Many brands focus on maximizing profits from sales and often do the minimum in terms of returns and exchanges. Why does Patagonia take a different approach and prioritize customer satisfaction and sustainability in this area? 

I feel there are many ways to answer that question. Patagonia has approached business unconventionally, and that has been a cornerstone of the brand, rooted in Yvon’s philosophies about what businesses should look like and how they should function. In a fascinating twist of learning and self-discovery, many other companies have adopted these unconventional methods that may have once been laughed at or considered ridiculous. Yet, they have proven successful in keeping customer bases loyal and satisfied with the product, while also embracing the significant responsibility that comes with being a large business—committing to legitimate, sustainable practices. 

What specific qualities in a Patagonia wetsuit reflect the core values and standards found in all of your products? 

I believe that at the cornerstone of Patagonia's product innovation, we are always focused on enhancing performance, durability, repairability, and sustainability—these are the key attributes that define the best of our offerings. Wetsuits alone present an incredibly unique set of challenges. I’m probably biased, but I think they are the hardest garments to work on—they must be skin-tight, can only be tested in the water, and need to help you survive in various climates. They must allow for movement and performance, and let’s be honest, people pee in them—what other outdoor product does that? They certainly don’t pee in Venga Rock Climbing Pants. 

Can you share a story about the oldest garment you’ve repaired and returned to its original condition? What was it like handling a piece of Patagonia’s history? 

I feel that most products out there are designed to be discarded and aren’t built for longevity anymore—and this trend spans many industries. For us, handling wetsuits that last one, two, three, or even four seasons is a victory. So when I see a wetsuit that comes back after ten years of riding—let's say two seasons per year—that’s twenty seasons of surfing in that suit; I’m stoked to work on it. We even handle wetsuits that are older than that. I sometimes forget that we’re in 2024 and that we started making suits back in 2008. 

Working at Patagonia is often seen as a dream job for many. How does it feel to be part of a company with such a strong mission and values? Do you feel that you’re fulfilling a deeper purpose, or is it more about living a dream? 

The first component of those questions is that I’m incredibly proud to call this place “home” and to let it be my outlet for creative energy and productivity. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of work, and while you have to fulfill your responsibilities—even in a unique environment like Patagonia, which I’m incredibly thankful for—it remains work. However, it doesn’t escape me that I’m surrounded by such amazing people, and feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself is really cool. I also feel like my path to Patagonia was something rather unconventional, and when I reflect on it, I’m truly grateful for how I came to be part of this world.  

To deeply resonate with an environment and feel compelled to act, a profound connection is often required. Is there a particular place on Earth where you feel this strong, personal bond? 

The most obvious and immediate answer is the ocean. Being brought into the fold of activism efforts on behalf of the company is both incredible and sometimes overwhelming—there are so many key moments around the globe that we are involved in. For me, it all comes back to my connection with the ocean and what it has given me. It has truly been a saving grace many times in my life, and I feel it’s my duty to support and give back to it.