Veteran-owned businesses bring a unique edge to the table, shaped by a foundation of discipline, resilience, and leadership. Gabriel Wander, founder of Wander Staffing, exemplifies this mindset. A former combat medic and retired Army officer, Gabe transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, creating a company that thrives on principles ingrained during his years in uniform.
Leadership Born in the Military
“I am an officer in the greatest army that there ever was,” Gabe recalls when reflecting on his time in the military. This sense of pride and duty informed his approach to leadership, both in the field and now in business. Military service gave him a structured view of teamwork, accountability, and mission-driven focus—values that form the backbone of Wander Staffing.
Military discipline helps the company meet strict deadlines and fulfill commitments. Gabe’s focus on leading by example encourages his team to go above and beyond, often mirroring his work ethic, which includes responding to urgent needs late at night or early in the morning. The camaraderie he fostered as an officer now translates to a tight-knit, dedicated workforce. Employees, Gabe notes, are “vested in the company in a way that I am in awe.”
Building a Company on Resilience and Integrity
Gabe’s transition to business wasn’t smooth. In the early days of Wander Staffing, he continued working as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) on the weekends to cover payroll while securing new contracts. “Yes, we won a contract or a couple of contracts, but we were actually in a tougher financial position than when we started because I was covering payroll out of my own income,” he explains. His frugal approach and commitment to avoiding debt kept the company afloat during the early years.
Integrity is another cornerstone of Wander Staffing. Unlike many in the staffing industry, Gabe refuses to lock employees into non-compete agreements. Transparency with both employees and clients builds trust and long-term relationships, an approach Gabe believes sets his company apart.
Lessons From the Military Applied to Business
The precision required to lead a military operation directly informs Wander Staffing’s approach to government contracting. Gabe’s meticulous planning and attention to detail have led to an impressive 87% contract win rate in 2024. He compares writing a proposal to a mission briefing: every element must be accounted for, and every scenario anticipated.
Gabe also ensures that his team reflects the military’s culture of accountability. In his experience, success requires clear roles and expectations, which he continues to instill in Wander Staffing’s operations.
The Role of Veteran Certifications
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA 8(a)-certified company, Wander Staffing qualifies for certain government set-asides. While these certifications open the door to opportunities, Gabe is quick to clarify their role: “These certifications are essentially what you would call just a ticket to the party.” The company still competes against other contractors and must deliver strong proposals and Past Performance to win contracts.
Gabe’s status as a Veteran-owned business also carries credibility. Clients value the authenticity of a company led by someone who deeply understands the challenges faced by service members, Veterans, and their families.
Encouraging Other Veterans to Lead
Gabe’s story is an example of how military leadership can carry over into business. He believes Veterans should embrace their skills and seek out roles where they can lead effectively. His advice to fellow Veterans: “Read every proposal like it’s a mission briefing.” By treating every opportunity with the seriousness and preparation of a military operation, he believes Veterans can thrive in entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership skills from the military translate naturally into business, particularly in areas like discipline, accountability, and teamwork.
- Integrity and trust are critical to building long-term success. Transparency with employees and clients fosters loyalty and strong relationships.
- Veteran-owned certifications are important tools, but success still depends on expertise, effort, and performance.
- Military training in planning and precision is directly applicable to navigating complex business environments like government contracting.
- Gabe’s journey highlights the value of Veterans applying their leadership experience in civilian industries, creating meaningful careers while serving others.
Wander Staffing’s growth illustrates the enduring value of military principles in the business world. For Gabe, leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility that continues to shape his company and the communities it serves.