Member Loginmenu
Dirtbag Billionaire

Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away

David Gelles

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.





About the Author

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.

Read Moreright
Extent:
320pp
Format:
Paperback
Text publication date:
2 September 2025
ISBN:
9781923058682
AU Price:
$36.99
NZ Price:
$45.00
starstarstarstarstar
starstarstarstarstar
Loading Rating
Praise for David Gelles
andDirtbag Billionaire

‘In Dirtbag Billionaire, David Gelles chronicles the life of Yvon Chouinard in a manner that is as spirited and unflinching as his subject.’

‘A riveting behind-the-scenes look at Patagonia—and how the trailblazing company redefined business and purpose….Essential reading.’

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

‘You will want to read David Gelles’s outstanding saga in one sitting. Yvon has made an extraordinary contribution to humankind.’

Other editions ofDirtbag Billionaire
  • Dirtbag Billionaire
    ebook
    ISBN: 9781923059559
    2 September 2025
    Buy ebook