GardaWorld Embraces Veterans as a Force for Change

Updated on May 29, 2024.

“We are a worldwide military-friendly company that let veterans know we appreciate their sacrifice” and the many highly desired skills they possess: they’re disciplined, accustomed to wearing their uniforms with pride and fit for duty.

GardaWorld is always looking to hire great talent. To that end, new focus has been placed on efforts to recruit Veterans, particularly within Cash Services. Over 900 current openings in Cash Services offer salaries between $30,000 and $80,000 for careers in which employees can advance and grow.

“You can have the best processes in the world, but you need great people to implement them, or they’re not worth a hoot,” says Karl Buchanan, Vice President, Transformation Management for GardaWorld Cash Services. “For us, there is no better way to accomplish that than by reinforcing our veteran work base.”

Veterans possess many highly desired skills. They’re disciplined, accustomed to wearing their uniforms with pride and generally being fit for duty. Their attrition rate is also significantly lower than the overall workforce rate. They can adapt, understanding and embracing the need for change from one situation to the next. Veterans also lead by example, transferring their commitment to the job to those under them. Many also have secret clearance, a weapons permit, and often a CDL, all requirements for positions in Cash Services.

“These folks come with discipline and make a difference starting day one,” says Kyle Smith, General Manager. “The quality of candidates who have joined the Southeast Sub-Region Team are raising the bar and creating a center for excellence and improved brand awareness.”

The benefits of veteran employment programs have been measurable. “Job fairs put folks with real-life experience in front of my managers,” says Sam LaRocca, another general manager. “The quality of the individuals that we speak with is immensely greater than the folks that we have coming off the street. When we are able to get these folks through the system and into our branches it not only drops our turnover but it is a big part in truly changing the culture within our facility.”

To streamline the recruitment process, GardaWorld has teamed up with several agencies such as Hire our Heroes, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Hero 2 Hired and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. These organizations help pair Veterans seeking work with organizations needing their skills. GardaWorld strives to offer a natural fit for these women and men.

GardaWorld’s new push to embrace Veterans is part of a larger commitment to give back to the community. “We are a worldwide military-friendly company,” says Buchanan. “We also view this as an opportunity to give back and let Veterans know we appreciate their sacrifice.”

Veterans have reported very positive impressions of GardaWorld’s new focus. “Thank you so much for your time and encouragement” says Jim Keyes, one of many Veterans who have attended employment events. “The positive attitude and the respect shown by you and all of the GardaWorld representatives towards myself and the other Veterans I observed at your booth was very encouraging! If what I’ve observed today is any indication of how the GardaWorld operates, well all I can say is when can I start!”