4 Companies You Didn’t Know Started in a Garage

Every business has to start somewhere, right? It only makes sense that if you are just starting out you may not have the capital to spend on office space and you’ll need to make do with what you have. Some start-ups don’t even have the cash for desks — in fact, Jeff Bezos (Amazon’s founder) used an old door with 4 x 4s for legs as his first desk and still keeps a similar model around to remind him of his humble beginnings.

Most people are aware that Amazon and tech biggies Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Dell all started in garages. But here’s a list of 4 other highly successful businesses that you may not have known started the same way.

The Yankee Candle Company

In 1969, teenager Michael Kittredge set out to make his mother a one-of-a-kind gift for Christmas. He used simple supplies found in his home, mainly crayons, to create a unique scented candle. His neighbors loved his creation and urged him to make more for them to purchase. He continued working out of his garage for about 5 years until he was able to afford a storefront. Yankee Candle remains one of the most popular manufacturers in the world today.

MagLite

In 1955, Tony Maglica put a down payment of $125 on his first lathe with the intention of manufacturing precision parts in his garage. This was a step up from years of working odd jobs to make ends meet. He eventually opened his own machine shop, Mag Instruments, and delivered flashlight components. After receiving a tip from an ex-cop in the early 1970s that police needed a more durable flashlight, he developed the MagLite, a heavy-duty flashlight that has become the standard for police and homeowners alike.

Harley-Davidson

You may not be surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson was started in a garage. But at a cramped 10×15 feet and lacking a car-sized opening, the building was more of a shed than a garage. In 1901, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson set out to develop an engine for a bicycle. Two years later, they had built a prototype for a motorcycle. It did not take long for their business to take off and in 1903, Harley-Davidson was officially a company and went on to become incorporated in 1907.

Mattel

Mattel was started by husband and wife Elliot and Ruth Handler and friend Harold Matson in a Southern California garage. They were already running a moderately successful picture frame company and started using the wood scraps to make dollhouses and dollhouse furniture. Their dollhouses took off and they soon turned their efforts away from picture frames and toward toys. In 1948, Mattel was incorporated and 11 years later, their best-known doll, Barbie, was created.

What’s the point of our history lesson? Every business needs to start somewhere and by using your available resources and thinking outside of the box (or inside of the garage), your business could be featured on our list of companies that started in a garage.

A Brief History of the Garage

Although the first automobiles gained popularity in the early 20th century, the garage (or some semblance thereof) had already been around for centuries. The word garage, coined in 1902, comes from the French verb garer which means “to shelter”. Let’s take a look at how the modern garage came to be.

Carriage Houses

Carriage houses were originally used to shelter carriages or other rudimentary wheeled vehicles and were not usually attached to the home. Some carriage houses also housed horses. Carriage houses were good at sheltering horses and carriages from the elements, but not overly convenient as the owner was still exposed to bad weather when walking to and from their home.

When the gas-powered automobile was invented in the late 1800s, it was an open-topped vehicle leaving the driver completely exposed to the elements. This design required that the vehicle be covered when not in use in order to protect the owner’s pricey investment. Many owners repurposed their already existing carriage house to house their automobile. Out with the old and in with the new, as they say!

Public Garages

Once the automobile became more commonplace, people looked for alternatives to carriage houses. They were tired of their vehicles being stored with the animals and smelling of manure. Additionally, city dwellers did not always have access to carriages houses. To solve these issues, public garages were built (or larger carriage houses repurposed) and automobile owners were charged a monthly fee to store their vehicles in the garage. While these public garages solved the issue of where to store your vehicle, they were not without shortcomings, the largest of which being that car owners had to walk or find other transportation to the garage, lessening the convenience of owning an automobile.

Private Garages

As the shortcomings of the public garage started to outweigh the benefits, homeowners began to build their own private garages. These were small, shed-like buildings, similar to carriage houses but only equipped to store vehicles, not animals. Some had hinged doors, which could be hard to open in snowy weather, and others had sliding doors. Sears Roebuck & Company developed and sold a portable garage that could be set up wherever it was needed. These early garages, portable or not, were quite basic and were not usually heated.

Modern Doors and Electric Openers

As the car gained popularity and became more affordable (thanks to Henry Ford’s assembly line), people craved an easier way to access their vehicle in the garage. In 1921, C.G. Johnson invented the overhead garage door and with it the Overhead Door Company. Overhead doors allowed more space in and around the garage and were easy to open during snowy weather. The overhead door took off in popularity and just five years later Mr. Johnson invented the electric automated door opener, making it more convenient than ever for car owners to access their vehicles.

Garages and garage doors have seen many improvements over the years, but one thing remains steady— a garage is the best and most convenient place to store your vehicle.

Creating a Dog-Safe Space in Your Garage

What do you do with your dog while you’re away from the house for a few hours? Sometimes there’s a simple answer— bring your dog along! But if you are running errands and can’t leave the dog in a sweltering (or freezing) vehicle, don’t have a dog-friendly workplace, or are otherwise unable to bring Fido along for the ride, you need a space at home where your pet can chill safely until you return.

