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Outdoor Industry Leader Passes - Lawrence H. Garrett (1928-2009)
03.18.09
Mr. Lawrence H. “Larry” Garrett of Duluth, Georgia, passed away on March 18, 2009. He was 81 years old.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Larry developed a strong work ethic as a young boy growing up on the family farm. He was the first member of the Garrett family to ever attend college. At Westminster College Larry became an All American college soccer player and met Renee Roberts. It really was love at first sight and Larry won his most valuable trophy when Renee accepted his proposal of marriage.
Larry’s love and honor for his country led him to serve with distinction during the Korean War, serving as a Company Commander and providing critical tank training for our troops. After college and his service to our country, Larry applied his degree in metallurgy to becoming one of the top sales managers for Armco Steel, which was one of the largest steel companies in the United States. In 1969, Larry jumped at an opportunity to take over the outdoor product line from Armco Steel and he started Formetco, Inc.
The name Formetco was first jotted down on a napkin while Larry was contemplating this new venture. With Larry’s love of the steel industry and his education as a metallurgist, the name Formed Metals Company, or Formetco, exemplified the foundation of his company. Armco fabricated horizontal 30 sheet and eight sheet steel poster panels. Formetco revolutionized the industry by introducing the first unitized poster panel that could be assembled on the ground and hung in one piece. Larry soon came to the realization that most vendors sold a limited number of products to the outdoor industry that complimented their core business. He decided to expand Formetco’s product line and soon Formetco became the most comprehensive manufacturer of products and services to the billboard industry.
Today, almost every outdoor advertising company in the U.S. purchases products from Formetco. From its modest base product line of poster panel faces, Formetco products now range from RotaryLok Bulletin sections, Hurricane Frames, Formetco 1030 Poster Paste, safety equipment, wall graphic installation systems, Form-a-Tred Scaffolds, and the list goes on. Under Larry’s leadership, Formetco became recognized for listening to its customers and developing innovative products to meet their needs.
Early in the 21st century, Larry formed an alliance with Ad-Tech International, marketing Ad-Tech‘s Tri-Face Displays to the outdoor industry. The alliance proved so successful that Ad-Tech merged with Formetco in 2006. The merger created a greater level of engineering and more product innovations. Formetco is now on the cutting edge of digital display and LED lighting technology. Formetco’s EcoSeries light fixtures represent the most significant advancement in frontal billboard lighting in nearly four decades
Another of Larry’s goals was realized when he founded Peachtree Metals in 1973. Recognizing the need for affordably priced stainless steel bar, Larry assembled the equipment needed to service a small but growing niche market. Peachtree Metals, now a division of Formetco, has exceeded his own goal many times over, and is one of the most successful stainless steel bar suppliers in the United States
Larry coupled his successful career with service to his community. In addition to his benevolence to numerous charitable organizations, he contributed each year through donations from his billboard printing services to public service announcements and charitable causes. Larry has served on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Athletic Club and Gwinnett Technical College.
Larry was also recognized as a major force in the political arena, having served on several statewide boards. He contributed his time and financial resources to local, state, and national campaigns. His conservative values guided him in support of Republican candidates from the courthouse to the state house to the White House. The large number of commendations he has received is a testimony to his tireless commitment to his country
Please visit www.larrygarrettribute.com for Memorial service information
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