logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
59m 53s

Osprey Packs: Mike Pfotenhauer

Guy Raz | Wondery
About this episode
With a passion for design and a skill for sewing, Mike Pfotenhauer grew a bespoke backpack business into one of the world’s most popular outdoor brands. He got his start in the 1970’s, when it was hard to find a pack that wasn’t clunky and uncomfortable. Operating out of a little shop in Santa Cruz, California, Mike started making better-fitting packs for hi ... Show More
Up next
Oct 15
Advice Line with Tara Bosch of SmartSweets
Today’s callers: Lindzi from Chicago wants to expand her gourmet marshmallow brand into retail without cannibalizing her high-margin DTC sales. Then, Vivi from Hawaii considers how to best tell her sustainable swimwear brand’s story to a digital audience. And Aly from Los Angeles ... Show More
46m 13s
Oct 12
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Tim and Karrie League (2023)
In the early 1990’s, Tim League spent $50,000 in savings to lease an abandoned movie theater on the wrong side of the tracks—a shaky experiment that eventually grew into a thriving national chain. As Tim and his wife Karrie built theaters in Austin and beyond, they made a name fo ... Show More
1h 16m
Oct 8
Advice Line with Nick Green of Thrive Market
Today’s callers: Mercedes in Utah tries to find harmony between quality and speed as she scales her concert attire brand for musicians. Then Danny in Colorado grapples with the tradeoffs of growing his sustainable and functional coffee brand. And Riya in Illinois wonders how to b ... Show More
44 m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
The North Face vs Patagonia - Patagucci | 3
It’s the late 1970s and Patagonia’s living hand to mouth and looking for a way to stoke sales. But when founder Yvon Chouinard suggests making a jersey from an unusual fabric, Patagonia creates a mountain staple and finds its products becoming a favorite of the catwalk crowd.Mean ... Show More
25m 31s
Mar 2020
The North Face vs Patagonia - Blazing Trails | 2
It’s 1970 and The North Face’s new owner Hap Klopp is on a mission to turn the dirtbag outdoor store he bought into an industry trailblazer. But with outdoor activity still a niche pastime, he’s going to have to do more than create gear – he’s going to have to create a market too ... Show More
25m 41s
Feb 2025
🏔️ Patagonia Fleece: The Billion Dollar Toilet Seat Cover | 19
Designed to keep climbers snug on El Capitan, the Patagonia fleece became the unofficial uniform of venture capitalists and finance bros (earning the nickname Patagucci). But thrill-seeking Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard never aimed for a high-end market. In fact, he built a $3 ... Show More
42m 13s
Nov 2020
Growing a Niche Product into an 8 Figure Business
<p>Life and business partners Colby and McKenzie Bauer are bringing functional and expressively minimalist accessories to market with <a href="https://www.threadwallets.com/" target="_blank">Thread Wallets</a>. Injecting creative designs into the sleepy category, the Bauers built ... Show More
52m 23s
May 2024
How this Founder turned Passion into Profit... The YakAttack - Kayak Story | 039
039. YakAttack | Luther Cifers began YakAttack with an extensive background in product design coupled with a passion for kayak fishing. Since their launch in January 2009, YakAttack has experienced hyper growth every year. Their innovations have changed the way kayak anglers arou ... Show More
46m 55s
Apr 2017
From 500 dollars and a phone to 7-figures with Mike Arce
Mike started his career in the fitness industry and did well until some unforeseen circumstances came into play and had to switch gears. He eventually started adigital marketing agency with $500 and a phone and now his agency does 7-figures and helps fitness studios around the wo ... Show More
22m 8s
Apr 2013
Mike O'Hagan of Mini Movers
At the age of 18 Mike arrived in Australia with a few hundred dollars in his pocket and a pack on his back. Over the next 8 years he worked for 35 different employers. His business career started with buying and selling goods as a second-hand dealer. Four years later the entrepre ... Show More
26m 32s
Mar 2021
How This Entrepreneur Brought Consistent Sales to a Seasonal Business
<p>You'll learn from an entrepreneur that turned his creative outlet into a full-time, consistent business. </p><p>Glade Optics builds premium goggles and helmets for committed skiers and snowboarders. </p><p>For more on Glade Optics and show notes: <a href="https://www.shopify.c ... Show More
51m 2s
Apr 2020
The North Face vs Patagonia - Zen and the Art of Business | 4
It’s the dawn of the 1990s and Yvon Chouinard is struggling to come to terms with his new status as a successful entrepreneur. He cannot decide what to do with the fast-growing monster he’s created. Meanwhile, The North Face’s new owner Odyssey International is pushing the limits ... Show More
25m 52s
Sep 2014
Mike Malloy: Spreading love and goodwill around the globe
Mike is a pro frisbee player who travels the world selling sunglasses and helping people. He is the CEO at Waveborn, a socially responsible sunglasses company that sells handcrafted Italian sunglasses and donates prescription reading glasses to people around the globe. 
33m 42s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami