the BASF group where he played a major role in developing the company into a multi-billion dollar corporation. While employed at BASF, he held numerous positions before becoming vice president of the Intermediate Chemicals group, a corporate officer, and a member of the executive committee.

In 1980, he left BASF to become CEO of Rio Tinto Zinc Chemicals in the United States and Canada. He shaped the company from the ground up into a leader in the chemical treatment industry. In 1984, Purdy established the AGDATA group of companies, now one of the largest agricultural, animal, and human health data analysis and marketing companies in the world. AGDATA provides Internet and business-to-business solutions to major agrochemical, animal health, hospitals and physicians, throughout the world. It has offices Europe, Canada, and the U.S. In September 2010, Mr. Purdy sold AGDATA and currently sits on the Board of Directors. He is also a co- founder of Cadrillion Capital, a closely held private investment firm located in Charlotte, NC.

Mr. Purdy represented the chemical engineering department of WVU in the Building Greatness Campaign where the college raised more than $22.5 million. His generosity and leadership also led to the renovation of the Alfred F. Galli Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory at WVU. Mr. Purdy is a member of the WVU Chemical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni and the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was appointed to the board of directors of the WVU Foundation and currently serves as Chairman.