Hap Klopp spoke to the Menlo student body about his experiences and insights into the world of business. Photo courtesy of Pete Zivkov.

Eliza Crowder | Copy Editor

The first of five centennial speakers for the 2015-2016 school year addressed both the Upper and Middle Schools today during an assembly. Hap Klopp, former head of The North Face, informed the Menlo community of the life experiences he gained through the process of creating and promoting this brand.

College counselor Brad Ward introduced Klopp by expressing his own love for the wilderness and showing the audience his own North Face jacket, which he used as a segue to formally introduce Klopp. Klopp was CEO of The North Face for 20 years, and today, he still remains involved in his community by sitting on the Stanford University Board and by advising aspiring entrepreneurs.

During his speech, Klopp highlighted five main principles and values that have lead him to success in his professional career.

His first point was that failure is actually the means by which success is achieved later on. “It’s okay to fail in Silicon Valley. It’s okay to fail in life,” Klopp said, “If you keep bouncing back, you will make it.”

Klopp also mentioned that The North Face values equal treatment of all types of people. No matter someone’s race, gender, or any other characteristic, one should be treated equally in the workplace and receive fair pay.

Third, Klopp described his belief that optimism is necessary when working with others and working to develop a brand. He believes that it is vital to be able to avoid the endless negativity that surrounds us today.

Fourth, Klopp outlined the company’s belief on the importance developing a brand of the highest quality and a brand that promotes the preservation of the wilderness. While he was CEO, Klopp worked hard to ensure that The North Face’s products were sustainable and were able to last a liftetime.

Lastly, Klopp revealed to the audience what he believes is the the other key to success (along with embracing failure): passion. He explained how important it is to enjoy your profession, because being passionate about something leads to success and leads to uniqueness in the product you are creating.

Overall, Menlo students had a very positive reaction to Klopp’s presentation at assembly today. “I thought he did a great job showing us how alternative companies that go against the grain can find sustained success, even in our world of overly formulaic business,” junior Hayden Pegley said.

Sophomore Kathryn Wilson also enjoyed what Klopp had to say. “His insistence on failure before success relieved many of us because becoming as successful as him seems almost unachievable,” Wilson said.

Klopp kicked off the centennial speaker series on a positive note and both students and faculty members look forward to more insightful talks that are applicable to the entire Menlo community.