Lloyd and Mary Anderson

Inducted 1993

Lloyd and Mary Anderson are the embodiment of leadership, foresight, and cooperative spirit.In 1938, seeing a need for quality climbing gear at fair prices in the Northwest, the couple formed the Recreational Equipment Cooperative, now knownas REI.In the Co-op's early years, the Andersons ran the business from their home for no salary.  The basement of their West Seattle house became a factory for ice axes, tents, and freeze dried food. In lean times, they would advance the Co-op interest-free loans to keep it going. Over 50 years later, REI remains committed to the cooperative form of business, and has grown to over 3 million members.  REI is a successful national retailer of outdoor products, and an example of how a well-managed cooperative can be a competitive and successful business.These successes can be credited to the Andersons' vision and personal sacrifice, as well as their steadfast dedication to cooperative ideals.