Charles Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer

With more than five decades of experience, Charles Garrett is a pioneer and industry leader in the research, development and marketing of metal detection products.

His passion for metal detection began at an early age when he first used a detector to hunt treasure in the forests of East Texas. He graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, with a degree in electrical engineering following four years as an Electrician Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer in the US Navy.

Following graduation in 1959, Garrett worked for Texas Instruments where he played an integral role in the development of space technology that helped rocket the first man to the moon. In his spare time he began designing, building and selling metal detectors from his home in Garland, Texas. By the late 1960s, Garrett developed and patented the first detector with “Zero Drift” technology, which revolutionized the industry forever.

After more than a half century, Mr. Garrett has earned countless awards and recognitions from international, national, state and local governments, dignitaries, clubs and individuals who have praised his contribution in the development of metal detection technology. An accomplished author and renowned industry spokesperson, Mr. Garrett continues to actively serve in his position as President and CEO of Garrett Metal Detectors.

Eleanor Garrett, Executive Vice President

Eleanor Garrett plays a key role in the development and success of Garrett Metal Detectors. It was through her encouragement that the company was founded in April 1964.

Mrs. Garrett earned her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Education from Sam Houston State Teachers College. Prior to assuming the accounting and marketing responsibilities of the company in 1964, she taught public school in the Beaumont and Garland, Texas, areas as well as wrote and directed the kindergarten curriculum at her church for several years.

For well over 25 years Mrs. Garrett has been dedicated to the preservation of America’s proud heritage and ancestral lineage. She currently serves as the regent of the Jane Douglas Chapter, NSDAR, Dallas, and is the former state regent of Magna Charta Dames and Barons, Texas Division. In addition she has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Groveton I.S.D and was commissioned a “Yellow Rose of Texas” by Governor Rick Perry. In 2002 she, with her husband, was honored with the Texas Tree Farmer of the Year Award for her efforts in preserving Texas’ natural forestry lands.

Mrs. Garrett currently serves as District III Representative for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and is a member of the Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars, Mannakin Huguenot Society, National Huguenot Society, Manx Society, Presidential Families of America and a charter member of the Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783. She has held officer positions in Dallas area chapters of Daughters of American Colonists, Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century, United States Daughters of 1812, Spanish-Florida Pioneer Descendents and Arkansas Antebellum Ancestry.

Mrs. Garrett continues to play an active role in her position as Executive Vice President and Secretary of Garrett Metal Detectors.

Robert Podhrasky, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer,
Engineering Director

With extensive experience in executive management and engineering, Robert Podhrasky is a proven leader who has helped make Garrett Metal Detectors a dominant company in the metal detection industry. Podhrasky is responsible for directing the company’s strategic focus, daily operations as well as the research, development, manufacturing and field service support for the Company’s security and hobby-related products.

Over the past 38 years, Podhrasky has risen through the corporate ranks while learning every aspect of the metal detection market. He has pioneered the development of metal detection technology from a five transistor format to its present digital signal processor circuit design. He has authored and contributed to over 20 patents held by the Company.

Before his successful career in the metal detection industry, Podhrasky worked for the University Naval Research Laboratory in Austin, Texas, where he helped design and engineer sonar technology for the U.S. government.

He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). He regularly contributes to the AAMI IPG/ICD Working Group, AVAMED EAS Technology Working Group, ICNIRP’s Concerted Action Workgroup “Health Impact of Electromagnetic Fields,” which was sponsored by the World Health Organization Committee and currently serves as the Chairman of the ASTM F12.63 Committee on Weapons Detection. Podhrasky is an advocate of product design and manufacturing in the United States. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center which is sponsored by the National Institute of Science and Technology and is a Board member of the Dallas County Manufacturers Association.

Podhrasky earned a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1971 from the University of Texas - Austin, and his Masters of electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1979.