TM Garret, born Achim Schmid, is a German-American author, producer, filmmaker, and human rights activist known for his impactful work in community outreach and anti-racism efforts. After leaving the white supremacist movement in 2002, he leveraged his experiences to establish various successful ventures in the call-center and internet marketing industries, as well as in the music sector. Upon relocating to the Memphis metro area, Garret co-founded PicArts Media, a film production company, and Mid South Music Entertainment, a record label that collaborated with artists such as T. Graham Brown and Canadian Idol runner-up Jaydee Bixby.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Garret founded C.H.A.N.G.E., a Memphis-based nonprofit dedicated to community outreach, food drives, and anti-violence campaigns. He is also the founder of the annual Memphis Peace Conference, first held in 2018, which promotes interfaith dialogue and community engagement. His commitment to fostering understanding among diverse groups has positioned him as a prominent interfaith activist.
Garret has received several accolades for his work, including a resolution from the Alabama State Senate in recognition of his contributions to the music industry. In 2014, he helped promote T. Graham Brown’s Grammy-nominated album, and in 2015, he was nominated for both Manager of the Year and Videographer of the Year at the Nashville Universe Awards.
Beyond his organizational efforts, Garret serves as a weekend news anchor for WGN-TV in Chicago and lectures at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Boston Law School, where he speaks against anti-Semitism and advocates for social justice. His journey from extremism to activism serves as a powerful testament to the potential for personal transformation and societal change.