“We built, packed and shipped metal detectors right out of our garage.” “Our first sales were made from our home in Garland, Texas,” said Eleanor Garrett.
In the early days, the couple was happy to ship only several detectors a month. His wife Eleanor finally challenged him to either give up his tinkering with electronics or put his inventions on the market.Ĭharles and Eleanor created their company in 1964, initially operating from the garage of their own home. Navy veteran and electrical engineer had developed a passion for treasure hunting as a child. When Garrett, now 82, began designing detectors, his original goal was simply to build a better tool for his own treasure pursuits than what he could purchase.
More than 250 Garrett Metal Detectors employees gathered on April 1 to celebrate both the 50-year anniversary of their company and the birthday of its founder, Charles Garrett.
