National Wholesale Supply is proud of our employees and the impact they have with our customers and vendors throughout our organization. This month’s Employee Spotlight is shining on Dillon Hunt.
Dillon is in our Sales & Leadership Development Program (SLDP) at our Dallas, TX Branch and has been with us for 1-1/2 Years. He went to Dallas Christian School in Mesquite, TX and graduated with a Construction Science degree from Texas A&M University in 2020. Dillon enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and has a passion for woodworking.
Dillon has spent the last 6-months working at one of our Consignment Customer locations in the D/FW market. A Consignment Customer is one where our inventory is located inside the customers business and the customer doesn’t own the material until they need it. Some of our consignments are manned and some are unmanned.
We sat down with Dillon to get his perspective on being a new employee in the SLDP program and to learn more about his career progression so far.
Q: How did you find out about NWS and what factors led you to join the company?
A: A family friend (and a wholesale industry veteran) knew I was about to graduate from Texas A&M and was aware that NWS was seeking to hire graduates into a new program. I was intrigued and applied. During the interview process I uncovered the need for the next generation to join in this industry. I was excited to be a part of something new and was attracted to the growth opportunity at NWS. I could tell that if I joined the team and focused on improvement, then opportunities would arise. There is no ceiling to what I and the company can accomplish. This was very appealing to my desire to be a part of something important.
Q: Can you share a little about the Sales & Leadership Development Program (SLDP) at NWS?
A: The program is designed to provide a structured learning environment in all aspects of wholesale distribution. During the 3-5 year program I will receive extensive, hands-on training and will learn best practices in operations, sales, inventory control, purchasing, and management. The goal upon graduation of the program is to become either an Outside Salesperson, an Operations Manager, or a Branch Manager.
Q: What was your biggest fear about joining NWS?
A: I had no real understanding of the distribution side of the plumbing industry. I knew a little about parts and supplies but was fearful that I wasn’t going to enjoy the business considering I had never really given it a thought as a career path. However, my concerns have completely subsided. I have a much better comfort level and understanding of the distribution components. I truly enjoy my job and role within the company. I have reached the point where I am comfortable with what each day brings. The daily activities and responsibilities are now natural to me and I am confident in what I am doing.
Q: What has been your largest surprise since joining the organization?
A: I’m surprised at how fast the company has grown and how fast my learning has progressed. I’ve seen the company add new locations and customers, and I’ve seen the effect it has had on our revenue. As importantly, I’ve been surprised at how quickly my skillset has developed with the encouragement and responsibilities I’ve received from my teammates and leadership within the company.
Q: What opportunities lie ahead for you at NWS?
A: My goal and expectation of myself is to work towards Branch Management. In the Sales & Leadership Development Program I’m given the opportunity to earn the chance to work towards Outside Sales and Management. I look forward to what the future holds for me at National.
Q: What would you say to a prospective candidate who is considering joining our team at NWS?
A: Join us! The sky is the limit and opportunities are abundant if you are a team player with a great attitude. You don’t have to have prior experience in the industry…the hands-on experience and training you receive will allow you to pick it up fast.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I am appreciative of having great co-workers and supportive leadership. My teammates and I work together and help pick each other up. Our relationships are strong and we are focused on the end result: to make it as easy as possible for our customers to get the material they need. My manager doesn’t hold me back and gives me the opportunity to utilize my skills to create the best environment I can for our customers at the consignment. I look forward to graduating the SLDP program and setting an example for others to follow. Dillon is thriving at National Wholesale Supply and we are grateful that he is helping us to become the best distributor that we can be. His Branch Manager, Ryan Feuge, said that “Dillon has made an immediate impact on our organization and is a true testament to how the SDLP Program works. In less than two years, he has gone from learning the warehouse to helping manage one of our largest Customer accounts. There is no doubt the future is bright for Dillon”. We wish Dillon continued success at National Wholesale Supply and are pleased that he enjoys his role within the organization and look forward to watching his career unfold.
