I would like the ads on this site to be for companies and products that I like and use. That’s why I applied to advertise for Patagonia a few months ago. Unfortunately, they told me to get lost. I’d like to say it’s their loss, but I actually think it’s mine. Today I’m advertising for them anyway.
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard in 1958 (photo credit: Bonnie Kamps via johngill.net)
The founder, Yvon Chouinard is a world class climber. He wasn’t satisfied with the climbing equipment available, and in the 1960’s he started making his own. He sold some to friends. Word spread, and before he knew it he had a huge company growing sales at 30% per year. In the 1980’s Chouinard considered selling the company, but while he was considering it, he thought “I could probably do a lot of good in the world if I kept it and made it an example of how to do things right. Let’s see what happens.” This Fortune magazine article is a good summary of what they’ve done with that philosophy.
They have started putting information about their supply chain for each garment on their website. So far they have five done: Footprint Chronicles. They’re asking for feedback on their blog: Cleanest Line
