The Hippie Guide to Climbing Corporate Ladder and Other Mountains: How JanSport Makes It Happen

by Skip Yowell

From small-town Kansas boy to adventure-junkie extraordinaire to respected mountaineer, this funky and funny read traces Skip Yowell's (Co-Founder of JanSport) unorthodox journey to the top of the outdoor industry. Full of offbeat details and photos from Skip's adventures around the world, he lets it all hang out as he offers you a rare behind-the-scenes look at the three hippies who built a successful company during the Summer of Love . . . how their good vibrations continue to change an entire industry . . . and why breaking the rules and taking good care of their customers keeps JanSport at the top of their game. No question, Skip's story will take you higher. He'll show you the ropes for whatever mountain you face. Whether he's drinking "Commie beer" in Ohio or slurping yak butter tea in China, this book will get under your skin and into your heart. And who knows, his story might just kick-start your dreams. So go ahead. Get the book (and another for your friend). Find a chair or couch or park or plane. Get comfortable. Be inspired. Then go climb your own mountain. "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 get to 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

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Business, Unfinished

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2007

Reviews

[Young]

What I learned from this book...1.) patent your ideas (lol) 2.) have fun in life, 3.) do what you love, stop trying to climb the ladder when you've reached this point, 4.) work hard, play hard.

[Ned]

Absolute shite

[Olivia]

If you’re looking for a how to on running a successful industry leading company, look elsewhere. If you’re looking to expand your horizons and learn how Jansport became what it is today, step right up! I loved the short stories and experiences shared & the outcome of this company. I feel inspired to explore this big beautiful earth, to try new things & to pivot when passion dissipates rather than to push myself in a direction I don’t wish to go. I found this book in a little library on a wooden post in Wisconsin & I’m grateful it caught my eye. Can’t wait to buy my first Jansport pack and give hiking a try.

[Abhishek Kona]

A book without any structure. Reeks of survivor bias. The author conveniently avoids talking about all the corporate things that happened during his time. Instead he tells tales which put him as a happy go lucky hippy.

[Natalia T]

This definitely isn’t one of those strategic self help books about how to navigate your professional life. It’s really a great and light/easy read about an adventurous person/company who has learned how to navigate a world that clashed with their own (and mostly on the fly).

[alanna moe]

Really liked this memoir from one of Jansport’s co-founders! So many awesome adventures and experiences that translated into the jansport business! Very cool to read about.

[Ashree Wiweko]

The words are well-combined and easy to read; whether it is the effort of Skip or the editor. In addition, the layout design and book material are something new and attractive. I was attracted by the cover at the first time: it is cute design. Then I read the word 'corporate' in the title, I took it as I am studying about corporation and I thought maybe I could gain some knowledge from the book. And indeed! Besides the words and the design, I think Skip Yowell himself is a multiple-talented individual. He is easy-going, caretaker, and generous. He described the way he expanded the business by knowing, building, and maintaining relationship with people. And his sustainability effort? Amazing! I have limited awareness about the brand of JanSport before, but now I admire it due to its efforts to climb the corporate ladder. Go hippies!

[Brandon]

Really good book, I thought. I'm not a huge critic of writing style, as long as the idea is well conveyed to me, the reader. I feel Skip did a good job of telling the reader what he did and how he did it. Sometimes, the moral of the chapter was a bit lost, but it's none-the-less a good read. Inspirational too, to get outside, that is. I felt it was a conversation with a friend, him telling you about his unique adventures, both in business and in the outdoors. The cover art was awesome as well!

[Jay]

Great book about Skip and his adventures with his friends starting the company JanSport. A great read for any wanna be entrepreneur or just anyone who loves to hear about someone who is very adventurous. I had a chance to meet Skip in person and he truly is a person who went after his dreams and lives life to its fullest. Great business and biography read with photos of Skip's journeys.

[Jenifer Gager]

It was actually a fun, quick read, but it didn't align with my perhaps-too-high expectations. I was hoping for more of a 70/30 business/management advice-to-personal anecdotes mix, and it felt more like it was 20/80. Learned a lot of cool stuff about JanSport though, that I am happy to have learned.

[Megan]

Fun and entertaining, nothing to deep or complicated. Just one persons story on how he made his business successful. Really easy reading.

[Erin]

This book was amazing. Inspirational for college students too. I usually don't like reading types of books like this, but I was hooked!