Tim Boyle Interview - Columbia Sportswear

Salmon Trout Steelheader Podcast

Spanning back to 1938, Columbia Sportswear was founded by Paul Lamfrom, the father of Gert Boyle, although it was formerly known as the Rosenfeldt Hat Company, and eventually the Columbia Hat Company. Columbia eventually broke away from hats by designing a Columbia Fishing Vest. Tim Boyle, son of the legendary Neal & Gert Boyle, became a part of the company after Neal's death. The company struggled for a few years, until they partnered with early Nike employees to improve their business and marketing management. From there, the company took off in a major fashion. Manufacturing fishing vests, jackets, shirts and a giant catalog of other products, Columbia has solidified itself as the premier outdoor clothing company.

Tim Boyle is a smart and intuitive businessman, interviewed here by Salmon Trout Steelheader founder Frank Amato. They recount the early days of the company, and Frank remembers meeting Tim's father Near. Columbia Sportswear as a brand is known world-wide, but it started in the city of Portland Oregon, where the headquarters remains to this day.