Popular environmentalist, rock climber and businessman Yvon Chouinard has a current net worth of $200 million in 2012. Fortune Magazine named Chouinard as one of the most successful living outdoor industry businessman today.

Yvon Chouinard was born on November 9, 1938 in Lewiston Maine. From Spain, his family moved to Southern California where his passion for rock climbing began to emanate. Later on, he founded the Southern California Falconry Club. His quest for falcon aeries significantly aroused his passion for rock climbing. In order to save money for his hobby, he became a blacksmith to create his own climbing tools.

After buying a second-hand coal-fired forge in 1957, he began manufacturing hardened steel pitons which became a huge success later on. This led to the founding of Chouinard Equipment, Ltd. After decades of being in the business, Yvon Chouinard declared for bankruptcy. The hard assets of the company were eventually acquired by the workers and employers. Subsequently, Chouinard Equipment, Ltd was re-established as Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

Chouinard is also known in garments and clothing industry. Patagonia, his second company, is known for its wide selection of rugged technical clothing. The company began doing so well that he established a tithing system within the company that would go towards environmental activism.

Yvon Chouinard met his wife Malinda Pennoyer in 1971 who was then studying at California State University Fresno. Together, the couple has a daughter named Claire, and son, Fletcher.