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

By Missy Smith

“I can’t say enough about him,” he reflects. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” And, though he did not plan on a career in printing, he intends to work for the State Printing Center until he retires.

Budget Woes

When Vessell started as state printer, the in-plant was still feeling the economic effects of 9/11, as many states, including Missouri, went through a budget crisis. For many months after the terrorist attacks, state agencies did not have the money to do as much printing as they had in the past. Staff cutbacks ensued. It took years for the State Printing Center to recover.