Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA 8(a) certified company, is committed to addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges through exceptional staffing solutions. Founded in 2018 by a retired Army CRNA, Wander Staffing specializes in delivering high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities and U.S. government facilities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This case study highlights how Wander Staffing successfully navigated operational challenges to ensure uninterrupted CRNA services at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
What is Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center?
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center serves Veterans in Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding areas, providing a range of healthcare services. As a vital facility within the VA system, its mission is to ensure America’s Veterans receive the care they deserve, particularly in specialized areas like anesthesia services critical for surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Challenge
The Clarksburg VA faced an urgent need for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to provide regular and on-call anesthesia services. This staffing challenge was compounded by the absence of incumbent providers and the high stakes associated with delivering uninterrupted care to Veterans. Adding to the complexity was the need for seamless operations during nights, weekends, and holidays. When a hired CRNA abruptly ended their contract within the first month, the risk of care disruption loomed large, requiring immediate intervention.
Solution
Wander Staffing implemented a strategic, multi-pronged approach to address the challenge:
Proactive Recruitment and Contingency Planning:
Provided three CRNAs instead of the two contracted Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), ensuring a contingency plan for scheduled or unscheduled absences.
Maintained a pool of pre-qualified CRNAs ready to fill positions as needed.
Crisis Management:
Retained the CRNA who initially resigned by fostering open communication and mediating between the individual and the VA, securing their continued service until a replacement could be credentialed.
Immediately deployed the contingency CRNA to ensure full coverage while two job-share replacements were onboarded.
Operational Excellence:
Coordinated closely with the VA to expedite credentialing and security clearances for new hires.
Maintained transparent communication with stakeholders to ensure confidence and clarity throughout the process.
Impact
Wander Staffing’s swift and effective actions led to significant outcomes for the Clarksburg VA Medical Center:
100% Staffing Coverage: Maintained uninterrupted CRNA services despite initial setbacks.
Enhanced Continuity of Care: Veterans experienced seamless anesthesia services, underscoring the VA’s commitment to quality healthcare.
Rapid Crisis Resolution: Successfully navigated staffing challenges within weeks, preventing any lapse in operations.
Client Satisfaction: Positive feedback from the VA reinforced Wander Staffing’s reputation as a reliable and mission-driven partner.
The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center’s staffing challenge exemplifies Wander Staffing’s ability to deliver tailored solutions under pressure. By leveraging expertise, strategic foresight, and a commitment to service, Wander Staffing ensured uninterrupted care for the Veterans who depend on the Clarksburg VA.
This case study not only highlights the organization’s operational capabilities but also underscores its core mission: empowering communities through exceptional healthcare solutions. For future contractors and partners, Wander Staffing stands as a beacon of reliability and innovation in government healthcare staffing.
At Wander Staffing, we are proud to celebrate the stories of our outstanding team members who make a difference every day. Today, we shine the spotlight on Felicia Shonekan, a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) with an inspiring journey in healthcare. Felicia’s commitment to her profession, her growth, and her supportive spirit embodies everything we value at Wander Staffing.
A Career Built on Passion and Perseverance Felicia began her nursing career 16 years ago, driven by a deep passion for helping others and creating positive change. Eight years ago, she joined Armed Forces Retirement as an LPN, and her journey has been one of both professional and personal growth. Since then, she has earned her RN license and is now pursuing her BSN, a testament to her perseverance and dedication.
In Felicia’s own words: “Each milestone is a reminder of the power of perseverance and support.”
The Strength of a Support System Felicia credits much of her success to the people around her. She views her colleagues not just as teammates but as partners who collaborate to overcome challenges and celebrate victories together. At the heart of her achievements is her family, who she describes as her “biggest cheerleaders.” Whether offering a reassuring word or celebrating her wins, her family’s encouragement has been a constant source of strength.
Making a Difference Every Day For Felicia, nursing is more than a job—it’s a calling. She approaches every day as an opportunity to create meaningful change and embody the values of consistency, teamwork, and adaptability. Her dedication to improving the lives of others and her commitment to continued growth inspire everyone around her.
