Mike Pfotenhauer, founder of Osprey Packs, turned a passion for design into a global outdoor brand. He shares how his bespoke backpacks evolved from his Santa Cruz shop in the 1970s to encompass innovative designs. Mike recounts overcoming production challenges, relocating to Colorado and then to Southeast Asia, while grappling with the emotional impacts on local workers. He reflects on transformative experiences, including meaningful interactions with the Navajo community, and the proud journey of building a multimillion-dollar enterprise driven by quality and craftsmanship.
