# HIBT Lab! Cotopaxi: Davis Smith

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2023-05-18
- Length: 44m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith

## Summary

Davis Smith, founder of Cotopaxi, discusses how the outdoor gear company navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to masks and hiking gear, achieving significant profitability despite supply chain disruptions. He details the transition to a remote-first workplace, explaining how innovation tournaments and virtual hikes maintained culture and product development. Smith also announces his decision to step down as CEO to serve as a mission president in Brazil, while outlining his vision for 'capital for good' and sustainable business models.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=0) Introduction: Cotopaxi's 2020 Crisis and Recovery
- [4:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=266) Pivoting to Masks and Hiking Gear During Pandemic
- [6:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=369) Supply Chain Disruptions and Air Shipping Costs
- [7:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=448) Transitioning to a Remote-First Workplace
- [11:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=719) Maintaining Innovation and Culture Remotely
- [17:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=1030) Reconnecting with Edgar and Social Impact Story
- [23:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=1425) B Corp Status, Revenue Donations, and Impact
- [27:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=1652) Sustainability Challenges and the 3 R's
- [33:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=2032) Stepping Down as CEO for Mission in Brazil
- [41:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-05-18-hibt-lab-cotopaxi-davis-smith#t=2498) Vision for Capital for Good and Legacy

## Topics

- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Cotopaxi (company)
- U.S. Bank (company)
- Eddie Bauer (company)
- General Mills (company)
- Chobani (company)
- Warby Parker (company)
- Tom's Shoes (company)
- Patagonia (company)
- Being Capital (company)

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- [Episode 336: Take the hug…](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-12-24-episode-336-take-the-hug) (Making It)
- [Episode 255: AND WE’RE LIVE!!!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2020-04-01-episode-255-and-were-live-8425fa68) (Making It)
- [Founder Feature: Hannah Perez of SEEQ Supply](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-09-13-founder-feature-hannah-perez-of-seeq-supply) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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