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| Cathrine Mountain Class of 2015 |
In fact, one of the only ways that I can effectively explain the impact that this environment has had on me would be to explore the philosophy upon which Yvon Chouinard based his company. To many of us, Patagonia is simply a bougie clothing company that charges too much for funky-colored fleeces. But it is so much more than that. Chouinard founded the company reflecting the principles that I learned during freshman year with Berry. The company’s mission statement -“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis,” - describes the basis upon which Chouinard continues to run his company today. Chouinard has built a company that aims to reduce its environmental impact in production and reverse the existing effects of environmental degradation through programs like 1% for the Planet. He has created a community based on mutual trust and respect by hiring independent and motivated employees and allowing them to do what they do best. He continues to advocate for the search of simplicity by encouraging consumers to buy less but higher quality products. His office is often the ocean where he may spend the entire day surfing if the waves are good.
These simple and incredibly genuine life practices make Chouinard not only an effective entrepreneur but also a wonderful example of the principles that Berry has so often reminded me of. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such incredible leaders within an industry and a way of life that I am so infatuated with. The example that Chouinard provides for the outdoor industry and the daily influence of my bosses and coworkers at Quest Outdoors, continue to change my ability to realize the real world practices of Berry’s principles.
Cathrine Mountain is a senior McConnell Scholar studying political science and anthropology. She is from Frankfort, Ky.