AtWork Taps Veteran Leader for Strategic Tysons Staffing Expansion

TYSONS, VA – March 02, 2026 – Amidst a shifting economic landscape, national staffing firm AtWork has planted its flag in Tysons, opening a new franchise aimed at bridging the gap between Northern Virginia's abundant talent pool and its thriving business community. The new office, located at 2106-F Gallows Road in Vienna, is helmed by local owner and operator Dan Garvey, a seasoned leader whose diverse career path has taken him from military sea vessels to the forefront of the region's workforce solutions industry.

For more than three decades, AtWork has built a national reputation, placing nearly 40,000 individuals into jobs each year across its 100-plus locations. The Tysons expansion represents a strategic move into one of Virginia’s most critical economic hubs. “We’re proud to bring AtWork to Tysons and create a place where job seekers can find opportunity and businesses can identify the right talent,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “Dan’s leadership and commitment to his community make him the ideal partner to carry this mission forward.” The new office will focus on placing candidates in light-industrial and professional roles, serving not only Tysons but also the surrounding communities of Reston, Great Falls, Wolf Trap, McLean, and Vienna.

From Sea to Sales to Staffing: A Leader's Journey

The story of AtWork Tysons is intrinsically linked to the unique journey of its owner, Dan Garvey. A New York native and graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College, Garvey began his career serving as an officer on military vessels after earning his unlimited Coast Guard license. His service extended into work as a private contractor for the U.S. Navy, a role that demanded precision, leadership, and a deep sense of mission.

Transitioning to the corporate world, Garvey spent the last eight years building a successful career in medical device sales. In this role, he honed his ability to understand complex needs and connect people with life-changing solutions—a skill set he now sees as directly transferable to the staffing industry. For Garvey, the move to become a franchise owner was a deliberate choice to make a tangible impact on his community.

“I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find the right career path, and that’s why I’m so passionate about what we’re building with AtWork,” Garvey stated. His vision extends beyond simply filling open positions. “Our team will help people in Tysons and nearby areas...find meaningful roles...while connecting businesses with the reliable talent they need to grow. Helping candidates build better futures and helping companies thrive is the impact I want to make in this community.”

Tapping into a Dynamic, Evolving Job Market

AtWork’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Tysons and Fairfax County. While the region boasts a low unemployment rate—reported at 3.3% for Fairfax County in May 2025—the job market is complex. The area is a powerhouse for professional services, IT, cybersecurity, and financial services, but it is also navigating post-pandemic shifts, including a 20% office vacancy rate in Tysons as companies re-evaluate their physical footprints.

This environment has fueled a trend known as “quiet hiring,” where companies increasingly rely on temporary staff and contract workers to maintain flexibility and manage costs. Research indicates that a significant number of firms that have recently conducted layoffs are hiring contractors to fill the gaps, creating a robust demand for the very services AtWork provides. The new franchise is well-positioned to meet this need by offering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire solutions.

Furthermore, the long-term outlook for the region remains strong. Job opportunities in Virginia are projected to grow 9.3% by 2024, outpacing the national average. Recent announcements underscore this momentum, with companies like defense tech firm GRVTY and IT contractor 22nd Century Technologies planning to add hundreds of new jobs to Fairfax County. With healthcare projected to be a leading growth sector in Tysons, AtWork's focus on both professional and light-industrial roles provides a broad base to serve the community's diverse and expanding needs.

A Proven Model in a Competitive Field

Garvey's new venture enters a competitive but healthy market, with established national and regional staffing firms like Robert Half, Express Employment Professionals, and Sparks Group already operating in the area. However, AtWork brings a formidable reputation and a proven franchise model that empowers local ownership.

The company is a decorated veteran of the franchise world, consistently earning accolades for its performance and franchisee support. It is a fixture on Franchise Business Review’s “Top 200 Franchises” list, earning a spot in the publication's Hall of Fame for over a decade of outstanding franchisee satisfaction. Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) has also repeatedly named AtWork one of the “Largest and Best Staffing Firms to Work For in the U.S.”

This success is built on a model that combines local decision-making with robust corporate support. Franchisees like Garvey benefit from a protected territory, operational tools, and comprehensive back-office services, including payroll funding and processing. This structure allows the local owner to focus on building relationships with clients and candidates, a critical differentiator in the service-oriented staffing industry. By pairing Garvey's local leadership with AtWork's national resources, the Tysons office aims to deliver a personalized, high-touch service that can stand out in a crowded field.

As Tysons continues its transformation from a commercial-centric hub to a well-rounded live-work community with a projected population of 43,000 by 2030, the need for localized, responsive employment services will only grow. Garvey and his AtWork team are poised to become a vital resource, connecting the area's growing residential population with the wave of new opportunities generated by companies investing in this vibrant Northern Virginia corridor.