Highlighting Steve Novakovich & Garrett

The Business:

Charles and Eleanor Garrett founded their metal-detection company in 1964 out of their home garage. A metal-detecting enthusiast, Charles decided to design his own detector after finding himself unsatisfied with what was available at the time. In 1968, Charles patented a special coaxial search coil winding technique which became the first to overcome search coil drift. Eventually coming to be known as zero drift, this feature forever changed the industry and Garrett was established as an industry leader. The company began its segue into commercial detectors in 1983 when Charles Garrett was approached to design a metal detector for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Since then, the company has provided quality products for both hobbyist treasure hunters and the professional security market.

About Steve:

In 2017, Steve Novakovich brought his nearly two decades of experience to Garrett as CEO, where he blends his interest in product design with his engineering, management and finance experience. He’s also a hobbyist treasure hunter and enjoys traveling to rallies to meet other hunters and see Garrett products in action. The coolest thing he’s ever found? A 600-year-old Crotal Bell in England.

Case #1:

During the height of COVID-19 shutdowns, Garrett, which had been classified as an essential business, needed to keep running, but wanted to bring their staff back in safely. After a phone call to the Chamber, Steve was connected to Occumed who sent a nurse practitioner to the site and conducted temperature checks for several weeks until they were able to install a temperature-checking machine that could perform the same function.

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Case #2:

After the Texas freeze of 2021, Steve found himself facing a massive company parking lot that was entirely frozen over. With ice on the road, it was impossible for his staff to return to work. Steve called Paul Mayer on his cell and explained the situation, seeking a recommendation on who to call. Within just a few days, two snow plows were on site to free the lot from ice.

Main Takeaway:

Having connections who can refer you quickly to relevant solutions can save you precious hours and dollars. On his own, Steve said it would have taken us much longer to solve these challenges. “I wouldn’t have known which provider was the right one and probably would have lost a few days trying to figure it out.”

Value of Joining the Chamber:

“It brings you into the business community, connects you with other people who either have the same kinds of problems or have solutions.”