Noble Texas Builders was recognized by Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Veterans Commission on Thursday for its success in hiring military veterans.
Rene Capistran, the company’s founder, president and CEO, was honored as part of the state’s “We Hire Vets” employer recognition program, launched in 2017 to honor employers with workforces composed of at least 10 percent veterans.
Among those on hand for the event, which took place at NTB’s headquarters in La Feria, were Julian Alvarez III, TWC commissioner representing labor; Aaron Demerson, TWC commissioner representing employers; and Charles Catoe, TVC division director of program operations; Cameron County Precinct 2 Commissioner Joey Lopez; and Manny Vela, CEO of Valley Baptist Health System and an NTB board member.
Demerson, who presented Capistran with an award to cap the ceremony, noted that Texas is home to over 1.7 veterans and said “we want to commend those who have hired our nation’s heroes.”
“We don’t take that for granted,” he said. “We appreciate it big time.”
Catoe said it was a privilege to come to South Texas to recognize NTB for its achievement in hiring veterans.
“Ten percent of your employees being a veteran doesn’t seem like a very high mark, but let me tell you it is a very high mark to get,” he said. “It’s impressive that you could do that.”
Catoe said TVC works with veterans “on the employment side” in partnership with the TWC. Part of it is teaching companies had to attract veterans and not inadvertently screen them out, and then retain them, he said.
“It’s an accomplishment to do that, and then you grow them,” Catoe said. “I got a chance to talk to Rene a little bit about how he works his company and how he grows all of his employees. That is so important, especially on the veterans side.
The youngster that we have coming out now, they want to grow. They want to learn side of it. And they have that potential that companies that get this award recognize. … They’re going to show up for work. They’re going to take initiative.”
Capistran, a Navy veteran who started NTB in 2015, said his company has been recognized but that this was award was especially meaningful.
“I’ve been honored and privileged to wear the uniform, and that means so much to me that I lose my words,” he said. “But I will say this: It is an honor for us to hire veterans. I know for a fact, because I lived it, that veterans understand the technical side, have unbelievable leadership qualities.
“And in today’s world … that’s what we need. Somebody that can adapt. And that’s one thing that the U.S. military teaches us very well, how to adapt under pressure.”
Capistran said he was humbled and honored by the recognition, and thanked his colleagues and NTB’s veterans.
“Thank you for doing what you do,” he said. “We would not be who we are without you.”
