Columbia®, as a well-known and historical sport brand started from 1938 in US, has become a successful even one of many leaders in sportswear industry today. By mainly designing outerwear, footwear, camping equipments and so on, Columbia always keeps holding on their quality, innovations and the brand’s reliability. It was founded by Paul and Marie Landform, a couple who experienced the world war Ⅱand fled Nazi Germany to Portland then started their business in hats, named Columbia Hat Company. And in 1960, the company changed their name into Columbia Sportswear Company.  

Our story today although begins from this couple, but the main character is their daughter—-Gertrude Boyle(6th Mar.,1924-3rd Nov.,2019), a legendary woman who afterwards leads the company to a further development, and also owns a famous nickname”One Tough Mother”.

The Career of Gertrude Boyle

Gert Boyle migrated to Portland with her family when she was 13. She finished her education in high school and graduated with a B.A successfully in sociology from the University of Arizona with overcoming the trouble of languages. After getting married with her husband Neal Boyle, she became an all-day housewife and lived a normal life, while her husband has taken over the business of Columbia Sportswear after the death of Gert’s father in 1964. However, an unfortunate accident happened again after a while: her husband died with heart attack suddenly. What’s worse, the company was going through a hard time, nearly broken. Gert therefore decided to take over the company with her son, Timothy Boyle. With a strong heart and far-seeing business views, she brought the company back to life eventually.

Being Known as “Ma Boyle”

The most significant thing that Gert ever did for her family business was being known as”Mother Boyle” in 90s.

She started starring in the commercials of Columbia herself to promote the new products and the tough qualities of Columbia’s sportswear. In the ads she starred as Ma Boyle, the “One Tough Mother”. Therefore, Columbia’s slogan- “Tested Tough” had become a household concept in US. However, she never stopped moving on for innovations of her business even reached to the age of 70, when she had already handed the company to her son.

The tough mother not only kept fighting in sportswear industry, but also, she was keen in the charity business. For example, she had ever donated one billion dollars to Oregon Health & Science University anonymously. As a famous and generous entrepreneur, she became one of the business pioneers with countless awards and honors, which inspired most people, especially the women in the world.

Gert Boyle in Commercials

A Special Gift to All the Mothers

Arabella is so glad to share you the story of “one tough mother” today.

There are many customers we serve who also a mom, still working hard as Gert Boyle with their business. As your partner, we would like to share this story to give you some inspirations. We deeply believe that as long as we keep working together, there will be more “tough mothers” out there.

Not only means the “Mother” of your family, but also your own brand.

Wish you all happy Mother’s Day.

If you want to know more, please contact us here↓:

www.arabellaclothing.com/contact-us