The Columbia Brand Story
Columbia's story revolves around one woman, Gert Boyle, although the brand's story begins before she was involved in the company. Her family fled 1930s Germany to settle in Portland, Oregon. In Germany, the family owned a successful shirt factory, but filled with the resilience the brand still showcases today, Gert's father took out a small loan and began again. He started the Columbia Hat Company in 1938.
In the 60s, Gert's husband took over the business, and with Gert's quick thinking and creative sewing skills, they designed a fishing vest that launched Columbia (now Columbia Sportswear) into the public eye. Gert Boyle proved her resilience once again when her husband passed in 1970. She took the reins, and though times were tough for her company, she chose not to sell, opting to turn things around herself.
In the 80s, the brand launched their famous "One Tough Mother" campaign with Gert at the center, turning her into the face of a brand that promised quality gear that can handle anything. Over the next few decades, Columbia Sportswear took over the outerwear market, launching the Bugaboo ski jacket, footwear, and several new innovative technologies.




