Raj Croager
Founder / CEO
Entrepreneur, Technologist, Rotarian, Small Business advocate, and Social Media bum!
As the Founder and CEO of The MARJEN Group, Raj Croager leverages his strong and diverse background in management, technology and franchise management to help serve Small and Mid-Market businesses. Before starting The MARJEN Group, Raj served as FASTSIGNS’ Chief Information Officer (CIO) and vice president of information technology (IT). In those roles, he provided both hands-on management and strategic direction for the company’s technology needs, leading processes to support the information technology requirements of more than 550 FASTSIGNS® centers worldwide.
Prior to holding executive management roles with FASTSIGNS, Raj worked as a Franchise Business Consultant helping Small and Mid-market business owners plan and grow highly efficient and profitable businesses, define personal and business goals, and ultimately develop Exit Strategies to maximize their investments.
Twitter.com/RajCroager | Linkedin.com/in/rcroager
Russell Gravitt
Principal Consultant – Managed Services
As the Prinicipal Consultant – Managed Services for The MARJEN Group, Russell Gravitt utilizes his many years of IT experiences to bring a level playing field to Small and Mid-Market businesses. Before joining The MARJEN Group, Russell served as Manager of Information Systems, Network Administrator and Lead Helpdesk Technician with FASTSIGNS International Inc over a period of 12 years. In those roles he was responsible for troubleshooting the corporate staff as well as the 550 franchisees technical questions over the telephone or via remote network connection, PC Support and Network Administrator, end-user support, purchasing, network support and maintenance, and rolling out hardware and software upgrades.
Russell’s desire is to bring a world class experience to our customers, while maintaining a small town atmosphere for customer service. Russell credits growing up in a small town for helping him develop his strong work ethic, good communication skills and his ability to build relationships.
Russell received his Bachelor degree in Business Administrator with a concentration in computer information systems in 1998 from McMurry University.
Karen Pearson
Account Executive
As the Account Executive for The MARJEN Group, Karen Pearson utilizes her many years of selling and business experiences to serve Small and Mid-Market businesses. Before joining The MARJEN Group, Karen spent 7 years at the college level teaching communication and relationship techniques through language and philosophy. Prior to that she worked in the service industry for 26 years 10 of which was owning and operating a full service catering company. The service industry afforded her first-hand experience in advertising, marketing, and serving a range of clientele from small groups to large assemblies. Academics honed her intellectual acuity in business relationships and personal philosophies that can add dimensions and dynamics to addressing clients’ needs.
Karen’s desire is to guide customers in understanding the essentials of the industry by targeting their business’ needs while developing and maintain a personal relationship. Karen credits her strong work ethic and seeing the good in others as crucial to developing trust through personal relationship in any business. Karen knows that a business is only as successful as its employees.
Karen received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and her Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix with a concentration in technology and computer design.
Martin Streiff
Technology Consultant – Managed Services
Martin is an acclaimed IT expert with 10+ years experience spearheading successful teams. He is an expert strategist, analyst, planner, team leader, negotiator and business driver who has delivered dramatic gains in revenues, profits and market share for organizations around the globe. His proven track record combines expertise in planning, organizational leadership and project management with strong qualifications in Network design, and Implementation. Martin is known for his skills in cross-functional team building, quality performance and productivity improvement by responding to business challenges with confidence, determination and focus. Before moving with his family to Texas, Martin spent 8 years as IT Manager for Elopak’s Europe, Middle East and Africa regions with responsibility for IT operations in 8 countries.
Steve Ackley
Technology Consultant – Professional Services
Steve Ackley is an entrepreneur and technology guru. He serves others to attract success in business and in life and is committed to helping people find the right technology they need to grow their business and change their lives. He speaks on networking and technology sharing his passion for connecting people with everyone he meets.
