Founded in 1973 Patagonia has grown into a wildly popular producer of outdoor wear. It has a
cult-like following among adventurers and Wall Street traders alike posting sales of more than
£1 billion a year. But it''s not just the clothes that make Patagonia unique. For decades the
company has been a beacon for socially responsible business. From its exemplary care of its
employees to its extensive work trying to clean up its supply chain to its controversial
activism Patagonia has set itself apart from its peers with one unorthodox decision after
another. At the heart of the story is Patagonia''s founder the legendary rock climber Yvon
Chouinard. A perennial outsider Chouinard established himself as a pivotal figure in the
global history of business. Guided by his anti-authoritarian streak and his unwavering
commitment to preserving the natural world Patagonia came to exert a powerful influence on
other companies. He has paved the way for a new era of social and environmental responsibility.
In 2022 having gone from ''dirtbag'' to billionaire Chouinard took the astonishing step of
renouncing his wealth and committing all Patagonia''s future profits to fighting the climate
crisis. Drawing on exclusive access to Chouinard and the Patagonia team Dirtbag Billionaire
offers new insights into the decisions that shaped the company and sent ripples across the
corporate world.