At Wander Staffing, we are honored to have Felicia as part of our team. Her story reflects our mission to support healthcare professionals in achieving their goals while making a lasting impact on their communities. Felicia, thank you for your dedication, compassion, and drive—you truly make a difference every day.
Wander Staffing: Building Futures, Changing Lives As a company founded on the values of care, collaboration, and growth, Wander Staffing is proud to support healthcare professionals like Felicia in their journeys. Together, we’re not just filling roles—we’re fostering success and creating meaningful change.
Did you know that a significant number of government staffing contracts fail to meet their fulfillment rates? It underscores a critical reality: operating efficiently in this industry isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and 8(a) firm, has embraced lean operations to deliver exceptional results. By maximizing resources, empowering employees, and focusing on quality over quantity, Wander Staffing has built a reputation as a trusted leader in government healthcare staffing.
What Lean Means at Wander Staffing
Lean operations at Wander Staffing go beyond simply cutting costs. Instead, it’s about intentionally maximizing resources while maintaining agility and quality. Rachel McGee, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes this approach: “The fact that we are the size that we are on paper financially with as few corporate staff as we have is unbelievable.”
This discipline has enabled Wander Staffing to maintain a 100% fulfillment rate in healthcare roles at government facilities, a benchmark many larger competitors fail to meet. At the heart of this success is a philosophy that values planning and execution over rapid expansion.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
One of Wander Staffing’s guiding principles is to focus on fulfilling contracts with excellence rather than overextending its resources. The company’s deliberate approach to bidding is key to this philosophy. Rachel explains, “We don’t bid to win it. We bid to staff it.” This means that Wander Staffing evaluates every opportunity to ensure it has the capacity to deliver on its promises, avoiding the pitfalls of underperformance that plague many in the industry.
This strategy has paid off. Wander Staffing has established itself as a reliable partner with zero cash flow issues—something Rachel credits to the team’s proactive mindset. “We aren’t making decisions out of insecurity or reactiveness. This is all proactive,” she says.
Scaling with Smart Systems
One of the biggest challenges for any lean operation is scaling effectively. At Wander Staffing, the implementation of scalable systems has been a game-changer. Tools like Paycom have streamlined payroll and post-employment data management, eliminating inefficiencies.
Rachel highlights the impact of these efforts: “It’s a lot of work, but it’s going to reduce the multiple touch points that everybody requires all of the time.” By focusing on scalable solutions, the company is setting itself up for sustainable growth without losing its lean edge.
Empowering a Multi-Talented Team
Lean operations thrive on empowered employees, and Wander Staffing is no exception. Flexibility and autonomy are ingrained in the company’s culture, allowing team members to wear multiple hats and rise to meet any challenge.
Rachel’s career trajectory within the company illustrates this perfectly. She started in recruiting but quickly expanded her responsibilities to include credentialing, benefits administration, and more. This versatility is encouraged by founder Gabriel Wander, whose leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. “Gabe empowers us to have a lot of flexibility and autonomy to do whatever we need to do to make it work,” Rachel explains.
Lessons from Wander Staffing
Wander Staffing’s lean and efficient model offers valuable lessons for any organization:
Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on fulfilling commitments with excellence rather than stretching resources too thin.
Invest in scalable systems: Build processes that support sustainable growth without overwhelming your team.
Empower your team: Foster a culture of trust and autonomy, enabling employees to take ownership of their roles.
Plan with intention: Approach every opportunity with a clear plan to deliver, rather than simply aiming to win.
These principles have allowed Wander Staffing to punch above its weight, consistently delivering for clients and earning their trust.
Setting the Standard
At Wander Staffing, lean operations are more than a strategy—they’re a way of life. By staying focused, intentional, and proactive, the company has built a track record of success that sets it apart in the competitive world of government staffing.
Whether you’re a potential client or a job seeker, Wander Staffing’s approach demonstrates that operating lean isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more with purpose.
