Yvon Chouinard, photographed on Mount Hood in 1979.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia has written a fantastic book about life, leadership and the pursuit of happiness.

Every year I try to read a book or three about business management (if you have any recommendations leave them in the comments section).

Let My People Go Surfing, has really resonated with me. The book focuses on the lessons of a unique company that realized value through being a responsible business focused on ethics and profits that balance the needs of customers, employees and the environment to build a sustainable brand.

My expectation of business books are to provide me with professional development, I did not expect that it would also have such a large effect on my personal growth.

I have always considered myself a nature lover, but historically it has had little influence on my behavior as a consumer. After reading Chouinard’s book, I have a very different outlook on consumerism and it has led me to analyze many of my purchasing decisions. I now think about the entire product lifecycle. Will the product serve its purpose? Can it be reused or recycled?

The business challenges Chouinard has overcome have enabled him to pursue what he loves, support a sustainable lifestyle, and create a superior product line that has earned the respect of the audience it serves. I have learned how to be a better leader and Patagonia has earned another fan of their legendary brand.