What a joke (Raleigh, NC) - Sales Graybar Employee Review

2.0
May 16, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Employee owned with options to by stock.

Cons

Management- Coming from someone who used to be in a management role at a different company, every management role at the Raleigh branch is an absolute joke. If you do not worship the ground of each team lead, you will not get anywhere. Favorites are picked and that is who gets the raises, training trips, and accounts that are still active/in business. After 3.5 years and realizing I was not getting anywhere, I put in for a transfer to a different department. After sitting with my lead (picture a frat boy who never grew up with a bad attitude) and explaining that I was putting in for a transfer, I was written up for not meeting expectations. When asking what the expectations were, I was told "These are unwritten and unspoken expectations that I should know". I guess exceeding my budget the past two years was not part of my lead's expectations. I then sat with lead management and explained my frustrations and the response that I received from my lead, there was no communication from them for the rest of my time there. Before putting in my two weeks, I stepped out to call HR and explained the multiple times that I was treated unfairly, the smart comments, and the lack of true management. This was also a waste of time as I am now finding out my manager has received a promotion. In the last 8 months, 7 people, including myself have resigned from our department at Graybar due to management, false promises, and horrible pay (after multiple mentions of increases). Training- The lack of material training at Graybar is almost too much to explain. When asking for help on learning the material that they hound you to sell (and upsell), you are told that the customers will train you and that you do not need to know the material. It is hard to upsell material if you don't even know what it does. After asking my manager and his boss in a yearly review for training on material, I was told they would provide me training and almost a year later (with multiple reminders on my part), no training was provided. In summary, if you are looking for a place of employment with fair pay, treatment, training, and an open door to your manager (all manager's doors stayed closed 95% of the time), look elsewhere.

Explore other reviews about Graybar

5.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of experience, hands on learning

Cons

Lack of compensation ( money-wise)

2.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Employee owned so profits are shared with both employees AND employee stock holders

Cons

Graybar is trying to keep pace with the digital transformation of our industry, But, most senior leaders lack the experience needed to execute true digital change. As a result, the company has made several costly missteps. Graybar needs more outside senior talent with a proven track record of building and deploying customer‑facing digital solutions that both simplify the customer experience and reduce Graybar internal labor. Our current AI initiatives are unlikely to deliver meaningful results because our data is too inconsistent to support AI and other inititives. Without significant changes soon, Graybar’s long‑term outlook risks mirroring companies like Blockbuster, Borders Bookstores, Sears, and JCPenney—businesses that failed to adapt when customers shifted to online purchasing instead of relying solely on brick‑and‑mortar service or phone/fax to place orders.

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