Veteran-owned businesses are a driving force in the U.S. economy, comprising over 2.5 million companies and generating more than $1 trillion in revenue annually. Their impact is particularly felt in the government contracting sector, where their credibility, trustworthiness, and unique advantages set them apart. Wander Staffing, an 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), serves as a shining example of how Veteran-owned companies thrive in this competitive space.
This blog explores how being a Veteran-owned business enhances credibility in government contracting, highlighting lessons from Wander Staffing’s journey.
What Does It Mean to Be Veteran-Owned?
To be recognized as a Veteran-owned business, a company must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more Veterans. SDVOSB certification goes a step further, acknowledging businesses owned by Veterans with service-connected disabilities. These designations are not just symbolic—they open the door to set-aside contracts that provide Veteran-owned businesses with valuable opportunities in the federal marketplace.
“The Veteran-owned piece is massive because we are a disabled Veteran-owned company,” said Rachel McGee, COO of Wander Staffing. This certification not only builds credibility but also fosters diversity and inclusivity in government contracting, allowing Veteran entrepreneurs to bring their unique strengths to critical projects. For Wander Staffing, the SDVOSB status acts as a bridge between federal agencies and the specialized healthcare talent they supply.
Building Credibility Through Shared Experience
One of the key advantages Veteran-owned businesses bring is their ability to establish trust through shared values and experiences. With a leadership team steeped in military service, these companies deeply understand the complexities of government systems and the challenges agencies face.
Speaking about Wander Staffing’s unique edge, McGee shared how their Veteran perspective resonates with clients: “Speaking to the fact that we are a Veteran-owned company—that our owner himself has gone through these same DBQs for example—is huge.” The company’s firsthand experience with military protocols translates into precision and reliability, giving government clients confidence that their needs will be met with a deep understanding of their mission.
Why Veteran-Owned Businesses Stand Out
Veteran-owned businesses are often associated with discipline, integrity, and reliability—qualities deeply ingrained through military service. These attributes not only enhance their reputation but also give them a competitive edge in securing federal contracts. Additionally, certifications like SDVOSB grant them access to set-aside contracts, ensuring they can compete effectively in the government marketplace.
Wander Staffing exemplifies this competitive edge. By leveraging their military network, they attract top-tier talent, creating a robust pipeline of highly skilled professionals. Their proven track record in staffing healthcare professionals for federal agencies showcases how Veteran-owned businesses deliver on their promises while exceeding expectations.
The Power of Human Connection
Beyond operational advantages, the emotional resonance of being a Veteran-owned business often creates deeper bonds with clients, partners, and recruits. McGee described how this connection plays out: “When I’m interviewing someone for a random role and they find out we’re Veteran-owned, they say, ‘My husband or my partner or my son was in the military—that’s so great to hear.’”
This sense of shared purpose builds trust and fosters loyalty, turning one-time partnerships into long-lasting relationships. For Wander Staffing, this personal touch enhances both their recruiting efforts and their reputation as a company that genuinely cares about the people it serves.
Leveraging Veteran-Owned Status for Growth
Success as a Veteran-owned business requires more than a certification. Strategic use of this status can unlock significant growth opportunities. Partnerships are particularly vital, as McGee emphasized, especially for companies preparing to transition out of set-aside programs like SBA’s 8(a) initiative. “As we exit 8(a), we need to make sure we’ve built partnerships with smaller successful 8(a)s to continue accessing the set-aside market,” she said.
Additionally, diversifying labor categories, actively engaging in Veteran-focused programs, and maintaining visibility within government networks are all ways to maximize the benefits of Veteran-owned status. These strategies ensure businesses remain competitive as they scale.
Lessons from Wander Staffing
Wander Staffing’s journey offers valuable lessons for other Veteran-owned businesses seeking success in government contracting. Key takeaways include:
Commit to Excellence: Always deliver 100% on contracts. Reliability and integrity build a reputation that speaks louder than any marketing campaign.
Leverage Veteran-Owned Status: Use the personal and professional connections that come with this designation to build trust with clients and recruits.
Anticipate Challenges: Plan for growth by developing partnerships and preparing for the transition out of set-aside programs.
