• Uncover the grit behind Columbia Sportswear's success with this Good condition front cover of Gert Boyle's "One Tough Mother". The web page highlights the iconic image of Boyle with Kerry Tymchuk, presenting a sharp and well-preserved copy for any Memoir enthusiast. Curated as part of our Business and Biography collection, this visual offers a clear look at a fashion industry leader's inspiring journey.
  • Discover the legacy of an industry icon with the back cover of "One Tough Mother," where Gert Boyle quips, "This book is just like me—short and to the point". The screen reveals a detailed summary of how a mother of three transformed a struggling skiwear concern into a global billion-dollar leader. Curated for our Business and Biography collection, this Fehmerling Books selection is a must-read for fans of entrepreneurship and resilience.
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Gert Boyle | Biography & Memoir

One Tough Mother by Gert Boyle

One Tough Mother by Gert Boyle

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Building Columbia Sportswear from a Portland Hat Company to a Global Outerwear Brand

Fleeing Nazi Germany with her family in 1937, Gert Boyle settled in Portland, Oregon, where her father founded the Columbia Hat Company. When her husband Neal died suddenly of a heart attack in 1970, Gert took over the struggling company at age forty-seven with $1,400 in sales.

Working with her son Tim, Gert restructured operations, developed the Bugaboo parka jacket, and starred in the iconic "One Tough Mother" advertising campaign that expanded Columbia Sportswear into an international company.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Gert Boyle details manufacturing decisions, apparel marketing strategies, and Pacific Northwest business history. A straightforward corporate autobiography for entrepreneurs, apparel executives, and business historians.

Edition & Specifications

Publisher: Carroll & Graf

Pages: 192

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: 2006

ISBN: 9780786719143

Condition Note:

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
  • Standard Flat-Rate Shipping: Orders under $50 ship at flat, weight-based rates starting at $6.99.
  • Tracking Included: You will receive an automated tracking link via email as soon as your order is packed and labeled.
  • Expedited Shipping Available: Need it faster? UPS 2nd Day Air is available at checkout (ships out the next business day).

Read our full shipping policy here

The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

Read our full return & refund policy here

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$14.00 USD
$14.00 USD
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