Yvon Chouinard is an American mountain climber, environmentalist, passionate activist, itinerant adventurer and iconoclastic outdoor industry businessman. His company, Patagonia, which was founded in 1973, is known for its environmental and social initiatives. Chouinard is also an avid surfer, skier, kayaker, gardener and falconer and is particularly fond of Tenkara fly-fishing. He has written about climbing issues and ethics and on mixing environmentalism with business.

His most recent book, Some Stories, is a selection of Chouinard’s favorite stories and memories from years of reflection—a fascinating chronicle that reveals the evolution of his thoughts and philosophies. His bestselling business memoir, Let My People Go Surfing, has been published in 16 languages and has sold more than 500,000 copies.

His other books include The Responsible Company, Simple Fly Fishing, and Climbing Ice. Chouinard co-founded the Fair Labor Association, 1% for the Planet, the Textile Exchange, The Conservation Alliance, and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. On the first day he was legally able to do so, Yvon personally filed the paperwork in Sacramento, California for the company to become a benefit corporation.

He currently resides in Ventura, California