KVCC Person/Group of The Week (Dec 6) - Patagonia

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group. 

This week's Person/Group of The Week is Patagonia and its founder Yvon Chouinard. This company's business processes goes beyond just doing good. They even show you what they are doing bad. In Patagonia's business, that means bad materials being used or processes not friendly to the environment. On its website, you can see how each item is made and what materials are included in making each item. This includes materials and chemicals that the company wishes not to use but do so to create the product. One of the explanations for the large amount of disclosure is the devotion to transparency that the company's ethos demands.  

Showing how your business really works allows customers to make a stronger decision as to purchasing your product. Patagonia feels transparency is an important tool to increase business. More honest feedback and customer loyalty can come from being transparent as a company. It is clear as to how Patagonia is successful in its business model precisely because they are clear as to what materials and processes are used for their products.