00:00 Mike Pfotenhauer founded Osprey, a popular backpack brand, after struggling to find high-quality backpacks for hiking and camping in the 70s.

05:38 Mike Pfotenhauer moved Osprey's manufacturing to Asia, which led to the brand's growth and eventual acquisition for over $400 million in 2021.

11:21 Mike Pfotenhauer learned about Basque shepherds in Nevada, moved to California for college, majored in art and photography, and started sewing backpacks in the early seventies, eventually leading to the founding of Osprey Packs.

16:43 Mike Pfotenhauer started his business by making custom backpacks and other gear, eventually transitioning to wholesaling with the help of his wife and another employee.

22:23 Mike Pfotenhauer decided to expand into the wholesale realm in 1986 due to financial constraints and a need to grow Osprey Packs, borrowing money to start larger scale production and hitting the road with his wife to showcase their product line to retailers.

28:03 Osprey Packs faced challenges meeting growing demand in 1990, leading Mike Pfotenhauer to find a larger factory in rural Colorado with skilled sewers, despite the remote location and lack of infrastructure.

33:49 Mike Pfotenhauer moved to Colorado with his family in 1990 to start Osprey Packs, focusing on unique anatomic designs that prioritize comfort and functionality, even incorporating features like a convertible top lid into a fanny pack, while navigating the challenges of running the business in a small town with Navajo employees.

39:47 Mike Pfotenhauer recounts a powerful experience involving a cleansing ceremony with Navajo employees to expel negative energy from the factory, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in his business journey.

45:41 Mike Pfotenhauer moved Osprey's production from Cortez, Colorado to Korea and then Vietnam, eventually relocating his family from a small town to Ho Chi Minh City to be closer to the manufacturing operations.

51:52 Moving Osprey's production to Vietnam allowed the company to scale and fulfill large orders for retailers, while maintaining control over design and prototyping to preserve the brand's identity.

58:02 Mike Pfotenhauer focused on bags, backpacks, and travel gear at Osprey Packs, avoiding expanding into other outdoor product categories to maintain expertise and brand focus.

01:04:18 Mike Pfotenhauer attributes the success of Osprey Packs to a combination of hard work and being prepared to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise.