Innovation

Prime Resource Management and its sub-company, VetJet Veterans Providing Job Education & Training, have developed an innovative workforce solution that bridges the gap between skilled labor shortages and veteran unemployment. Founded in 2008 in Broussard, Louisiana, Prime Resource Management provides labor services to various industries through a unique, veteran-focused approach. The company’s innovation lies in its ability to transform the employment process for veterans by offering hands-on job training and short-term contract work that accommodates their skills, experiences, and personal needs. Instead of requiring traditional qualifications, VetJet empowers veterans to learn on the job, gaining exposure to diverse fields such as construction, environmental cleanup, and industrial operations. This approach not only supports veterans in reintegrating into the civilian workforce but also allows them to discover meaningful and sustainable career paths.

The innovative aspect of VetJet’s model is its dual focus on social impact and environmental restoration, directly aligning with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its labor contracts, such as the cleanup of the Smitty’s Supply lubricant plant near Roseland, Louisiana, the company contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land by addressing pollution that harms local ecosystems. Simultaneously, the company advances SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by ensuring veterans have access to stable, dignified employment.

By combining workforce development with environmental responsibility, Prime Resource Management and VetJet demonstrate how local businesses can make global impacts. Their model not only restores the environment but also restores purpose, dignity, and opportunity to those who served—creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Inspiration

The inspiration for the innovation at Prime Resource Management and VetJet comes directly from the founder’s personal experience as a veteran and his observations of the unique skills veterans bring to the workforce. Gilberto Burbante, from the business development department, explained that “the skillset that veterans bring are great; they bring a lot of dependability and training. Many military jobs teach occupational skills, and it is harder to find bad apples in the veteran labor market.” This recognition of veterans’ reliability and initiative was further reinforced during the Hurricane Milton recovery project, where veteran employees “divided themselves into teams and were headed by veteran leaders who got the job done without needing direct supervision.” These experiences demonstrated the potential for a veteran-focused workforce and inspired the company to build an employment model that both empowers veterans and meets the needs of businesses.

The innovation process was shaped by identifying gaps in traditional hiring practices and addressing both employer and veteran needs. By focusing on veterans, Prime Resource Management taps into a workforce already trained in specialized skills and security-clearance eligible positions. Gilberto emphasized that employers appreciate “the mindset that veterans bring to the workforce,” which includes discipline, teamwork, and initiative. Feedback from veteran employees helped refine the approach, ensuring that placements through contract work provided meaningful experience while allowing veterans flexibility and growth. Challenges, such as finding enough jobs for all qualified veterans, led the company to implement AI-driven resume screening to better match talent with opportunities.

The impact of this initiative is evident in both company culture and outcomes. Employees display high levels of professionalism, punctuality, and dedication, fostering a strong work ethic across teams. Gilberto shared that he is proud to have provided opportunities where “people always tell him that he is the first to give them a chance,” including high-paying assignments for former Rangers in challenging environments like Haiti. Looking forward, the company is expanding its support beyond employment by developing programs to help veterans transition into education, ensuring that the innovation continues to empower and uplift veterans in multiple dimensions of their post-service lives.

Overall impact

Prime Resource Management and VetJet’s innovation has created meaningful short-term and long-term impacts on both individuals and the environment. In the short term, the company has provided immediate employment and skill-building opportunities for veterans transitioning out of the military. Many of these individuals face challenges reentering the workforce due to limited civilian qualifications or difficulty adapting to traditional work environments. By offering hands-on training and flexible job assignments, VetJet allows veterans to quickly earn income while gaining practical experience in multiple industries. This model not only reduces unemployment among veterans but also helps local businesses fill urgent labor shortages, creating a mutually beneficial economic impact across Louisiana. The training they receive supports steady economic growth and social stability—key outcomes tied to UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Additionally, projects like the Smitty’s Supply lubricant plant cleanup have long-term environmental benefits, such as restoring local waterways and reducing pollution exposure for both humans and wildlife, directly addressing SDGs 14 and 15.

Evidence of these impacts can be seen through the company’s continued government and private-sector contracts, which reflect trust in their reliable, trained workforce. Furthermore, the positive feedback from veterans who have successfully transitioned into stable careers demonstrates how this innovation has both immediate and lasting value for people and the planet.

Business benefit

Because Prime Resource Management and VetJet focused on hiring and training veterans, the business has seen growth in both its workforce and overall operations. By offering specialized labor services and government contract work, the company has created a reliable source of revenue while also improving employment rates among veterans in Louisiana. Since its founding in 2008, Prime Resource Management has expanded its employee base to include 10–15 core staff members and numerous contracted workers who rotate across different job sites, allowing the company to meet growing industry demands. This structure not only provides steady work for veterans but also strengthens local economies by filling crucial labor gaps in construction, environmental cleanup, and industrial maintenance.

Because the business invested in developing its workforce through hands-on job education, employee retention and wellbeing have improved significantly. Veterans who might otherwise struggle with traditional employment find purpose and stability through flexible job placements that accommodate their physical and mental needs. This has led to a higher rate of employee satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn enhances the company’s productivity and reputation.

Furthermore, Prime Resource Management’s success in environmental cleanup projects, such as the Smitty’s Supply plant remediation, has opened new markets and investment opportunities. Their demonstrated expertise in combining environmental and workforce solutions has positioned them as a preferred partner for both government and private contracts. By aligning their business model with sustainability goals and social responsibility, the company has built a strong foundation for continued growth and community impact.

Social and environmental benefit

Prime Resource Management and VetJet Veterans Providing Job Education & Training benefit society by addressing a critical need for veteran employment while simultaneously providing labor solutions for various industries. Founded in 2008 in Broussard, Louisiana, the company focuses on connecting veterans—many of whom face challenges transitioning to civilian work—with hands-on, flexible job opportunities across the state. By offering training and placement in multiple fields, the business allows veterans to develop new skills, discover careers that suit their abilities, and regain a sense of purpose and stability after military service. This contributes to social inclusion and economic empowerment, aligning closely with UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The innovation also benefits the environment through projects like the cleanup of the Smitty’s Supply lubricant plant near Roseland, Louisiana. The company’s workforce removes chemical contaminants that threaten local waterways and surrounding ecosystems. By mitigating pollution and restoring affected areas, Prime Resource Management directly supports UN SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. Their approach ensures that both aquatic and terrestrial habitats are protected from chemical hazards, benefiting wildlife and local communities alike.

Through this dual focus on social and environmental impact, Prime Resource Management demonstrates how businesses can create tangible benefits for society while promoting sustainability. Veterans gain meaningful employment, communities gain cleaner and safer environments, and industries gain reliable labor resources. By integrating workforce development with environmental stewardship, the company provides a replicable model for how businesses can simultaneously address human and ecological challenges, creating a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.

Interview

Gilberto Burbante, Business Development