Columbia Sportswear, which has been providing good gear for outdoor enthusiasts for more than 80 years:
Gert Boyle's parents fled Nazi Germany in 1937 and settled in Portland, Oregon. There they bought a small hat company, which they named the Columbia Hat Company. This business represented a new beginning for the family and over time passed from Gerta's father to her husband Neal. After Neal's sudden departure in 1970, Gert went from housewife to manager overnight as she took over the management of the company.
Known as "Rough Mother," Gert Boyle left an indelible mark on Columbia Sportswear. Her legendary perfectionism ("It's perfect. Now make it even better.") and high standards influenced not only herself but everyone associated with the brand. These principles continue to guide Columbia today.
From humble beginnings as a family-owned hat distributor, Columbia Sportswear has grown into a global outdoor brand based in Portland, Oregon. The company produces active lifestyle gear enhanced by cutting-edge technologies that are tested right in its own backyard - the Pacific Northwest. Their clothing, footwear and accessories reflect the rugged spirit of this region, where lush forests, snow-capped mountains and open spaces serve as a playground.
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