Columbia Sportswear Company is a United States company that manufactures and distributes outerwear and sportswear. It was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, father of present chairperson Gert Boyle. The company is headquartered in Cedar Mill, Oregon, an unincorporated part of Washington County, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area near Beaverton. Columbia Sportswear also produces footwear, headgear, camping equipment, skiwear, and outerwear accessories. In 2001, it was the largest American seller of ski apparel.