Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1013885
30 / the tasting panel / august 2018 HOT SHOT ForceBrands: What do you find most reward- ing about the work you're doing at Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI)? Paul Puhalla: As the Director of Business Development at CDI, the most rewarding part of my role is being able to work together with our employees, customers, and suppliers to think creatively and find more efficient ways of doing business. I'm fortunate to work with a tremendous team where we regularly challenge one another to think differently and find a better way. FB: Do you have any industry mentors who have helped guide you in your career? PP: I've been incredibly lucky to have had tremen- dous bosses, each with their own management style, throughout my career. Every experience was unique and I've learned things from all of them that have shaped my leadership journey. FB: What excites you most about working in the beverage industry? PP: The dynamic nature of the industry is very exciting. Working in conjunction with my team, retailers, restaurateurs, and suppliers to capitalize on growth trends ensures no two days are ever the same. FB: What are some of the biggest trends you foresee taking shape in the alcoholic beverage world in the near future? PP: In a world increasingly driven by convenience, it's no secret that alternative packaging—cans, boxes, PET, et cetera—is gaining tremendous momentum and will continue to do so. Small sizes continue to outpace growth rates in their respec- tive categories, as well. FB: And lastly, just for fun, if you could be doing anything else professionally, what would it be? PP: I'd be leading travel groups on historical and cultural tours around the world. The more we open our minds to learn about people, from the person in the next office to the person halfway across the globe, the better we'll relate to one another. DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT CONNECTICUT DISTRIBUTORS, INC. A Q&A with Paul Puhalla, I'm fortunate to work with a tremendous team where we regularly challenge one another to think differently and find a better way."