Sonepar has been named a 2026 VETS Indexes 5‑Star Employer, a distinguished national recognition that honors organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and supporting veterans and military‑connected employees.
This recognition places Sonepar among a select group of employers whose veteran employment practices stood out following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by VETS Indexes—the most objective and comprehensive assessment of veteran employers in the United States.
“This recognition belongs to our teams across all 13 Operating Companies, our leadership, and the members of MERGE who continue to show up for veterans and military families every day,” said Chris Miles, Military & Veteran Relations Manager for Sonepar USA. “Their commitment ensures that military‑connected talent doesn’t just find jobs at Sonepar—they build careers, feel valued, and have room to grow.”
A Meaningful and Measurable Commitment
In announcing the awards, VETS Indexes President Nicholas James Antaki noted that Sonepar demonstrated “meaningful and measurable support for veterans and the military‑connected community,” helping set the standard for veteran employment nationwide.
Hundreds of organizations—including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and higher‑education institutions—submitted detailed surveys for consideration. Only those whose policies, outcomes, and leadership commitment exceeded industry benchmarks were recognized.
VETS Indexes awards are presented across four levels—5‑Star Employer, 4‑Star Employer, 3‑Star Employer, and Recognized Employer—and not all respondents receive an award. Achieving a 5‑Star designation signifies excellence across every dimension of veteran support evaluated.
Awards were formally announced at the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, held at the New York Athletic Club.
Setting the Standard for Veteran Employment
The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program evaluates organizations across five critical categories:
- Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
- Veteran employee development and retention
- Veteran‑inclusive policies and workplace culture
- Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
- Military spouse and family support
Sonepar’s performance across these areas reflects a comprehensive approach—one that extends well beyond hiring and into long‑term career development, leadership opportunities, and inclusive workplace practices.
This philosophy aligns with Sonepar’s broader values around leadership, accountability, and long‑term investment in people.
Partnerships That Strengthen Pathways
Sonepar also emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone. The company extended its appreciation to VETS Indexes for its leadership and advocacy, as well as to longtime partners DAV (Disabled American Veterans) RecruitMilitary and the Bob Woddruff Foundation-Job Path.
These partnerships, along with strong relationships across military installations and veteran service organizations nationwide, help Sonepar strengthen career pathways for veterans and military families transitioning from service to civilian employment.
National Recognition with Industry Impact
As the most data‑driven assessment of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes program has become a national benchmark for veteran employment excellence. Its findings and employer recognitions have been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, BNN Bloomberg, and military‑focused outlets including Military.com, Military Times, and Stars & Stripes.
For Sonepar, the 2026 5‑Star Employer distinction is both a point of pride and a renewed call to action.
To view the full list of 2026 VETS Indexes awardees, visit: https://vetsindexes.com/award-results-2026/
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