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Quote by Yvon Chouinard

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Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman

This book offers a personal account of the author's journey from a surfing enthusiast to a successful businessman in the surf industry. It explores the challenges and triumphs of balancing a passion for surfing with the demands of running a business. more

Author

Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard

Yvon Chouinard is a celebrated rock climber and entrepreneur, co-founder of Patagonia, a leading outdoor clothing and gear company known for its sustainable business practices. Born on November 9, 1938, Chouinard's passion for climbing and environmental conservation has guided his career and personal life, making him a prominent figure in the outdoor industry. more

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“If you want to understand the entrepreneur, study the juvenile delinquent. The delinquent is saying with his actions, ‘This sucks, I’m going to do my own thing.’”

“I've always thought of myself as an 80 percenter. I like to throw myself passionately into a sport or activity until I reach about an 80 percent proficiency level. To go beyond that requires an obsession that doesn't appeal to me. Once I reach 80 percent level I like to go off and do something totally different; that probably explains the diversity of the Patagonia product like - and why our versatile, multifaceted clothes are the most successful.”

“Hiring people with diverse backgrounds brings in a flexibility of thought and openness to new ways of doing things, as opposed to hiring clones from business schools who have been taught a codified way of doing business.”

“Evil doesn’t have to be an overt act; it can be merely the absence of good. If you have the ability, the resources, and the opportunity to do good and you do nothing, that can be evil.”

“Who are businesses really responsible to? Their customers? Shareholders? Employees? We would argue that it’s none of the above. Fundamentally, businesses are responsible to their resource base. Without a healthy environment there are no shareholders, no employees, no customers and no business.”