It all began in 1937 when Gert’s parents fled Nazi Germany and settled in Portland where they purchased a small hat manufacturer, naming it the Columbia Hat Company. Our founder Gert Boyle’s “Tough Mother” persona lives on in the Columbia brand. Her legendary perfectionism and the high standards to which she held herself and others still guide us today. Her Tough Mother ethos finds its way into all we do and has helped grow Columbia into the global sportswear company that is today.