Jack and Myrna Gifford founded Tesoro Electronics over twenty years ago in our family garage, but the story of Tesoro really starts with Jack in the early 60's.

At that time, Jack was working in retail sales, but he wanted to be part of the booming aerospace industry. So he went to school, worked hard, and eventually became an electronics technician. During one of his earlier jobs, Jack found a number of Electronics Engineers that were willing to share their knowledge, and he learned the skill that would guide his career for the next 35 years.

In July of 1980 dealers all over the country received a letter from Jack announcing the founding of Tesoro Electronics Inc. The first two paragraphs laid out the direction that Jack wanted the company to go and the ideas that we still live by today:

"It has become apparent to me over the past few years that there is a place for, even a need for, a metal detector manufacturer who is dedicated to the independent dealer market. The products should utilize the best of today's technology to provide maximum sensitivity. They should be rugged, but light enough that anyone can use them. They should do their job without "bells and whistles" that only increase the cost. And finally, the company should remain loyal to their dealers and be responsive to their needs and desires. It is with these principles in mind, that TESORO was founded in May of this year.

Tesoro is the Spanish word for treasure. The Spanish certainly seemed to understand and appreciate tesoro. Never in the history of the New World has there been a treasure hunt like the Spaniards held. It's hard to think of a better name for a company associated with treasure hunting, or a better symbol of our goals than the conquistador. As the Spaniards were yesterday's undisputed masters of treasure hunting, we at TESORO will always endeavor to meet our goal of making TESORO Metal Detectors today's undisputed masters of treasure hunting."

The letter went on to introduce the first Tesoro metal detector—the Deep Search VI. Myrna was working full time as Tesoro's first employee. Vince and I were still going to school at this time but worked part time here and there at Tesoro to make extra money. We would not join the company full time until much later.

After the Deep Search VI, the Deep Search IV and Deep Search VII were introduced. 1981 saw the introduction of the Aztec, the Cortés and the Amigo. Up until late 1981, all Tesoro detectors were covered by a two-year warranty. In that year Jack and Myrna made metal detecting history by introducing the first true Lifetime Warranty in the industry. They then grandfathered in all of the other detectors that they had previously made so that every Tesoro had the same warranty. Our Lifetime Warranty has covered units that have been made for the last 20 years and will continue to cover them for as long as we are around.