PPC & The Power Of Communication: An Interview With William Codo & Patrick Shields Meaningful connections are crucial to our professional lives. William “Bill” Codo, Vice President of Accord Carton, and Patrick “Pat” Shields, Design Director Americas – Consumer Packaging/Food and Beverage, at West- Rock, understand firsthand the significance of cultivating inspiring and transformative relationships within the paperboard packaging industry. “Early in my career, when I began my internship at WestRock, at some point along the way, poor Pat, they stuck me in an office with him,” Bill chuckles.
Pat Shields, left, and Bill Codo.
It turns out that sharing that office space with Pat was a stroke of luck for Bill as he discovered Pat’s exceptional talent while having the op- portunity to observe his work. Little did they know that their connection would have a lasting impact on their lives. Life got in the way despite the initial bond, and the two lost contact for many years. However, a fortuitous encounter at a PPC meeting rekindled their connection and reignited their friendship. A Lasting Impression Bill fondly remembers working with Pat during his internship, recalling those early days. It was clear that Pat’s unwavering passion for creativ- ity and his journey from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to agencies and eventually to WestRock had shaped him into the talented professional he is today. Throughout their collaboration, Pat witnessed Bill’s leadership attri- butes, describing him as a lighthearted, intelligent, and eager individual who would take on any task, no matter the magnitude. These qualities have remained a defining part of Bill’s character. “If you know Bill now, you knew him then. He’s virtually the same guy in so many ways. That kind of lighthearted, smart, engaging guy was the guy that showed up for an internship. Right out of the gate, he stood out because no job was too big or too small,” Pat emphasizes. The power of connection shines through when Bill and Pat reconnect at PPC meetings. “We hadn’t seen each other in years before we reconnected at a PPC
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July 3, 2023
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