Sermon Illustrations
Patagonia's Commitment to Customer Service
The clothing manufacturer Patagonia employs forty-five full-time technicians who complete about 30,000 repairs per year. In the spring of 2015, the company set off on a coast-to-coast road trip across the U.S. in a biodiesel truck to repair their customers' "tired and well-loved" clothing. Patagonia cares about fixing a jacket that has travelled the world with a customer because that act aligns with their company values, and just as important, it helps to deepen the bond between customer and company.
Often the people who send garments in for repair also send their stories about how that piece of clothing has been with them through thick and thin. The customers' stories fuel Patagonia's story and have done so for over four successful decades. The team at Patagonia believe that "one of the most responsible things we can do as a company is to make high-quality stuff that lasts for years and can be repaired, so you don't have to buy more of it." They innovate for and market to those customers who believe what they believe. The customer is their compass."
Editor’s Note: As of 2025, the company continues to offer clothing repairs on its website Wornwear.patagonia.com where they state “If it’s broke, fix it. Doing our part means making the most durable gear. Keeping it in use for as long as possible is where you come in.”
Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Outreach; Missions—Even more so, the church should be committed to excellence in the way we love, welcome, and serve visitors and those who don't know Christ. (2) Work; Employee—Even more so should a Christian employee be committed to excellence. (3) Restoration – God continues to be in the business of restoring lives that are broken by sin and mistakes.