Dirtbag Billionaire

Dirtbag Billionaire is the inside story of one of the most extraordinary brands in the world. Founded in 1973, Patagonia has grown into a wildly popular producer and retailer of jackets, hats and fleece vests, posting sales of more than a billion dollars a year. For decades, it has also been a beacon for social change and corporate activism.

At the heart of the story is Patagonia’s founder, the legendary rock climber Yvon Chouinard. Guided by his anti-authoritarian streak and his commitment to preserving the natural world, Patagonia exerted a powerful influence on other companies, paving the way for a new era of environmental responsibility. Chouinard started out as a dirtbag – an affectionate term for someone happy to sleep outdoors – and he became a billionaire. But, in the twilight of his career, he gave away Patagonia, renouncing his wealth and committing the company’s profits to fighting the climate crisis.

Drawing on exclusive access to Chouinard and the Patagonia team, bestselling author David Gelles describes the key moments that shaped the company and its leader, creating a new model for corporate life and ethics.

David Gelles is an award-winning reporter for the New York Times. He currently writes for the climate desk and previously wrote for the business section and was the “Corner Office” columnist. His latest book, The Man Who Broke Capitalism, was a New York Times bestseller. He lives in New York City with his family.

'In Dirtbag Billionaire, David Gelles chronicles the life of Yvon Chouinard in a manner that is as spirited and unflinching as his subject. By telling the story of Chouinard’s life and work, Gelles provides critical insight into how humanity can begin to reconcile the clash between our current form of capitalism and our urgent need to protect our planet and its people.' Former US Vice President Al Gore

‘A riveting behind-the-scenes look at Patagonia—and how the trailblazing company redefined business and purpose….Essential reading.’
Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit

‘Chouinard’s fascinating, daring and contradictory life is unique in the annals of modern business, and Gelles shows us why in vivid, sympathetic detail.’ John Vaillant, bestselling author of Fire Weather

‘You will want to read David Gelles’s outstanding saga in one sitting. Yvon has made an extraordinary contribution to humankind.’ Paul Hawken, author of Carbon