As the busy season ramps up in wholesale distribution, finding and keeping the right people becomes even more critical. Whether it’s in the warehouse, behind the counter, or out on the road, the strength of your team directly impacts how well you serve your customers. The challenge? Top talent doesn’t stay available for long. That’s why now is the time to sharpen your hiring strategy and move with purpose.
Start by refreshing how your company presents itself. Job postings shouldn’t just list requirements—they should tell your story. Candidates want to know the impact of their work, so highlight how your team keeps supply chains running, supports local businesses, and powers communities. Sharing employee success stories or a “day in the life” from your warehouse or sales floor makes the opportunity feel real and relatable.
Speed is another key advantage. In today’s market, drawn-out hiring processes are a dealbreaker. Streamlining interviews, removing unnecessary steps, and keeping candidates updated goes a long way toward earning their respect—and securing them before a competitor does. Alongside speed, make sure your pay and benefits stand out. Competitive wages are essential, but in distribution, the extras matter too. Whether it’s shift flexibility, bonus opportunities, or skill-building programs, candidates want to see how you go beyond the paycheck.
Flexibility is especially valuable in this industry. While remote work may not always be an option, scheduling flexibility often is. Allowing shift swaps, offering varied start times, or building in early leave options during slower periods shows employees you value their work-life balance. In return, you’ll often see stronger loyalty and engagement.
To keep your hiring pipeline strong, don’t wait until you’re desperate to start looking. Build relationships with passive candidates on LinkedIn, keep in touch with people you’d like to hire in the future, and encourage referrals from your current team. At the same time, expand your reach by showing up where talent already gathers—whether that’s job fairs, local workforce programs, or trade schools. These channels bring fresh energy and often uncover candidates you wouldn’t find on the usual job boards.
Finally, don’t overlook the power of stability and growth. Distribution can be demanding work, and employees want to know it leads somewhere. Show how an entry-level warehouse associate can move into a lead role, or how a counter salesperson can grow into an outside sales territory manager. When candidates see a future with your company, they’re far more likely to sign on—and stick around.
The bottom line is clear: in wholesale distribution, talent is one of your biggest competitive advantages. By telling your story well, moving quickly, offering flexibility, and showing clear paths to growth, you’ll not only attract the right candidates but also build a workforce that drives your business forward through the busy season and beyond.
John Salvadore
GRN Coastal
Managing partner
jsalvadore@grncoastal.com
