Yvon Chouinard, born in 1938, is an influential American rock climber, environmentalist, and entrepreneur. He founded Patagonia in 1973, emphasizing environmental responsibility. A pioneer in rock climbing, Chouinard's climbing career includes significant first ascents and innovations in climbing equipment. His company, Chouinard Equipment, revolutionized climbing tools and became Patagonia, initially a clothing endeavour, that evolved into a sustainable business committed to environmental activism. Chouinard spearheaded initiatives like using organic cotton and committing a percentage of sales to environmental causes. Yvon Chouinard wrote "Let My People Go Surfing" in 2005; a book about his business approach and ethical stance. His dedication to ethical business practices earned him accolades, including the Sierra Club's John Muir Award. In 2022, he donated Patagonia's ownership to address climate change.