Richard J. Croker
Richard J. Croker
Professional Member
Marietta, Georgia
As Director of Technical Services for Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific Containerboard LLC, Richard “Rick” Croker is responsible for setting all product specifications for the company’s containerboard mills. The Technical Services department investigates and responds to product and freight damage complaints from GP mills and customers. In addition, the department provides customers with technical engineering assistance and training on corrugators and presses.
Rick is an analytical trouble-shooter experienced in determining the causes of quality assurance, mechanical and operational issues. He also serves as an instructor to Corrugator and Press/Finishing crews, foremen, maintenance, manufacturing trainees, laboratory technicians and box salesmen. He performs/teaches corrugator and press engineering audits, equipment upgrades, preventative maintenance techniques, adhesive formulations, equipment productivity upgrades, waste reduction, centerlining and more. In the past Rick has worked as a Senior Research Scientist/Field Engineer.
Since first joining TAPPI in 1975, Rick published more than 20 technical papers on all aspects of the corrugated industry and co-authored 12 TIPs for TAPPI’s Corrugated Packaging Division (CPD). Over the years he has received numerous CPD TAPPI Awards, and introduced the industry to a range of easy-to-use preventive maintenance checklists in English, Spanish and Chinese. He was selected in 1994 for TAPPI’s Bettendorf Award for Technical Service, as well as Boxboard Container’s Top 50 20th Century Leaders of the Box and Carton Industry in 2000. In 2005 Rick was named a TAPPI Fellow.
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
A. Nearly 38 years ago, at the urging of my company Continental Forest Industry, I attended my first course at TAPPI – Leadership Training. It was an excellent program and when I finished, my boss Otto Kroeschell suggested I join TAPPI. After doing so, Otto volunteered me as the Atlanta Section’s first Chairman so that I could help others learn while I also learned from them for two wonderful terms.
That experience taught me to remember: “As you teach you will always learn something new.”
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
A. In addition to being a two-time Past Chairman for a Local Section, I also served as past Chairman for the following committees: CORBOTEC, Process Control and Quality Assurance and the Production Committee. In addition, I have served as a member of CPD’s International Committee, the In-Process Quality Sub-Committee and the Atlanta Southeast and Chicago Local Sections. Currently, I am Chairman of TAPPI’s Technical Information Papers (TIPs) and the Awards Committee (member for 25-plus years).
For the past 18 years I have also helped organize and teach Best Practices on the Corrugator and Hands-on Press workshops in the USA, Mexico, China (twice), and South Africa. I have also been a member of Corrugated Industry Development’s (CID) four teams (Bonding, Warp Control, Flute Formation, and Adhesive) for seven-and-a-half years.
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
A. Through more than 35 years of membership, I have attended and participated in as many corrugated and press training seminars and meetings as I could. My goal was not only to contribute, but also to learn and develop valuable industry contacts and friends. I believe I have succeeded in achieving all that and more while continuing to learn.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
A. Camping, hiking, and teaching Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Master and later Scout Master many years past. I was also a PADI Scuba Instructor for 18 years but I’ve since retired and now enjoy underwater photography, fishing and “bug hunting” (Florida lobster).
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
A. I love just about anything on or under fresh or salt water.
Q. Closing sentiments?
A. Take time to participate in TAPPI’s committees so that you can share ideas, learn, and build contacts for YOUR FUTURE in our industry.