Norm Thompson proves that—contrary to popular belief—environmental sustainability and sound fiscal practices can go hand-in-hand

By Reported Donna Loyle

Smith (who also credits Hawken with influencing his environmental ideas) spent his first three months learning the catalog business, listening and watching. “By the time Derek was ready to make proposals, no one viewed him as an outsider or as a threat,” Emrick remembers. “Derek networks like nobody’s business. He spent three months building relationships in the company.”