The North Face: Hap Klopp

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Hap Klopp, Founder and ex-CEO of The North Face, one of the world's leading outdoor apparel brands. Growing up in Washington, Hap was drawn to the outdoors and exploration. His family had a company in which Hap later took over and sold following his years at Stanford University.

Following Stanford, Hap realized he didn't fit in corporate business, after numerous interviews requiring dress code and for his real name, "Kenneth" to be used, rather than Hap. He then went on to use the money left from the family business, to purchase a number of existing outdoor product stores, on the west coast. These stores began to expand as they transitioned to become The North Face, and manufactured their own products. From the start, Hap's vision with The North Face was to replace existing clothing with better insulated and lightweight material, that would ultimately allow for further exploration. 

Make sure to check out Hap's book, Conquering the North Face: An Adventure in Leadership at: https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-North-Face-Adventure-Leadership/dp/1475965648/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Hap+Klopp&qid=1611864243&sr=8-1

 

Follow Starting Small:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

 

Check out my favorite journal by LEUCHTTURM1917 at: https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/notebook-medium-a5-hardcover-251-numbered-pages-5-3-4-x-8-1-4-in.html