Yves Chouinard, Founder, Patagonia
By transferring ownership to a specially designed trust and a nonprofit organisation, the intent is to not only preserve the company’s independence and stay true to its founding intent, but more importantly deploy part of its profits not reinvested in the business-potentially $100 million a year-to combat climate change.
Great companies are adored for their commitment to upholding their values and giving back to the community, as opposed to shareholder capitalism. With a clear purpose that goes beyond profits alone, Patagonia (and by extension Chouinard) clearly stand for something that resonates with consumers, and epitomises why they are a much-loved organisation driven by a grand purpose.