Maybe you don’t have space in your home or backyard to keep your pet. The garage can be a haven for your four-legged friend, but there are several things to consider before you leave them there on their own.

Read on to learn more about prepping your garage to be a dog-safe space.

Ventilation

Your dog should only be confined to the garage if there is adequate ventilation. You wouldn’t want to be in a stuffy garage, and neither does your pet! Opening a window will allow fresh air to circulate and help regulate the temperature. If your garage doesn’t have windows, consider adding one (or more). They will provide fresh air, sunlight, and overall improved aesthetics, too. Running a fan will also provide some needed circulation in warmer weather and help keep pup happy and healthy.

Remove Hazards

Keep your dog safe in the garage by removing chemicals, stacked boxes, sharp tools, and other hazards. Store these items on high shelves or use wall hooks to keep them out of reach. Be certain that your garage door is in good repair and has a motion sensor, you wouldn’t want your furry bestie to get pinned by a malfunctioning door. Look around the garage at your dog’s eye level to make sure nothing is missed. Be sure to sweep the floor to find any stray nails or other small objects they could step on or swallow.

Define Boundaries

Maybe you are not ready to give up the entire garage to your dog. Section off an area with one or more freestanding pet gates or exercise pens. If your dog feels safe and comfortable in his crate, that’s a fine option as well. Set up these areas near a window for sunlight and fresh air.

Temperature

If it is too hot or cold for you to spend time in your garage, then your dog shouldn’t be there either. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from dehydration and heatstroke in hot weather and hypothermia or frostbite in cold weather. And keep in mind the breed of dog you own, some are more susceptible to shifts in temperature than others. A general rule of thumb is no colder than 45° or warmer than 85° Fahrenheit, but also take into consideration the age, health, and breed of your dog.

Toys and Water

Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh water, especially during warmer weather. Wash and refill the bowl daily to prevent the build-up of germs and bacteria. Leave several of your dog’s favorite toys in the garage with them to prevent boredom from setting in. Everyone knows a bored dog goes looking for trouble (trouble = things to chew!), so nip it in the bud by providing stimulating playthings.

Making your garage a dog-safe space is easier than you think. By following these tips, you’ll have a space that will make both you and your best fur friend happy.

What’s All the Buzz About Smart Garage Door Openers?

You probably know that you can open and close your garage door with a small handheld remote or by programming the HomeLink buttons in your vehicle. But now, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can make your garage door a little more intelligent with a smart garage door opener.

What is it?

A smart garage door opener is used in conjunction with your motorized garage door opener; it is not a stand-alone product. The smart opener is mounted in your garage, connects to your wi-fi, and operates through a dedicated app on your smartphone. Features for each brand are a little different, but some common features are remote access, geofencing, scheduling, and voice control. Some brands, like Nexx, integrate with smart-home platforms like IFTTT and Amazon Alexa, to create a more connected home experience, like automatically turning on lights inside your home when you pull into the driveway. Be sure to look for a model that uses WiFi, not just Bluetooth, since you will need to be within about 20 feet of the garage to use Bluetooth.

What do they cost?

Smart garage door openers can be purchased in stores or online. Pricing ranges from around $40 for Chamberlain’s MyQ to almost $400 for Senclo’s Fi just for the equipment. Some devices require a small monthly fee to use added features like Google Assistant or IFTTT.

If you like being on the cutting edge of technology, then you’ll enjoy having a smart garage door opener. Before you purchase one, be sure that it is compatible with your current overhead door opener. We’re here to help if you need it! Contact us online or by phone at (802) 251-0900.

Overhead Doors For Restaurant Use

The use of overhead doors is one of the hottest trends in restaurant design. Not only can they be used instead of a standard exterior door to separate the indoor and outdoor space, but they can also be used in place of windows or as room dividers.

Let’s take a look at the multiple uses of overhead doors in restaurants.

Exterior Doors

Historically, overhead doors were only used as exterior doors in temperate climates. But with the advancements in the effectiveness of insulated doors, we’re seeing more installations in cooler climates as well. With overhead doors, you can seamlessly merge your indoor and outdoor space, allow an unobstructed view of a scenic area, and provide indoor diners with an outdoor experience.

Counter-height Doors

Counter overhead door don’t have to be used just for take-out windows. Replace exterior windows with large counter-height doors to create an open-air feel. Place counter overhead doors at the edge of a bar area to act as a pass-through for servers. You can even separate large side-by-side booths with a roll-up door to expand or divide seating depending on the size of the party.

Room Dividers

One of the more unconventional uses of overhead doors in an indoor space is as a room divider. Think of a large, open restaurant that wants to cater to private parties. Solid or frosted glass doors can be easily lowered to provide privacy and intimacy. These are especially popular in converted warehouses where the vibe is modern industrial and the ceilings are higher, but they can be adapted to almost any location.

It’s obvious that there are a multitude of uses for overhead doors in restaurants. And with the number of style choices available, it’s easy to find one to fit every aesthetic. Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help, contact us today!