A lifetime of service, leadership, and hard work
“I refuse to believe the current state of politics is the best we can do. I am not wired to accept the status quo as good enough. I understand service and commitment, and I feel a moral obligation to put my life experiences to work in the service of my community, state, and my nation.”
Chris Garten learned the value of hard work at an early age.
At 12 years old, he began working on a small farm where early trials taught him to be a resilient, hands-on problem solver. At 14 years old, Chris was adopted into a loving home. His challenging childhood forged the work ethic and determination that define him today. After graduating from high school with honors, he attended Indiana University Southeast, ready to give back to the country and community that supported him.
Following the devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11, Chris felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
In 2003, he deployed as part of the initial offensive into Iraq, serving as a Communications Chief and a Team Leader for a Scout Element. Demonstrating his dedication to his fellow Marines, he volunteered to return to Iraq for a second combat tour from 2005 to 2006 to lead his unit.
Today, he continues his military commitment as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves and is an active member of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
After returning home, Chris channeled his work ethic into starting a business.
He founded Signature Countertops, Inc., operating out of a one-car detached garage. Though the early days of building a start-up were tough, Chris committed himself to three simple, unyielding principles: be completely honest with clients, always keep your word, and outwork the competition.
Today, Signature Countertops is an industry leader in Southern Indiana, expanding to two locations and employing more than 30 Hoosiers. Under Chris’ leadership, the company was named “Small Business of the Year” twice, and Chris was recognized as an influential local leader as a “40 Under 40” recipient.
Chris and his wife, Beth, are the proud parents of three boys, raising their family in Southern Indiana.
Chris doesn’t just talk about community involvement – he lives it. Chris dedicates his time to professional and community boards, serving as a board member for the Building and Development Association of Southern Indiana, Vice President for the Scott County Chamber of Commerce, and active member of local service clubs. He is also a proud National Rifle Association (NRA) Lifetime Member.
Owning a home is part of the American Dream. Chris Garten is fighting to make it more affordable to buy and own a home. He has fought for policies to reduce burdensome regulations to increase our housing supply, lower housing costs, and provide property tax relief.
Big hospitals have been raking in big money by raising the costs their patients pay. Chris Garten has been forcing hospitals to provide greater transparency, end hidden fees and surprise billing, and lower patients’ costs.
Chris Garten has fought to make government more accountable by reining in out-of-control state agencies and unelected bureaucrats who abuse their authority to stifle a community’s economic growth and development. More government means more problems.
At a time when household budgets are already stretched thin by higher costs, adding new tolls to Indiana roads would amount to another burden on drivers. Chris Garten opposes the tolls on local bridges, and he stood his ground against his own party when he voted AGAINST a plan for highway tolls.
Chris Garten authored and passed legislation that requires able-bodied adults to work, train, or volunteer in order to receive taxpayer-funded Medicaid. His legislation will cut waste, fraud, and abuse in welfare, save taxpayer money, and protect benefits for people who truly need the assistance.
