My brother recently gave me a copy of the book Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia. I enjoyed the book and some key principles that come through. In the book, Chouinard challenges the way we think about design, business, and ultimately, life. His principles—quality, simplicity, durability—were about more than jackets and climbing gear. They were about building things that last, serve their purpose, and help people thrive in demanding environments.
At The Climb, we take these same principles and apply them not to products, but to people. Our mission is to help individuals build lives—and selves—that are crafted with the same care as a timeless Patagonia jacket: tested in the elements, stripped of excess, and strong enough to endure and inspire.
Quality: Building Better Versions of Ourselves
Patagonia designs gear to be functional, multifunctional, and trustworthy under pressure. Likewise, the work of Vertical Development (as described by Ryan Gottfredson, The Climb Mindset guide and author of the book Becoming Better) is about increasing the quality of our internal operating systems. It’s not enough to accumulate knowledge or skills—we must expand our capacity for wisdom, adaptability, and perspective.
In The Climb, we emphasize quality over quantity: quality of thought, quality of preparation, and quality of presence. We don’t rush people through surface-level experiences. Instead, we cultivate leaders who are deeply grounded, capable of handling complexity, and ready to take on projects that truly matter.
Simplicity: Stripping Away the Unnecessary
Chouinard famously rejected clutter, both in gear design and in business. The same principle applies to human growth. Complexity can be paralyzing; simplicity is liberating.
That’s why The Climb has evolved into a year-round club that stays true to its essence: no noise, no gimmicks, just a clear path to becoming a better version of yourself. Through a simple yet powerful rhythm—group coaching, community events, mastermind groups, and quarterly “Leader Learning” curriculum—we strip away distractions and focus on what matters most: your growth, your health, and your ability to lead with clarity.
This structure preserves the minimalism that makes growth possible while layering in the power of community. You don’t climb alone—you climb alongside business leaders and peers committed to living at higher levels.
Durability: Bodies and Selves Built to Last
Durability, for Patagonia, means products that hold up against storms, rock, and years of use. For us, it means building human beings capable of sustaining big, meaningful work over the long haul.
As Susan Spear, Nutrition Guide for The Climb, emphasizes in her book Mission Nutrition, physical vitality is non-negotiable. When you nourish your body well, you create the foundation for clarity, stamina, and resilience. At The Climb, we integrate this principle so participants not only think better, but also feel better—prepared to handle the strain of transformative work and emerge stronger on the other side.
Crucible Experiences that Transform
Outdoors crucibles—like summiting a peak or enduring a steep ascent—strip life to its essentials. They test quality, reward simplicity, and demand durability. That’s why The Climb isn’t just another professional program—it’s a community and proving ground. Together, we sharpen each other through shared challenges, transformative learning, and elevated conversations that help us grow into higher-quality versions of ourselves.
When you combine vertical development of mind, physical preparedness of body, and crucible experiences in nature and in community, you don’t just check off a challenge—you transform.
Your Invitation
We’ve only just begun. On December 10th, The Climb is about to transform into something even more powerful—a year-round adventure that will challenge, strengthen, and connect you like never before. You are invited to join us for our launch event. Mark your calendar for a long lunch on December 10th. Big things are coming.
The question is: are you ready to climb?
Your Extended Team
As an entrepreneur, you’ve proven your capability to do all kinds of things. You have had to do what it takes to get your business off the ground, right? You also know that to optimize your effectiveness, there comes a time when it makes sense to work with partners. This is why I’ve joined Ensign Partners as the COO and Head of Coaching Services!
In addition to EOS implementation and coaching, I know that great businesses need Legal, Insurance, Financial, and Tax advice. But most entrepreneurs are acting as the middle-man between these key services. When you get all these advisors under one roof – collaborating, coordinating and helping you to execute the best strategies for your company, you save time and money, elevate your impact, and accelerate your success. Give me a call to learn more about working with the Ensign Partners team.
Let’s connect and take the next step toward realizing your vision. Connect with me today!