The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder and Other Mountains: How JanSport Makes it Happen Book

The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder & Other Mountains chronicles the dramatic adventures and accomplishments of the man behind one of the world's most recognized brands. From small-town Kansas boy to adventure-junkie extraordinaire, this book traces Skip Yowell's journey to the top of the outdoor industry. Full of insightful details and photos from around the world, this books offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Skip and his team built a successful company—and changed an entire industry—by breaking the rules and taking good care of their customers.

"Skip's account of the founding of JanSport wreaks of honesty, humor, and enough anecdotes to stir a memory in almost anyone who has spent time outside. His tale takes you from a small room above a transmission shop to a global enterprise and packs enough adventures to keep the fire stoked and the beer on ice for hours." -Larry Burke, Editor-in-Chief, Outside Magazine

"This amazing book chronicles the life of Skip Yowell, a man who climbed the corporate ladder not in a suit and tie, but in hiking boots and with a backpack. He did so in style, and had tons of fun doing it. He stayed true to himself, maintained friendships, traveled the world and most importantly, preserved his passion for his job.... We can all learn something from Skip, who started building backpacks from scratch and created a company that is now a giant in the industry. His honesty and passion for life are his priority, which all of his friends and business associates can attest to. The world would be a better place with more people like Skip Yowell. I am proud to have him as my friend and encourage you to getto know his story! You will be inspired." -Ed Viesturs, First American to climb all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks, Author of No Shortcuts to the Top

"I wish this enlightening book had been available 30 years ago. The inspiration I have derived from it now would have been welcomed then. Like a new band without a 'label' (either style or record company), with originality and dedication it shows how JanSport forged their own way and set the high marks for others to strive for. This 'how it was done' book should be read by all aspiring musicians, for the principles of success are universal and are defined within." -John McEuen, Founding Member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Publishers Weekly

With contagious enthusiasm, droll photographs and '60s lingo, Yowell tells the breezy story of JanSport, maker of Trail Dome tents and ubiquitous day packs. One of the company's cofounders "three long-haired hippies with little more to their names than a thirst for high adventure and a love for the outdoors" Yowell chronicles JanSport's "forty years of innovation, adventure, and general outdoor grooviness." While offering an inside look at some specific corporate decisions and initiatives, he keeps the focus on incorporating "the spirit of freedom" in everyday business life. But if the author's voice weren't so engaging, some sections, like the multiple chapters on JanSport mountain-climbing events, would feel off-target. Yowell seems amused by the whole idea of writing a business book he follows a long tale about yaks and a Mount Everest climb with "I'm sure there's a business principle somewhere in that experience." Yet he does offer some feel-good ideas that may resonate with readers, such as nurturing and speaking well of others and being "glad when things don't work out as planned. You might just discover the next great invention." Right on, brother. (Jan.)