In wholesale distribution, the conversation around workforce growth often focuses on hiring: filling open roles quickly and securing candidates who can hit the ground running. While finding skilled talent is important, many distributors overlook the other half of the equation—training and development.
The truth is, the “perfect 10” candidate who checks every box and requires little onboarding is rare, costly, and often already employed elsewhere. What distributors really need is a strategy to hire the right people—the ones who can be trained and developed into top performers.
Hiring the Right, Trainable People
Not every candidate has to arrive with deep industry expertise to succeed. In fact, companies that expand their hiring lens to include candidates with the right mindset, work ethic, and capacity to learn often see stronger long-term results. The challenge is identifying those candidates—the hidden gems who may not stand out on paper but have the foundation to thrive once given the right training.
This is where working with a recruiter who knows your industry makes all the difference. At GRN Coastal, we specialize in wholesale distribution. We understand the unique qualities that separate someone who “just fills a role” from someone who can grow into a key asset for your business.
Why Training Multiplies Results
When companies invest in training after hiring the right talent, the payoff is exponential:
- Retention: Employees who feel invested in are far more likely to stay long-term.
- Consistency: Structured training ensures alignment with company standards and customer expectations.
- Adaptability: Trained employees can adjust to shifts in technology, supply chain dynamics, and customer needs.
- Growth: Training builds a talent pipeline, preparing employees to step into leadership roles as the company expands.
Recruiters as Strategic Partners
Hiring and training are not competing priorities—they’re complementary. The key is ensuring that the people you bring on board have the capacity to be trained. Recruiters who specialize in your industry can filter for these qualities, saving you time, reducing turnover, and giving you access to a broader yet highly qualified talent pool.
At GRN Coastal, we don’t just find candidates—we identify the right people who can be molded into long-term assets for your team. Our focus is on building workforces that last, not just filling seats.
Final Thought
Wholesale distributors who balance smart hiring with intentional training are the ones who will thrive in today’s market. The path forward isn’t chasing the elusive “perfect 10”—it’s hiring the right, trainable people and developing them into 10s. Partnering with a recruiter who knows your industry ensures you don’t just hire fast—you hire smart.
Chris Salvadore
Global Recruiters Network- Coastal
Director | Corporate Accounts and Research
csalvadore@grncoastal.com
