Howard and Ruth have worked as a team for many years in the professional fundraising firm that Howard founded in 1968. The firm has successfully guided campaigns for local colleges, scores of cultural, social service and youth organizations, as well as directed the fundraising for The MARK of the Quad Cities and The Adler Theatre.

The influence of the firm has gone beyond the Quad Cities into 10 Midwestern States.The Brarens have many ties to the non-profit sector at the institutions and agencies they have worked with over the years. Currently, Howard and Ruth see a tremendous growth and support of the non-profit sector. The Quad Cities, specifically Rock Island, has been their home for many years and they want to give back to the community that has been so good to them