Garmin
The consumer GPS revolution born from the alliance between American engineering and Taiwanese innovation.
Philosophy
GPS and outdoor tech. inReach satellite communicators, adventure watches. Essential outdoor electronics.
History
Founded in 1989 in Lenexa, Kansas, by Gary Burrell (electrical engineer born in Kansas) and Min Kao (doctorate in electrical engineering born in Zhushan, Taiwan) with $4 million financing from Kao's Taiwanese colleagues. The name 'Garmin' was created in 1991 combining 'Gary' and 'Min'. The company moved its headquarters to Olathe, Kansas in 1996, then legally incorporated in Switzerland in 2010. Garmin became the world's largest manufacturer of consumer navigation devices, pioneering the democratization of civilian GPS technology.
Iconic Products
inReach Mini 3
Compact satellite communicator. Two-way messaging, SOS, Iridium network. Essential backcountry safety.