Robert Harden started his journey to entrepreneurship early in his life when he graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology in Woodbridge, New Jersey. He and his wife, Shondell, left New Jersey for Atlanta, GA shorty after being married, and he went on to work in the electronics and AV industry for the next thirty years. As he worked in positions such as bench technician, field engineer, and project manager, Rob also served as a minister and a musician. After his children, particularly his son Corey, became increasingly interested in gaming, Rob began to think of ways STEAM education and gaming could help the community. Introduced to the concept of a Game Truck at a birthday party with his son, Rob decided to learn all that he could about this emerging mobile gaming industry. Rob learned that these trucks are not only a good source of income and entertainment, they are also an excellent tool for mobile education. In 2018, the TLAB Game Truck and Music Production LLC was founded with his family, and together they not only hosted birthday parties and community events, they also conducted sessions focused on music production and computer science. Throughout the success of The Game Truck, Rob felt compelled to introduce the world of Esports to underrepresented communities. TLAB Game Truck’s popularity keeps Rob busy, so it is necessary for The TLAB MTL to purchase a mobile unit primarily dedicated to the commission of Esports career training programs as well as a number of other educational programs. Esports is an emerging field that requires time and access to gaming systems, computers and software that are always evolving. Although Rob started The TLAB MTL out of a burden to be part of the solution to the many problems in our communities, he is committed to the mission of bringing innovative revenue generating options to underserved communities.

Born in Jersey City, where she met her husband Robert, of over 30 years, Shondell Harden is a woman of many talents. Now serving as the CFO of The TLAB Game Truck and The TLAB MTL, Shondell earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Montclair State University. After graduation, Shondell joined her high school sweetheart on a journey to Atlanta, GA. Once there, she happily joined a powerful ministry to serve as treasurer and bookkeeper and became a trusted member of the organization. As her family grew, Shondell focused on her children and educated her four children at home. Although she had her hands full at home, Shondell always volunteered for community organizations including, serving as treasurer for the home school support organization Dekalb Christian Home Educators (DCHE), the Girl Scouts, and the accredited high school homeschool organization Northeast Independent Preparatory Academy (NIPA). After her youngest child finished high school, Shondell joined a corporation as a financial analyst, handling vendor payments and accounts payables for multiple businesses. After four years in the corporate world, COVID ensued, changing the world as we all knew it. Shondell and her family, used this opportunity to grow The TLAB Game Truck, a business venture created in 2018, and they were able to succeed despite the world being quarantined. As the business continues to grow successfully, Shondell hopes to use the newly established mobile technology lab, The TLAB MTL, to expose children to alternative careers in computer science, music production and Esports. Her passion for family and faith are key to the overall success of The TLAB MTL.

Corey Harden is the Lead Game Coach and Technical Director with the TLAB Game Truck and The TLAB MTL, as well as one of the catalysts for the creation of both companies. At thirteen, Corey came in contact with his first game truck at a birthday party with his father, Robert. Blown away by the amazing new technology and delivery system, Corey and his father, began to research this innovative way of facilitating social game play opportunities. As Robert learned more about the game truck business, Corey continued to develop his skills as a gamer, becoming an avid Esports participant. As the Game Truck business solidified, Corey earned his Associates Degree in Photography and Videography.

Because of his extensive knowledge about Esports and computer technology, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Dickens, asked Corey to assist the Thomasville Recreation Center with the set-up and launch of their own Esports center. Presently, Corey serves as both the digital media editor and employee trainer for the TLAB Game Truck, maintaining the Company website and media, while making sure the TLAB Game Truck employees are fully trained and able to deliver the extensive services for which they are known. As the business grows with the purchase of The TLAB MTL, Corey hopes to be vital in bringing skill-building courses and opportunities to underserved urban and rural areas of Georgia. Whether it is a programming course, an introduction into Esports, an Esports training class or a drone real-estate photography class, Corey is dedicated to introducing under-represented populations to new career opportunities.

Experienced world traveler and sports fan, Jessica Harden is perfectly positioned to lead and facilitate the growth of educational programs within The TLAB MTL. After earning her Masters in Elementary Education and Dual Language Immersion, Jessica went on to teach in the Gwinnett County school system, known for its high population of students from Central and South America. Here she was able to use her knowledge of language as well as her love for children to assist ESOL students acclimate to new instructional expectations. Jessica also has the Harden family passion for entrepreneurship, starting her own virtual assistant business “Lighter Load Assist” in 2022. This business has equipped Jessica with the knowledge and acumen necessary to ensure The TLAB MTL’s success and growth. Coupled with her background in education, Jessica has the skills that will help with the strategic and academic planning of programs offered by The TLAB MTL. Her knowledge of curriculum development will ensure the untapped spaces of technological careers in underserved communities are discovered and sourced to meet the needs and bring professional opportunities to the community at large. Her presence in both the business and education arenas benefit Jessica in her endeavors to form strategic partnerships that foster exposure to typically overlooked communities. Her passion for education manifests daily in her role as the Academic Programs Director at The TLAB MTL. Jessica is responsible for program creation and development, spearheading the computer science course curriculum as well as establishing measurable benchmarks that demonstrate the success of the programs. Sharing her family’s passion for education, Jessica is a key component in the operational structure of The TLAB MTL.