YVON CHOUINARD
LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY
Have you ever been rock climbing ? Whilst often an incredibly challenging venture , it does not obviously require skills that translate directly to the boardroom . It was , however , fundamental in the creation of Patagonia .
Founder Yvon Chouinard ’ s journey from a young rock climber to a pioneering force in sustainable business practices is a testament to the power of aligning entrepreneurship with environmental stewardship .
Born in 1938 in Maine , US , Yvon ’ s early years were marked by a deep connection to nature , fostered by his family ’ s move to Southern California when he was seven . It was here that he discovered his passion for rock climbing , a pursuit that would shape not only his personal life but also his future business endeavours .
Early days of climbing gear : Chouinard Equipment In 1957 , Yvon began forging his own climbing gear , initially to support his own adventures . This hobby evolved into a small business , Chouinard Equipment , which he founded in 1965 . The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality climbing hardware .
In 1972 , he published his first catalogue , which included an essay on clean climbing techniques to minimise environmental impact . This marked the beginning of Yvon ’ s lifelong mission to integrate business with environmental consciousness .
YVON CHOUINARD
TITLE : FOUNDER COMPANY : PATAGONIA INDUSTRY : RETAIL LOCATION : UNITED STATES
Avid climber Yvon Chouinard founded California-based outdoor apparel company Patagonia in 1973 . His love of the environment drives his sustainability focus , leading to Patagonia ’ s initiatives including donating 10 % of total annual profit to environmental non-profits .
32 October 2024