How I Built This with Guy Raz

HIBT Lab! Cotopaxi: Davis Smith

May 18, 2023

Davis Smith, Founder and former CEO of Cotopaxi, shares his journey in building a socially responsible outdoor gear brand. He discusses the company's commitment to donate a portion of its revenue to fight poverty and the innovations that helped them thrive during COVID-19. Davis reflects on a transformative trip to Peru that inspired the brand's mission and announces his new role as a mission leader in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with sustainable practices and personal values.

44:43

Episode guests

Davis Smith

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Navigating Business Resilience During COVID-19

13min

A Journey of Inspiration and Personal Growth

2min

A Reunion in Peru

6min

Commitment to Charity: The Purpose of a B Corp

2min

Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Manufacturing

3min

Navigating Doubts and New Beginnings

18min

Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

2min

Davis Smith has spent the last nine years building the outdoor gear and clothing brand, Cotopaxi. The company’s slogan, Gear for Good, encapsulates everything about the way they do business, from using recycled and remnant materials to donating a portion of their revenue to nonprofits that fight poverty. It’s a story that Davis told when he was first on How I Built This in 2020.

This week on How I Built This Lab, Davis returns to give Guy an update on how Cotopaxi weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to a remote-first workplace. Plus, why Davis is stepping down from his role as CEO to pursue another passion: serving his church for three years as a mission leader in Brazil.

This episode was produced by Chris Maccini and edited by John Isabella, with music by Ramtin Arablouei. Our audio engineer was Katherine Silva.

You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram, and email us at hibt@id.wondery.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.