"More than a simple biography of an enigmatic business figure, Dirtbag Billionaire is a case study in the cultural and political potential -- and limitations -- of corporate design and ownership in today's extractive economic system.Gelles presents Chouinard as a revolutionary in sport, commerce and philanthropy -- an imperfect and often paradoxical founder whose story shows that building a sustainable world requires not perfection but persistence." -- Washington Post "Rather than focusing purely on commercial success, Gelles delves into Patagonia's unprecedented, sometimes contradictory evolution under Chouinard--blending investigative reporting and analysis to reveal the ongoing tension between activism and corporate growth." --Gear Patrol "Chouinard's--and Patagonia's--stories are inspirational, and the reader will come away wishing that more of today's über-rich people and corporations would follow his example." --Booklist "A riveting behind-the-scenes look at Patagonia--and how the trailblazing company redefined business and purpose. With vivid storytelling, Gelles reveals how Patagonia blended environmentalism and entrepreneurial savvy to create a billion-dollar brand rooted in the belief that capitalism can be a force for good. If you like business, or care about the world, this story of how a dirtbag climber became a billionaire without selling out is essential reading." --Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit "Dirtbag Billionaire is a powerful reminder that business, at its best, can be a tool for good.
Gelles captures the complex, often conflicting pressures founders face--and the courage it takes to lead with conviction. It's an inspiring call to dream big, do the right thing, and use success as a lever for lasting impact. I couldn't put it down." --Sali Christeson, founder and CEO of Argent "This revelatory biography of Yvon Chouinard presents a polar opposite to Gelles' last subject, GE's Jack Welch. Chouinard's fascinating, daring and contradictory lifeis unique in the annals of modern business, and Gelles shows us why in vivid, sympathetic detail." --John Vaillant, bestselling author of Fire Weather A rebel's guide to giving a damn. Brilliant and real. Excellently written.
A must must-read!" --Nick Bilton, New York Times bestselling author of American Kingpin " Dirtbag Billionaire is a tale of the most complex human being I have ever encountered. You will want to read David Gelles's outstanding saga in one sitting. Yvon has made an extraordinary contribution to humankind and would brush that notion away like a scuffed shoe. The millions of creatures and habitats his life has conserved and nurtured see it differently. When one finishes the book, one is left with awe and gratitude." --Paul Hawken, author of Carbon.