(Golden milestone celebration: Sue Burnett and her husband Rusty toast to 50 years of success at a special celebration.)
From humble beginnings to industry leader
Sue Burnett arrived in Houston with just $500 and a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to establish one of Texas’ most recognized staffing firms right here in Westchase District.
Burnett started her career in personnel services, quickly rising to a managerial position by the age of 24. A few years later, her husband Rusty suggested she start her own company. Using her car as collateral, they borrowed $10,000 in 1974 – a time when women couldn’t borrow money without a male co-signer. This marked the birth of Burnett Specialists.
Thriving in Westchase District
(Where it all began: A glimpse into the early days of Burnett Specialists)
In 1979, five years into its existence, Burnett moved her business to 3300 Gessner in what would later become known as Westchase District. Ten years after that, they relocated to 9800 Richmond, an area that would soon be transformed by major infrastructure developments.
“When I first came here, it wasn’t considered a desirable location because it was so far out,” Burnett said. However, the opening of the West Sam Houston Tollway in 1997, followed by the Westpark Tollway, changed everything. “I remember when we moved here, people were talking about this beltway that would someday open. When it did, it connected us to the airports much easier. The Beltway really made it easier for our staff to commute,” she added.
Westchase District’s accessibility and prestige grew as major companies like National Oilwell Varco, Cameron, and Schlumberger moved in. “When BMC built all those big buildings here, it was such a big deal. Recently Bechtel, Apache, and Noble Corp have moved their headquarters here. This became a place where major companies wanted to be,” Burnett noted.
A legacy of leadership and employee ownership
Pride in ownership: Burnett Specialists employees proudly display their “We Own It” sign, symbolizing their stake in the company’s success through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Under Sue and Rusty Burnett’s leadership, Burnett Specialists became the second-largest employee-owned staffing company in the U.S. through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2010. This move was significant in providing retirement funds to hundreds of employees at no cost to them, a rare benefit in the staffing industry. The company is also known for having one of the most tenured staffs in the industry.
“I really think the secret to our success is our people,” Burnett mentioned. “We have very long-tenured staff, and I have multiple people who have been with me between 20 and 40 years. That’s been the real secret. When your top management is in place and not turning over, it’s true stability for the company.”
Looking ahead
To recognize the 50th anniversary, Houston City Council and Mayor John Whitmire officially proclaimed August 1st, 2024, as “Burnett Specialists Day” in Houston. Despite a half century of services, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With five offices in Houston and locations in Austin, El Paso, and San Antonio, Burnett remains committed to Westchase District.
“We’ve been in Westchase for 45 years,” Burnett said. “Being close to Beltway 8 and the Westpark Tollway has been convenient for my employees as well as for our candidates coming to interview with us. I think the landscaping projects make the District look professional and consistent. It’s been a wonderful location and we plan to stay here for many years to come.”
