Inspire Series

04/08/2025 08:00 AM

Name: Sal Volonnino
Title: Mail Services Manager
Department: Mail Services
With DG3 Since: 2021

Fun Fact: Sal’s backyard barbecue setup includes a pizza oven that sears steaks at 700°, a Pit Boss smoker, and a flat-top griddle—and yes, he uses them all at once.

Employee Spotlight: Sal Volonnino, Mail Services Manager

When people ask what DG3’s Mail Services department actually does, the easy answer is “we get things in the mail.” But that answer leaves out the full picture—and the precision, technology, and coordination that go into every job.

Led by Sal Volonnino, the Mail Services team handles everything from intelligent inserting and match mailings to inkjet personalization, wafer sealing, and roll-fed automation.

It’s a fast-moving, high-stakes operation where timing, accuracy, and technical control matter just as much as postage savings.

And yes—postal optimization is part of it, too. Not an add-on, but a core element of how the department operates. Every job is reviewed to ensure it’s moving through the most efficient, cost-effective channels possible. That process isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the baseline.

“We look at every file,” Sal says. “We analyze it, map it, and figure out the best way to move it through the system. That’s how it should be done.”

In one high-volume mailing—about 950,000 pieces—Sal applied DSF2 logic and a destination-based consolidation strategy that ultimately saved the client more than $70,000 in postage.

That kind of outcome doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because that level of care is built into the workflow—every time.

“Postal optimization isn’t a bonus,” Sal says. “It’s the expectation.”

Keeping Things Moving—Smoothly and Strategically

Sal manages a department that processes over 10 million mail pieces each month. The jobs are diverse and often complex—match mailings, intelligent inserting, inkjet work, roll-fed pieces that bypass traditional bindery steps—but the mission is consistent: get it out the door accurately, efficiently, and on time.

Each morning begins with a walkthrough of the production floor alongside his team—Anna, Oscar, and Maria. Together, they identify the priorities of the day, adjust for last-minute changes, and coordinate with trucking schedules to make sure every job moves through the pipeline smoothly.

“It’s like landing planes at LAX,” Sal says. “They’re all coming in, but you have to figure out which ones can land and which ones need to circle.”

Grills, Smokers, and a Pizza Oven That Sizzles at 700°

Outside the office, Sal’s coordination skills shift from inserting lines to grill lines. His backyard is fully outfitted: a Pit Boss pellet smoker for low-and-slow pork shoulders, a flat-top griddle for burgers and veggies, and a pizza oven that sears steaks at 700 degrees. When family and friends gather—often unannounced—he’s ready to cook.

“My kids used to bring friends over with bags of hot dogs and say, ‘We’re here.’ I’d just throw on the apron and get going.”

A Proud Father—and an Even Prouder Grandpa

Family is central to everything Sal does. He and his wife host dinner four to six times a month, and Wednesdays are often reserved for family night. With one grandchild already toddling around and another on the way, there’s always something to celebrate.

And when those backyard gatherings happen? You can count on the grill being hot—and the welcome being warm.

Severance—and Sal’s Take on Impossible Choices

Sal and his wife are fans of Severance, the Apple TV psychological drama that’s become a company favorite. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that when Season 2 wrapped, Sal had a few thoughts about Mark S., the finale, and what it means to make a decision when no option is easy.

It’s a show built around a workplace defined by detachment, secrecy, and silos—the opposite of how Sal runs his team. His leadership style is clear, connected, and grounded in trust. He doesn’t just keep things moving—he keeps people aligned, informed, and working as one.

Why We Spotlight Our People

At DG3, these stories aren’t just about recognizing great work—they’re about celebrating the people behind it. The ones who bring expertise, care, and character to everything they do.

People like Sal Volonnino.

He’s the kind of person who shows up early, stays late, and makes the people around him better. The kind of leader who can save clients $70,000 by doing what he does best. The kind of teammate who turns a summer afternoon into a memory.

We’re proud to call him part of the DG3 family.