Technology has been a major driver of change in staffing since Burnett Specialists began in the staffing business in 1974.

The firm celebrated its 50th year in business at the start of August, and the city of Houston proclaimed Aug. 1, 2024, as Burnett Specialists Day in Houston.

“I was thrilled about it because they really recognized our 50th anniversary,” Sue Burnett, the firm’s founder and president, said in an interview with SIA.

“When you love what you are doing, it’s not really work,” Burnett said. “I still really love every day, and that’s the reason that I stayed for so long.”

Over the years, she noted almost everything about the industry has changed. It’s gone from entirely manual operations with no computers or copy machines to the talent platforms of today. The company also implemented an employee stock ownership plan in 2010.

“What has really changed our industry are the VMS systems and the talent platforms,” Burnett said. “I think going forward the talent platforms are obviously going to have a big impact.”

Today, Burnett Specialists has five offices in Houston and other Texas offices in Austin, El Paso and San Antonio. The Dallas office operates as Choice Specialists.