Gene Denison has a lot of early mornings at the Suffolk News-Herald office.

When papers are not delivered, are not on time or have been soaked in the rain, Denison is the one who talks to the people calling in to report their problem.

While many would think handling complaints would prove tiring, Denison disagrees.

“I truly enjoy the opportunity to meet and speak with clients, either in person or on the phone,” he says. “I take pleasure in finding out what their needs are and trying to satisfy them. I’m happiest in my job when I’m able to do that successfully.”

Denison serves as the paper’s customer service director, which means that on top of dealing with customers’ calls, he also handles all the technical aspects of returned newspapers for dealers and paid vending racks and boxes. His duties also call for him to periodically work with newspaper dealers throughout the city who sell copies of the newspapers over the counter.

“Occasionally, I clean the table in the dining room too,” he joked.

Additionally, Denison works in the classified advertising department handling all of the legal advertisements that appear in the paper and working with local law offices, city officials or individuals to get the correct data in the paper.

“I have considerable assistance from my co-workers, Linda Bundy and Yvette Brozzo,” he said. “They help me with my questions.”

This November will mark Denison’s seventh year at the Suffolk News-Herald. Before his time at the paper, he ran Denison’s, a women’s clothing store in downtown Suffolk, for 45 years.

Throughout his time working with customers — both at his store and at the paper — Denison says he has come to realize that most people just want to be heard.

Editor’s Note: In recognition of National Newspaper Week, the Suffolk News-Herald is featuring a few of its behind-the-scenes employees to give readers an idea of who helps get the paper to their doorsteps each day.

“I find that a lot of people that many would say are difficult to handle, are not,” Denison said. “They really are not if I make an attempt to find out what their problems are, and try to help.”