Prioritize Sustainability: Don’t underbid to win contracts; instead, focus on pricing competitively to ensure staffing success and financial stability.
The Veteran-owned status is more than a designation—it is a testament to a company’s values, expertise, and commitment to service. Wander Staffing’s success story underscores how this status can be a powerful driver of credibility, trust, and growth in the government contracting space.
For Veteran-owned businesses, the path to success is paved with hard work, strategic planning, and a dedication to delivering excellence. By following these principles, businesses can not only secure contracts but also create meaningful impact for the communities they serve.
Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), specializes in providing exceptional healthcare staffing solutions to government entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Founded in 2018 by a retired Army officer, Wander Staffing is committed to improving the well-being of underserved communities, with a mission centered on delivering high-quality healthcare to military members, Veterans, and their families. This case study highlights Wander Staffing’s success in addressing critical staffing challenges for the VA through its work on Medical Disability Examinations (MDES).
What is the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The Department of Veterans Affairs is a cornerstone of support for American Veterans, dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care, benefits, and services to those who have served in the armed forces. The VA plays a vital role in ensuring Veterans receive the medical assessments and support needed for a dignified transition to civilian life. Through its MDES program, the VA evaluates Veterans’ medical conditions to determine disability benefits—a process requiring precise, reliable, and timely medical expertise.
The Challenge
The VA’s nationwide MDES initiative under Section 504 of the Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 faced significant staffing challenges:
High Stakes and Specialized Roles: The program required over 50 Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) across 31 locations in 15 states. These roles demanded rigorous qualifications, including active medical licenses, unique credentialing, security clearances, and targeted training.
Geographic and Recruitment Hurdles: Over 50% of the locations, including rural and remote areas like Shiprock, NM, were hard-to-fill positions due to a limited local talent pool and retention challenges.
Operational Pressures: Any staffing delays risked disrupting the VA’s ability to deliver timely medical evaluations for Veterans awaiting disability determinations.
The Solution
Wander Staffing leveraged its expertise and robust operational framework to meet the VA’s staffing needs efficiently. Key actions included:
Proactive Recruitment:
Deployed a targeted recruitment strategy, identifying highly qualified NPs with specialized skills to meet the program’s demands.
Utilized an extensive database of over 300 providers to rapidly fill positions, especially in hard-to-recruit locations.
Streamlined Onboarding:
Coordinated an expedited onboarding process that prioritized security clearances, credentialing, and orientation for rapid deployment.
Achieved near-complete onboarding for 50 providers across 31 sites within the project’s initial rollout phase.
Continuity Management:
Demonstrated resilience by addressing unexpected challenges, such as a provider resignation, by securing a replacement within 24 hours and reassigning patient schedules without service disruption.
Maintained consistent communication with the prime contractor to resolve potential issues swiftly.
Comprehensive Support:
Provided hands-on management, ensuring all staff adhered to the VA’s operational requirements.
Implemented a Quality Control Plan to uphold excellence in service delivery.
The Impact
Wander Staffing’s contributions to the MDES program yielded transformative outcomes:
Operational Excellence:
Successfully staffed over 50 providers in record time, achieving 100% compliance with the VA’s requirements.
Maintained uninterrupted services across all 31 locations, ensuring Veterans received timely and reliable medical assessments.
Client Satisfaction:
The VA reported exemplary performance, with no unfavorable ratings for Wander Staffing’s operations.
Enabled seamless service continuity, even in the face of personnel turnover, bolstering the VA’s ability to serve its beneficiaries effectively.
Community Impact:
Addressed healthcare shortages in underserved areas, improving accessibility and outcomes for Veteran populations in remote and rural communities.
This case study underscores Wander Staffing’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to address complex staffing challenges with precision and efficiency. Through innovative recruitment strategies, proactive problem-solving, and a Veteran-centered mission, Wander Staffing delivered critical support to the VA’s MDES initiative. By fostering relationships built on trust and results, Wander Staffing continues to be a vital partner for government healthcare programs.
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.
