An Inventor's Garage to Global Success Story by Charles L. Garrett

An Inventor's Garage to Global Success Story is Charles L. Garrett's autobiography documenting the founding and growth of Garrett Metal Detectors from a garage workshop in 1964 to a global manufacturer. Garrett describes his early field testing adventures, product design innovations, and the company's expansion into security screening equipment during the 1980s Los Angeles Olympics. The book includes dozens of photographs spanning five decades of the Garrett family's journey from shoestring startup to industry leader.

What's Included with the Book

• An Inventor's Garage to Global Success Story autobiography by Charles L. Garrett
• Photographs documenting Garrett's history from 1964 to publication

Why Detectorists and History Enthusiasts Reach for This Book

• First-person account of the detector industry's evolution from a founder who built equipment in his garage and field-tested prototypes himself
• Technical insight into design innovations that shaped modern metal detecting, written by the engineer who developed them
• Behind-the-scenes stories of early treasure hunting adventures and the leap from hobbyist tinkering to commercial manufacturing
• Documentation of the security screening side of the business, including contracts for major events like the Los Angeles Olympics
• Family business perspective on building a company with Eleanor Garrett's challenge to either finish or market the prototype

Garage Workshop Origins and the Decision to Manufacture

Charles Garrett worked nights in his garage for a year building a detector superior to what the market offered before Eleanor challenged him to commit. The couple started the business in 1964 on a shoestring budget. Garrett quit his engineering career to dedicate time to manufacturing and sales. The book details those early field testing trips, the financial risks of leaving stable employment, and the determination required to compete against established manufacturers. Readers interested in the broader detecting community will find practical context in our metal detecting tips and FAQs section.

Design Innovations and Security Industry Expansion

Garrett documents his product design breakthroughs and the technical decisions that differentiated his equipment from competitors. The autobiography covers the company's pivot into security screening during the 1980s when the Los Angeles Olympic Games created demand for screening equipment. Garrett explains how the security division grew alongside the hobby detector line, establishing the company in two markets. The book includes dozens of photographs documenting the company's history.

Specifications

• Author: Charles L. Garrett
• Subject: Garrett Metal Detectors company history and autobiography
• Content: Founding story, field testing adventures, design innovations, security industry expansion, family business journey
• Illustrations: Dozens of photographs from 1964 to present
• Format: Book

Why Buy from Serious Detecting

We are an authorized Garrett dealer carrying the full line of Garrett equipment and reference materials. Our team has used Garrett detectors in the field for decades and can answer questions about the company's product evolution described in this autobiography. Every order ships free within the continental United States. We offer a 30-day return policy and price-match guarantee on all metal detecting books and reference material.