Employee Spotlight: Glenn Garrett
His childhood may be in Huntington, WV, but Glenn Garrett has been all over – physically and professionally. Through spending 20 plus years in the military, he has had the opportunity to move all across the United States, live abroad, and try his hand at a variety of careers. Now, he calls Florida his home and recruiting his career. Read as he shares his journey to recruiting and how being African American has shaped him in today’s world.
What Is Your Title And Role Responsibilities?
My official title with InterMed is Talent Acquisition Manager. I am responsible for overseeing the entire recruiting process for our organization. This entails everything from strategic planning, posting job vacancies, filling those vacancies and everything in between.
Why Did You Decide To Get Into Recruiting?
My first tenure in the military, I did four years of being a cook and six years of the maintenance chief, and then, back in 2004, is when I became a recruiter. I was at a point in my career where I either had to become a drill instructor, a marine security guard, a combat instructor, go into the marine security forces, or be recruiter, so I chose to go into recruiting. By being a recruiter, it afforded me an opportunity to go more places throughout the United States, that the other career paths didn’t offer.
What Do You Love About Your Role?
While I enjoy all aspects of my job, I find great joy in the daily interaction with candidates. I love to uncover their needs/wants and align them with a position that fits their skillset and put someone in a position that could be life changing for them. Not to mention, I love seeing the smile on their faces and them expressing gratitude and thankfulness for us being able to help them out.
What Does Being An African American Mean To You? Generally? At InterMed?
Although I have had to overcome many obstacles and challenges during my lifetime, it means everything to me - I wouldn't change it for the world and I like that I am able to market myself as the face of InterMed and that I am able to represent our organization at several events each year across the country.
What is one life lesson that being African American has taught you that you still use today?
Although it’s 2024, I still have to remain vigilant in everyday life. Unfortunately, there are still people who think we are inferior to them and that we are a threat.
Is There An African American Figure You Look Up To/Has Inspired You And Why?
M.L.K. Jr. He broke down a lot of barriers for us as African Americans, but also for us as a nation. When you think of segregation, it was not too long ago. I heard stories from my mom and my dad telling me about being in segregated schools, and then when they were in a combined school, they had separate water fountains that they were able to drink out of. They also shared when there were different times of the day that they could go to different stores where colored people could go from this time to this time. It was a lot of things and Martin Luther King, Jr. helped knock some of those barriers down.
What Does Black History Month Mean To You? Why Is It Important?
Black History Month carries profound meaning as a time to not only recognize but also celebrate the contributions, accomplishments, and enduring strength of Black individuals across history. It is important because it gives us a chance to acknowledge the hurdles we faced, promote the richness of our culture, and to not lose focus on the continuous quest for equality.
What Is Your Favorite Part About Being African American?
Besides it being inherently me, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, my favorite part would be the ability to be a role model for kids that look like me.