Garmin

Garmin was founded in 1989 by electrical engineers Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas. The company name combines both founders' first names into a single brand identity.

The technology firm generated revenue of $6.3 billion in 2024 with over 22,000 employees across 34 countries. Garmin has shipped more than 300 million devices worldwide since its inception, competing with brands like Fitbit and Apple in the wearables market.

The company maintains operational headquarters in Olathe, Kansas while being legally incorporated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland since 2010. Garmin currently operates as a publicly traded corporation on the New York Stock Exchange.

About Garmin

Sector: Technology

Industry: GPS Navigation & Wearable Technology

CEO: Cliff Pemble

Website: garmin.com

Headquarters: Olathe, Kansas

Founded: 1989

Status: Public

Gary Burrell

Co-Founder

Min Kao

Co-Founder & Executive Chairman

Garmin History

1989

Company founded as ProNav by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas to develop GPS navigation devices for civilian use.

1991

United States Army became Garmin's first customer, establishing credibility in defense applications and military markets.

2000

Began public trading on NASDAQ with stock price of $14 per share after selling three million GPS devices worldwide.

2003

Launched Forerunner 201, one of the first GPS-enabled sports watches, marking entry into wearable fitness technology market similar to innovations from Polar.

2013

Cliff Pemble appointed as President and CEO, bringing extensive experience as the company's sixth employee since 1989.

FAQs

Who owns Garmin?

Garmin is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange with institutional investors and insiders holding significant stakes. Co-founder Min Kao serves as executive chairman and maintains considerable ownership.

Is Garmin an American company?

Garmin maintains operational headquarters in Olathe, Kansas but has been legally incorporated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland since 2010.

Who made Garmin logo?

The Garmin logo was developed internally by company designers and features a triangular delta symbol resembling a navigation arrow.

When did Garmin come out?

Garmin was established in 1989 as ProNav in Lenexa, Kansas.