by David Gelles
David Gelles chronicles the unlikely journey of Yvon Chouinard, who transformed from a penniless rock climber into the founder of a billion dollar empire. Starting in 1973, Chouinard built Patagonia from nothing into a global brand beloved by both serious mountaineers and corporate executives. The company grew famous for its jackets and fleece while pioneering a new model of capitalism that prioritized environmental activism over pure profit maximization. Gelles examines how Patagonia distinguished itself through employee care, supply chain reform, and controversial political stances that influenced countless other businesses. The story culminates with Chouinard's shocking decision to donate his entire company, walking away from his wealth to dedicate all future earnings to climate action. Drawing from exclusive interviews with Chouinard and his team, Gelles reveals the pivotal moments and unconventional choices that shaped both the man and his company, demonstrating how one outsider's vision created lasting change across corporate America.
Genres: biography, business, environment, non-fiction, 21st-century, activism
Vibes: inspiring, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: outsider-hero, social-change
Setting: Patagonia
Period: 1973
Paperback