Patrick Smorch
Sugar Hill
Summary
Goal driven, results oriented packaging professional with experience with a variety of materials with both Consumer Products and material manufacturing. Well-organized with strengths in problem solving, planning, innovation, new package implementation, and project management.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
National Account Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
11.2019 - 11.2025
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on client needs and deliverables.
- Manage corrugated sales to all Koch Industry businesses that purchase corrugated from GP box plants.
- This book of business includes GP TTN, Dixie, GP-Mailers, Invista, Building Products, Structural Panels, Particle board, and co-manufacturers.
- Contributions include onboarding new business at multiple mills and plants, implementing new innovative technologies that provide comparative advantage in the market
- Provided internal process improvements including pricing, forecasting, package design, and laboratory testing.
Director, Packaging Technology
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
01.2007 - 11.2019
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes and enhance productivity.
- These teams included office management, PSO, Design, Laboratory, Sustainability, and EH&S.
- Managed a $6.3MM renovation of the Innovation Institute - Finished on time and in budget.
- Hosted i2 visits - Communicated advantaged capabilities and innovation strategies to customers.
- Directed Packaging Fundamental classes for customers and GP employees.
- Built and managed packaging testing laboratories.
- Initiated a fee-for-service business for Amazon (SIOC) certification which averaged $2MM a year.
- Developed GP Corrugated sustainability vision and customer facing POV's.
- Presented at many international trade shows including Walmart Sustainability, IoPP sustainability trade show, and PMMI/Pack Expo.
- Developed Packaging Systems Optimization (PSO) capability.
Packaging Technology Manager
Gorgia-Pacific Corrugated
10.2003 - 01.2007
- Responsible for corrugated packaging product development.
- Developed and commercialized Greenshield - a fully recyclable alternative for waxed corrugated.
- Developed and extrusion coated micro-flute container used for dry laundry detergent.
- Responsible for National Account Technical Service support.
- Trained over 300 employees on the PSO process.
Senior Research Associate
Pechiney Plastics Packaging
01.2001 - 02.2003
- Developed packaging for frozen foods, hot filled liquids, coffee, and microwavable foods.
- Technical liaison for H.J. Heinz.
- Developed a stage-gate product commercialization process.
Packaging Development Manager
Conagra Brands
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Received US Patent D434.326 for rigid plastic dispenser cartridge.
- Designed and built 3 world class packaging testin labs.
- Identified and implemented $3.5MM in cost savings opportunities.
Packaging Engineer
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Awarded IoPP Ameristar award for the "flexible box"
Packaging Engineer
Weight Watchers International
01.1992 - 01.1995
Education
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MINo Degree - Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP)
International Safe Transit Association
East Lansing, MISkills
- Communication
- Strategic account management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic sales planning
- Client engagement strategies
- Team leadership
- Collaborative team development
- Implementation of packaging solutions
- Packaging performance testing
- Commercial strategy development
- Effective presenting
Timeline
National Account Manager
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
11.2019 - 11.2025
Director, Packaging Technology
Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
01.2007 - 11.2019
Packaging Technology Manager
Gorgia-Pacific Corrugated
10.2003 - 01.2007
Senior Research Associate
Pechiney Plastics Packaging
01.2001 - 02.2003
Packaging Development Manager
Conagra Brands
01.1998 - 01.2001
Packaging Engineer
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
01.1995 - 01.1998
Packaging Engineer
Weight Watchers International
01.1992 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineering
Michigan State University
No Degree - Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP)
International Safe Transit Association