Customer, Employee Interest In Sustainability Policies

Are customers interested in learning about distributor sustainability initiatives?

Yes, especially our education customers. — Bridget Shuel-Walker, CEO, HP Products, Indianapolis

We are seeing an increase in this as well. Customers want to know that your commitment to sustainability is more than just selling a product. They want to know your initiatives and how you are doing your part in this world. — Mercer Stanfield, president, Brame Specialty Supply Co., Inc., Durham, North Carolina

No, I have not had any customers ask about our initiatives, but I always volunteer that information. — Belinda Jefferson, president, Hercules and Hercules Inc., Detroit

No, they just want us to educate and guide them for their own use. — Jennifer Rosenberg, president, Acorn Distributors, Indianapolis

Are distributor sustainability initiatives important to potential employees when hiring and interviewing?

To the younger recruits, definitely. Many have attended universities, where the programs have been promoted and very visible for many years. — Bridget Shuel-Walker, CEO, HP Products, Indianapolis

I would think so. I know that we share to our current team members and to new potential team members what we have done in the past and what awards we have received. We brag a bit about it. I know that if I was interviewing with a company, I would want to know that the company is committed and has goals that rank higher than just profitability. When I see this with my vendors I think they’ll take better care of me, and they usually do. — Charles Moody, president, Solutex, Inc., Sterling, Virginia

For younger generations, it is an expectation. It is similar to giving back to the communities that you serve. It needs to be a part of your interview process that is proactively discussed. — Mercer Stanfield, president, Brame Specialty Supply Co., Inc., Durham, North Carolina