Episode 161: Danny Giovale – The Vision to Innovate, the Passion to Rewild
November 14, 2025
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Danny Giovale, Founder of Kahtoola
About Danny Giovale
Danny Giovale is the founder and president of Kahtoola, an outdoor equipment company he established in 1999. As a native of Flagstaff, Arizona, Giovale was deeply influenced by the area’s local community and environment, which fostered a strong sense of stewardship that guides his work.
Kahtoola, which specializes in winter traction products, now ships its gear worldwide. The company is also committed to conservation and social responsibility and contributes to numerous global causes. Giovale’s entrepreneurial journey began in a garage in Salt Lake City while he was earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Westminster College.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Danny Giovale shares the story behind his film “Designed by Disaster” and how a near-fatal climbing accident in his early 20s became the catalyst for founding his company, Kahtoola. He discusses the challenges of innovating in the outdoor gear market, the importance of persistence and independent thinking, and the influence of conservation-minded business leaders. The conversation explores Danny’s upbringing in Arizona, his family’s role in shaping his values, and his commitment to integrating business with environmental and social impact. The episode also touches on industry trends, the emotional toll of conservation work, and dreams for the future of outdoor recreation and wildland networks.
Topics Discussed:
- The origin and impact of “Designed by Disaster”
- Founding Kahtoola and identifying market gaps
- Innovation and persistence in entrepreneurship
- Influence of mentors and conservation leaders
- Integrating business with philanthropy and conservation
- Emotional resilience in conservation work
- Future visions: human-powered recreation, wildlife corridors, and inventive solutions for conservation
- Advice for young people and aspiring changemakers
Extra Credit
- Watch: “Designed by Disaster – Finding Purpose From a Life-Changing Accident“
- Check out Kahtoola’s philanthropy program.
Director of Digital Outreach (D.O.D.O.) for The Rewilding Institute
Host and Producer of the Rewilding Earth Podcast
Jack started Rewilding work as Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance in the mid-1990’s, organizing the Sky Island Wildlands Network design, ripping up illegal roads on forest service lands, installing wolf acclimatization pens on Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch & conducting howling surveys to help make way for the final stage of the Lobo reintroduction program in the Southwest.
Through the years, Jack has worked with Dave Foreman and the Rewilding Gang to further Rewilding initiatives and education.