How a ‘Dirtbag’ Entrepreneur Became a Billionaire and Refined Philanthropy

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.