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Let My People Go Surfing

The Education of a Reluctant Businessman - Including 10 More Years of Business as Usual
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( 27,822 ratings, 2,152 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard is an inspiring memoir and business philosophy book. It chronicles the author's journey from a passionate rock climber to the founder of Patagonia, a successful outdoor apparel company. Chouinard shares his unconventional approach to business, focusing on environmental responsibility, innovative design, and the balance between work and life.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are passionate about the intersection of business and environmental sustainability, love compelling personal stories, or are seeking inspiration on how to lead a purpose-driven life and enterprise.

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An updated and expanded edition of a modern business classic.

An updated and expanded edition of a modern business classic

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard takes readers on an extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a pioneering figure in both the outdoor industry and environmental activism. This captivating memoir shares the compelling narrative of a young boy who moved to Southern California with little knowledge of English and even less money, yet grew to inspire change on a global scale through sustainable business practices.

Chouinard's story is anything but ordinary. As a rebellious youth, he discovered a fierce passion for the outdoors and found solace and adventure in scaling the world’s highest and most daunting peaks. With an innovative spirit inherited from his father, a skilled blacksmith, Chouinard began crafting his own climbing equipment, setting new standards for safety and performance that revolutionised the sport.

But Let My People Go Surfing is more than just a tale of personal triumph and adventure. It's a profound exploration of how business can and should be a force for good. Chouinard built Patagonia into a globally recognised brand, not just for its quality outdoor gear, but for its unwavering commitment to environmental activism and sustainability. The book delves into the company’s unique approach to business – one that prioritises the health and well-being of our planet over profit margins.

Rich with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice, Let My People Go Surfing serves as both an autobiography and a guidebook for aspiring entrepreneurs and environmentalists. Chouinard's ethos, encapsulated by his mantra of "doing good while having a blast," challenges conventional business paradigms and offers a refreshing perspective on the potential for creative, ethical, and sustainable enterprise.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a business leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, Yvon Chouinard's story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible and strive for change. This is not just a business book; it's a manifesto for a better way of living and working.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Let My People Go Surfing is praised as a moving autobiography and an inspiring business philosophy. Reviewers commend it for its unique and compelling narrative that challenges corporate greed and offers hope. The book is seen as a blueprint for ethical and responsible business practices, providing essential guidance and inspiration.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143109679

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 September 2016

Country: United States

Imprint: Penguin USA

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Naomi Klein

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 165.0mm

Height: 241.0mm

Weight: 582g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Yvon Chouinard is the founder and owner of Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California. He began in business by designing, manufacturing, and distributing rock climbing equipment in the late 1950s. His tinkering led to an improved ice ax that is the basis for modern ice ax design. In 1964 he produced his first mail-order catalog, a one-page mimeographed sheet containing advice not to expect fast delivery during climbing season. In 2001, along with Craig Mathews, owner of West Yellowstone's Blue Ribbon Flies, he started One Percent for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that contribute at least 1 percent of their net annual sales to groups on a list of researched and approved environmental organizations.

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