20+ years helping ordinary people prepare for real life.
Forrest Garvin has spent over two decades in the preparedness space — long before it was trendy. He founded PrepperNet, one of the largest and longest-running networks of preppers in the US, connecting thousands of families and group leaders across the country.
His approach is simple: clear systems, real-world experience, and no fear-mongering. He's worked with first-time families building their first 72-hour kit, rural groups organizing for the first time, and landowners planning for long-term resilience.
Today, Forrest works one-on-one with a small number of clients each month — focusing on the people most committed to building something real.
Patrick — Communications Engineer & Grid-Down Comms Specialist.
Patrick has been fascinated with electronics since he was old enough to hold a soldering iron, building his first gear in elementary school. His passion for preparedness and the outdoors took shape during high school and the Y2K era.
With over 20 years of experience as a communications engineer, Patrick has managed complex audio, IT, telecommunications, emergency power, and high-power radio transmission systems. He is a licensed amateur radio operator of 19 years and holds both an Amateur Extra and GMRS license.
Through firsthand experience with wildfires, floods, ice storms, and hurricanes, Patrick has developed a strong belief that true preparedness depends on the ability to adapt, improvise, and solve problems when help isn't available.
He shares this knowledge through his YouTube channel, Grid Down Comms Up, where he teaches practical, real-world communications skills from both professional and amateur radio perspectives.
Communities are stronger than individuals.
The biggest lesson from 20+ years in this space: people who build real connections — with their family, their neighbors, their group — are the ones who actually thrive when something goes wrong. Gear is easy. Systems and people are harder. That's where Forrest spends his time.