Scouting for That Next Hire for Your Team

You can learn lessons from one of sports biggest events and use it as you search for your next hire

Jul 01, 2025 | by Cory Dellenbach |

If you’re a football fan, you know what happens in April. The NFL Draft. And this year it was extra special because it happened just a couple of hours south of me in Green Bay.

I’ve watched the draft for many years and even covered it when I worked for a local newspaper near Green Bay, but this year I looked at it a little differently.

It’s a spectacle of hope, strategy and big decisions — a franchise’s chance to secure the next cornerstone of their team. Watching this unfold, I can’t help but see the parallels to what plumbing companies across the country do every day: try to find and hire the next great employee.

The NFL Draft isn’t just about picking the fastest or the strongest players. It’s about looking deeper — into work ethic, character, potential and how well a player fits into a team’s culture. Similarly, when you hire plumbers, apprentices or office staff, you aren’t just choosing someone based on a résumé or a list of skills. You are trying to see who will succeed in the long run, who will grow with the company, and who will contribute to the team’s overall success.

STUDY TIME

In both cases, preparation is everything. NFL teams spend months scouting players, conducting interviews and gathering data. For you, preparation means defining the role clearly, knowing exactly what skills and qualities are must-haves, and being ready to move quickly when the right person comes along. Winging it rarely leads to a winning season — on the field or in the office.

Another important lesson from the draft is the balance between potential and proven performance. Some teams gamble on raw, high-upside players; others stick with safer bets who have a steady track record. In your businesses, you face the same choice. Do you hire the experienced plumber who can hit the ground running, or do you invest in a promising apprentice who could become a future leader? Both approaches can work, but success usually comes from having a clear plan for development and support.

It’s also worth noting that not every “can’t miss” prospect works out. Even the best scouting departments get it wrong sometimes. The key is not letting a hiring misfire define your entire business. The best teams regroup, learn from the mistake and stay focused on building for the future. You need to do the same — treating every hire as part of a bigger strategy rather than a one-time decision.

BUILDING SUCCESS

At its heart, the draft is about belief — belief that the next great player is out there, that with the right coaching and environment, they will thrive. As business owners and managers, you have to believe the same. Hiring isn’t just about plugging holes; it’s about building something lasting. It’s about assembling a team that’s strong, resilient and proud to wear your company’s logo on their shirt every day.

So as you watch the draft highlights and see teams announce their picks with excitement and optimism, remember that you’re playing the same game in your own business. Your next all-star may already be out there — just waiting for the right opportunity.

Let’s stay committed to scouting, developing and believing in the future. The success of your team depends on it.