Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company is an American company founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, the father of Gert Boyle. Initially established as a hat distributor, the company evolved into a manufacturer of outerwear and sportswear. The company is headquartered in Cedar Mill, Oregon, near Portland. Columbia's rapid sales growth was fueled by its jackets, which featured breathable waterproof fabric and interchangeable shells and liners. The company went public in 1998 and has since acquired several brands, including Sorel in 2000, Mountain Hardwear in 2003, and Prana in 2014. As of 2024, Columbia Sportswear Company operates in multiple countries, with manufacturing facilities in various locations worldwide. The company is led by President and CEO Tim Boyle, who has been with the company since 1971 and took over as president in 1988. The Boyle family maintains significant ownership in the company, with Tim Boyle holding a substantial stake.