“Dirtbag Billionaire” by David Gelles

“Dirtbag Billionaire” by David Gelles

Founded in 1973, Patagonia has grown into a wildly popular producer of outdoor wear, with a cult-like following among hardcore alpinists and Wall Street traders alike. But it’s not just the clothes that make Patagonia unique. For decades, the company has distinguished itself as a singular beacon for socially responsible business.In his latest book, Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away, jou…

How a ‘dirtbag’ entrepreneur became a billionaire and refined philanthropy

Few people globally have influenced business, sport, the environment and philanthropy like Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. Chouinard’s inventive approach across these spheres makes the recent biography Dirtbag Billionaire by The New York Times journalist David Gelles an intriguing read. The anti-authoritarian entrepreneur started out making basic rock-climbing equipment. He then built a business reputation based on ethical commerce, and eventu…

How a ‘dirtbag’ billionaire retailer chose to do capitalism differently

Chouinard prefers the “dirtbag” label to that of businessman or billionaire. It’s a reference from his 1960s lifestyle, a term for someone who sleeps rough, roams widely and disdains material possessions.