Rodney Vessell stumbled upon printing, braved several storms along the way and continues to carry the torch of a great mentor.

By Missy Smith

Upon graduation in 1984, he started sending out résumés. One of them found its way into the hands of Gary Judd, the Missouri State Printer. Judd called him for an interview.

“After college, I had no idea what printing was or how any of the facets of it worked,” Vessell recalls. Nevertheless, he took the job Judd offered and began working as a purchasing agent for the State Printing Center, buying and bidding on equipment, and purchasing raw materials. Though he was overwhelmed at first, Vessell found guidance in Judd.