20 Under 40 - 1997 Profile: Louis C. Saccocio, The Times Union, Albany, N.Y.

PRESSTIME

By Presstime Magazine

First Published: December 1997

If Louis Saccocio were to star in a television series, it would be called "Depot Cop." That's become his nickname as he works to convert the Times Union to a central-depot distribution system.

Before the 1995-96 switch, 40 trucks delivered papers all over Albany, N.Y. Today, eight trucks haul to seven depots serving 600 carriers and a circulation of 98,685. By successfully launching this initiative, Saccocio helped place the Times Union among only 40 or so U.S. papers distributing from depots.

As a field supervisor reporting to the home-delivery manager, Saccocio polices the depots one by one, beginning at 3 a.m. Sometimes, he visits just one; other days, he cruises all seven, depending on how smoothly the papers roll out.

Each element must be watched: Trucks must arrive on time and be unloaded correctly. Independent-contractor carriers must pick papers up on time and guarantee delivery times. District managers must work efficiently. And don't forget those starts and stops. "When I get things running to where my boss is happy, he floats me through other depots to make sure his procedures are being followed," Saccocio says, pictured at right pointing to map and talking to Rich Blum, one of the district managers who work for him.

"In a year highlighted by exceptional performances, this 32-year-old whirlwind has had his soul, mind and body immersed in a minimum of 20 new or renewed initiatives," says Times Union Publisher Timothy O. White. He credits Saccocio with "infectious enthusiasm, imagination, intelligence and 'can do' attitude."

Saccocio's secret? "I love change," he says. "I get bored if I don't get it."