1. Yvon Chouinard Why he’s awesome: A world-class climber, Chouinard taught himself blacksmithing and began peddling rock climbing tools out of the trunk of his car. This ultimately led to the game-changing outdoor equipment company Patagonia, which donates one percent of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Fun fact: In his youth he founded the Southern California Falconry Club.



