Dirtbag Billionaire

How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away

De: David Gelles

Narrado por: David Gelles

New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles reveals how Patagonia became a global leader in doing well by doing good and how other companies are adopting its principles.

This is the inside story of one of the most extraordinary brands in the corporate world, the rare company that is driven by environmental activism instead of cutthroat capitalism. Founded in 1973, Patagonia has grown into a wildly popular producer of jackets, hats, and fleece vests, with a cultlike following among hardcore alpinists 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 distinguished itself as a singular beacon for socially responsible business, the rare company that can legitimately claim to be doing its damnedest to make the world a better place, while also making a profit. From its early efforts to take 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, proving that there is another way to do capitalism.

At the heart of the story is Patagonia’s founder, the legendary rock climber Yvon Chouinard. A perennial outsider who forged one of the most impressive resumes in the outdoor world, Chouinard also established himself as a pivotal figure in the history of American 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, paving the way for a new era of social and environmental responsibility. He started out as a dirtbag—a term affectionately bestowed on poor, itinerant outdoorsmen so uninterested in material possessions they are happy to sleep in the dirt—and he became a billionaire.

Chouinard also proved that there was another way to be a philanthropist. In the twilight of his career, he gave away Patagonia, renouncing his wealth and committing all its future profits to fighting the climate crisis.

Drawing on exclusive access to Chouinard and the Patagonia team, Dirtbag Billionaire offers new insights into the key moments that informed their priorities, shaped the company, and sent ripples across the corporate world.

©2025 David Gelles (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Man of integrity

Over the course of his life Yvan Choinard has never stopped trying to do things better to help the planet. He doesn’t always get it right, but he’s not afraid to pivot. Wish we had more like him.

Fascinating!

Great story - so many twists and turns and remarkable characters. Loved the author reading his own book, really well done. Highly recommend.

Exactly what does a billionaire look like?

It is quite fitting that I engage this title reflecting on an individual with significant wealth while the media headlines are touting the likes of Ellison and Musk. Neither of the aforementioned have anything on Yvon Chouinard, past or present and this book confirms that.

While I recognized the brand names associated with Mr Chouinard I was less informed about the human back story(ies) or the timeline of aligning innovative effort and people to trade and retail. The craft of building a business is easy to understand in this text as the author Gelles brings an empathetic voice to a listener less informed in these matters. That does not mean a simplified approach is applied. Rather, Gelles designed a dialogue and story easy to follow. For instance, the use and application of the term "dirtbag" remained a constant connector and I appreciated its threaded continuity in the text by the author.

After consuming the content of this book which provides a deeply personal/inside perspective of one human's aim I believe a reader/listener might question why others in the wealthier class do not authentically follow this same path. Certainly foundations and businesses believe they state plainly what corporate social responsibility in their respective realms looks like but after reading this book I'm certain a reader might take to heart that they pale in comparison to what is documented here as a very holistic approach to capitalism.

Noteable: connecting decision points in the building of this business to growth; ie, the need to address childcare in and outside the work environment for parents...something that still lingers in present day

Bottom Line: a story well told whose message(s) lingers long after reading.

Making a difference

I wish more industry leaders shared this type of vision, irrespective of political 'colour' or nationality.

Excellent! Listen to / read this book!

I could not stop listening — David Gelles tells the story of Patagonia’s quality-obsessed founder, Yvon Chouinard, driven to perfection from humble beginnings, through his experiments in business, to the transfer of his multibillion-dollar brand to save the planet. Gelles draws you in — he narrates the audiobook himself and feels deeply personal given the years he spent with Chouinard covering Patagonia for The New York Times.

The title Dirtbag Billionaire captures Chouinard’s paradox perfectly. Gelles explains that “dirtbag” is a badge of honor in climbing culture — for those who forgo comfort to prioritize time outdoors. Chouinard embraces this identity. “Billionaire,” however, is an insult. Gelles builds and expands this theme throughout the book so that we understand Chouinard’s choices.

What kept me hooked were the ups and downs of the business as it was impacted by world events. Chouinard’s vision was clear and Patagonia’s growth map includes very relatable subplots of trial and error. The book forces you to ask fundamental questions about yourself and, or your business: What does Quality truly mean? How will it be achieved? Who is the ultimate beneficiary? Chouinard was single-minded about the environment, what do you prioritize? Employees, communities, customers, future generations?

This book will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, gear aficionados, perfectionists, people disillusioned with capitalism, and those who believe capitalism should not be criticized. It offers material rich enough for a business school case study. Most importantly, it will inspire any business owner who wants to contribute to human flourishing — however they choose to define it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The value of adaptive dedication to the long game.

By focusing on what he loved, and bringing the discipline of a master craftsman to it, Patagonia’s founder has successfully challenged the premise that only financial wealth accumulation matters. The author matches dedication to craft in having taken the time to meticulously research, write and narrate a full, complex story.

Fascinating life, well told

Even businesses led by people with good intentions face enormous challenges in trying to make their presence a positive force for the world. 'Dirtbag Billionaire' presents a compelling narrative of the life of a fascinating person and those surrounding him. Gelles makes the story intriguing and thought-provoking--from harrowing physical adventures to unusual business practices--all told exquisitely .

A great read.