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The San Francisco skyline spikes against clouds across the bay. Wind rushes off the water, a blast of salty air on a perfect October afternoon. I am in Richmond, Calif., standing outside an immense brick building that was long ago an assembly plant for the Ford Model A.
Today, the site is managed as a National Historical Park. There’s a welcome center and plaques at points of interest along a sea wall.
But inside the old, blocks-long building, visitors find thriving modern businesses, including one of the best-known outdoor brands in the United States.
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Mountain Hardwear Inc. turns 20 years old this week. I came to Richmond and the company’s unique headquarters for an inside look at what makes the brand tick.
A facility tour, an anniversary party, product demos, and a run with Topher Gaylord, Hardwear’s president since 2010, gave a full picture of the brand at this notable milestone.
It started on Halloween in 1993. That marks the day when Mountain Hardwear opened its doors for business. Nine founding members united to build a company focused on outerwear and gear for deep wilderness and high alpine pursuits.
The original team, which included several industry veterans, proved a quick success. Product hit stores in 1994, and soon the Mountain Hardwear logo was visible on tents, sleeping bags, jackets, and high-altitude outerwear around the planet.
At the 10-year mark, Mountain Hardwear was netting around $30million in annual sales. The brand was a staple, if still somewhat niche, player in the outdoor industry when it was acquired by Columbia Sportswear Company in 2003.
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