Columbia Sportswear Company, Portland, Ore.

Rescued from near bankruptcy, Gert Boyle took over operations of Columbia, started by her parents, and turned it into a $1 billion company. The business received an SBA-backed loan for $15,000 in 1970.

The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration to this activity does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s or participant’s views, opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Cosponsorship Authorization No. 10-2110-17.