RICHARD RECEIVES 2025 HIRE VETS MEDALLION AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Chicago, IL – December 9th, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized Richard as one of the record-breaking 887 recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This marks the fifth consecutive year Richard has received this honor. Richard earned the gold award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Award Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
Richard’s commitment to hiring and developing veterans is rooted in the company’s origins. After serving three tours in Afghanistan and later supporting the U.S. Department of State’s Building Division, Founder and CEO Jed Richard saw firsthand the need for stronger healthcare infrastructure for veterans. That experience shaped the company’s mission and its dedication to supporting those who have served. Today, nearly 20% of Richard’s workforce is made up of veterans, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful career pathways, leadership development, and long-term growth opportunities for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Richard joins 886 other companies from 48 states, plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service. Richard is one of only 20 organizations in Illinois to receive the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, and one of just 12 private companies among that group, with the remaining eight awards going to public entities. Recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. Over 2,200 employers have earned a total of 5,371 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards since 2019.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2026 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2026. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.
There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.
About Richard Established in 2014, Richard is a nationally recognized, purpose-driven general contracting company headquartered in Chicago, IL. Founded by veteran Jed Richard, the award-winning company builds efficient and dynamic spaces that advance community, sustainability, and well-being nationwide. As the largest repairer of Legionella for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Richard brings specialized expertise in water system safety and environmental health to all projects. Richard has consistently earned recognition from Inc. and Crain's Chicago Business as one of the Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work, delivering transformative projects including patient care facilities, data centers, governmental buildings, and water treatment centers. Founded on a mission to make an impact, Richard combines speed, simplicity, and safety with deep expertise to ensure communities can work, heal, live, and thrive. For more information, visit richardgroup.com.
Media Contact: Colleen Richardson, media@richardgroup.com