With less than 30 miles separating Temple from Fort Hood, the largest active-duty armored post in the U.S., Temple’s business community benefits from increased access to available veteran talent and resources in the region. More than 3,500 service members separate from the base annually, many of whom choose to remain in the Temple-Killeen MSA. These veterans have gained valuable skills in engineering, logistics and healthcare — talents which have bolstered Temple’s key industries for decades.
Veterans play a key role in growing Central Texas’ economy. Read on to learn how former service members continue to strengthen businesses and the local workforce in Temple, TX.
Veteran Success Stories from Temple Businesses
The talent of former service members living in Temple is evident. Modern Psychological Network was co-founded and headquartered in Temple by husband-and-wife team Dr. Baron and Jessica Crespo. It was named by the Texas Veterans Commission as a veteran-friendly privately-owned business with a policy for veteran employment preference. The clinic is also a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with all-inclusive behavioral services nationwide.
McLane Company is also tapping into the region’s highly skilled pool of veterans. The company’s partnership with Fort Hood prepares active service members for civilian warehouse operations jobs and transportation careers through its Warriors to Wheels program — a GI Bill approved registered driver apprenticeship.
Close to 2,500 McLane employees (or 10% of their total workforce) identified as former service members in 2021. Tony Frankenberger, president and CEO of McLane, acknowledged how veterans have helped grow McLane from a small retail grocer to a national supply chain business throughout the company’s 127-year history.
A Supportive Community
Veterans possess a strong sense of servant leadership, meaning they are driven to do their best work when they feel they can trust in their leaders. Several companies, programs and advocacy groups in Central Texas have worked to establish a support system veterans can be confident in.
Job fairs and career events are a mainstay in Temple, hosted by groups like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the City of Temple. Heroes Make America is another nationally recognized initiative that regularly provides training and networking events for veterans looking for employment in Temple’s thriving manufacturing industry.
Companies in Temple also play a key role in supporting veteran talent. Black Rifle Coffee Company, a business founded by a former U.S. Army Green Beret, opened a new location in Temple in 2022. The company is committed to hiring 10,000 veterans across its 80+ locations in the U.S. and has donated $10,000 to Soldiers Angels — a non-profit that provides aid, emotional support and resources to active and retired military families.
Businesses looking to tap into a dedicated and dependable workforce can find it in Temple Texas. Learn more about the workforce in Temple and get in touch with our team to see how your business can become part of our growing business community.