The Family Business People Series
People Problems, Profit Solutions: A Family Business Hiring Turnaround
They thought the hiring problem was about “kids today.” What they discovered instead changed everything.
In today’s tight labor market, especially in retail-heavy operations, family business owners are feeling the strain of constant hiring, training, and turnover. But what if the real issue isn’t just about finding people, it’s about keeping them?
Discover how one family business went from losing 40+ employees per month… to achieving full employment.
The $2 Million Wake-Up Call
This family business operated both wholesale and retail divisions, but their biggest pain point was people… specifically, the lack of them. The HR manager claimed hiring wasn’t the problem, but retention was a nightmare.
After running the numbers, the truth was startling: over $2 million lost annually due to turnover.
Why?
- Hiring anyone who could “fog a mirror”
- No formal onboarding system
- Minimal training for overwhelmed managers
- Cultural mismatches between new hires and company values
Turning Chaos Into Clarity
Through a structured engagement with Meridian, the company made bold changes that led to lasting success:
Hiring to Culture, Not Crisis
- Moved away from “warm body” hiring
- Defined and implemented culture-based screening questions
- Created a consistent prescreening process
Overhauled Onboarding
- Clarified job duties upfront (including surprise tasks like cleaning bathrooms)
- Introduced step-by-step training tied to real-world retail scenarios
- Supported retail managers to reduce new hire fear and frustration
Strengthened Culture
- Created a culture of appreciation, accountability, and growth
- Introduced pay-for-performance incentives
- Replaced outdated supervisory approaches with leadership coaching
Within 30 days, they started seeing improvement and within 18 months, they were fully staffed.
Why It Pays to Get This Right
High turnover doesn’t just affect morale, it’s a massive financial drain. Between overtime, burnout, and lost productivity, every unnecessary departure chips away at your bottom line.
By embracing Meridian’s method and tools, this company:
- Reduced hiring costs
- Increased retention
- Boosted profitability
- Strengthened their leadership bench
And the best part? The business didn’t just survive, it thrived.
Key Takeaways for Your Family Business
- Define your values and hire for them
- Be transparent about expectations and responsibilities
- Train your team including managers, not just new hires
- Culture isn’t a buzzword it’s your magnet for the right people
- Fixing people problems fixes profit problems
Looking to shift your own hiring headaches into a full-employment win?
Contact us to explore tools, coaching, and support inside MeridianMembers or connect with us for a personalized consultation at 817-594-0546. We’d love to hear your story.
