Glenn Van Peski shares his journey from free-range kid to ultralight backpacking pioneer and accidental entrepreneur. His experiences include a cross-country bicycle adventure at 17, surviving an airplane incident, and founding Gossamer Gear, a multi-million dollar company, without ever taking a salary from it.
Glen, known by his trail name “Legend,” is celebrated for his significant contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian, his backpacking journey began when he led his son's Scout troop in their backpacking program.
• Growing up as a “free-range kid” in Southern California before moving to Massachusetts after parents' divorce
• Cycling 4,200 miles across America after high school graduation in 1976
• Finding civil engineering career through chance encounter
• Learning to sew from his mother as a basic life skill
• Starting Gossamer Gear by making ultralight backpacks for himself, then reluctantly for others
• Keeping his day job as a civil engineer rather than relying on his gear company for income
• Meeting Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey, who purchased majority stake in Gossamer Gear
• Writing “Take Less, Do More” after years of encouragement from Mackey
• Being influenced by his mother's generous spirit and motto “noblesse oblige”
• Practicing contentment while maintaining curiosity about new possibilities
• Donating all profits from his book to the Pacific Crest Trail Association
To connect with Glen: https://www.glenvanpeski.com/
Thank you for listening – Hasta Pronto!
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