Garen "officially" began working with firm in August 1993.  He worked with the firm during high school, as well as during summer breaks while in college.  After receiving his undergraduate degree in Personnel Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL in 1992, he worked for Hardin's SYSCO in for one year in warehouse operations. He began his career as a Search Consultant with ROMAC & Associates, a national search firm specializing in the placement of Accounting/Finance professionals. In early 1994, ROMAC & Associates franchise owners renamed the firm Gateway Group Personnel, capitalizing on their 12 year presence in the Greater Memphis/Mid-south market and electing to become independent of any national corporation.  From 1995 to 2008 he has maintained an active desk while managing the firm’s Search Services division.  In January 2007, Garen was announced President of Gateway Group Personnel. In April of 2007, he was accepted into Pinnacle Society (www.pinnaclesociety.org) - the nation's premier consortium of top recruiters within the permanent placement and search industry. Also in 2007, was recognized as one of Memphis' "Top 40 Under 40".

He has been active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Memphis since 1998. He currently serves on the local chapter Board of Directors, having served Board Chair in 2006.

Garen's goal - to responsibly manage and grow the premier search and staffing firm in the Mid-South region of the United States, in honor of the memory of his deceased mother and former President of Gateway Group Personnel.