Over the years, before the birth of Big Stick Products even, we have always found inspiration in what we call…”Good Humans.”
A Good Human is a rarity in today’s world, but they do exist. It’s someone that doesn’t put profits before people. It’s someone that doesn’t step on the backs of others to elevate themselves. They are more likely to extend a helping hand, than turn their back. They care about leaving the world a better place and in general, in some way, do something to make that happen. In general, they are caring, compassionate, selfless, environmental, and supportive.
We know a few of them in our daily lives and at Big Stick Products we acknowledge that it’s a real struggle to be a Good Human. So when we see it happening, we want to give the credit where it’s due.
We ask that you, supporters, customers, friends and family, check out and perhaps support these businesses or people too. From time to time we will do a feature on some of them, and maybe even get together and share some words.
In the meantime, always strive to be a Good Human.
Yvon Chouinard is a dirtbag. I know what you’re thinking…that I just said something pretty mean. Well, if you know Yvon Chouinard, then you know that it’s a high compliment. Chouinard is the owner, founder, creator of Patagonia.com…what some might call a clothing company. It’s more…beyond more.
Will and I (co-founders of Big Stick Products) have probably watched the documentary 180 ° South at least 100 times. It gives you an idea of the kind of person Chouinard is. For the quick background, he grew up a surfer and a climber. Eventually he started making climbing equipment and his one-man operation soon became the largest supplier of climbing equipment in the US. And then he shut down. His equipment was damaging the rock faces that he loved to climb. He reinvented his company, and needless to say, it’s EVOLVED (another favorite word of ours here..) and is now quite successful.
Chouinard is a Good Human because he runs his company with compassion and understanding. If your kid is sick, stay home, if you want to bring your kid to work, do it. If it’s the middle of the day and you want to go catch some waves, go. Yes, there’s work to be done, so get it done, but don’t let it interfere too much with your life. In addition to the great way he manages his company…he does some amazing things with his wealth.
For instance…every day the company donates 1 percent of all profits to local grassroots environmental organizations. Black Friday 2016, they donated 100% of all profits, online and retail (10 million dollars!!) went to grass roots organizations. For his environmental ethics, and a humane and simple business plan, and a compassionate corporation…Yvon Chouinard is definitely a GOOD HUMAN.
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