Businesses That Started In A Garage

12. Tony Maglica Made It The Hard Way

Born in Croatia 1930 Tony Maglica witnessed poverty and suffering like no other today after his country was devastated by the Second World War.

Like so many in Europe at the time, he knew he had to get away in order to make a better life for himself. He settled in Los Angeles in the early 50s, and after saving $125 from working odds and ends, he acquired his first lathe and subsequently founded Maglite in 1955.

Speaking very little English at the time, the determined Maglica worked for years out of his garage perfecting his inventions and growing the business from his workshop.

By 1979 the company released its first flashlight, which became the industry standard as it supplied all police officers across the US.