Leon Leonwood Bean (October 13, 1872 – February 5, 1967) was an American inventor and entrepreneur, founder of the outdoor brand L.L.Bean. He is best known for inventing the waterproof hunting boot, which combined a leather upper with a rubber sole to keep hunters' feet dry. Starting from a small workshop in Maine, Bean built his company into a global retailer of outdoor gear through a commitment to product quality and a 'customer satisfaction' philosophy. His innovation and business acumen influenced the outdoor industry and became a symbol of American entrepreneurship.