Ep 35 - Robin Yates

In this episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, we sit down with Robin Yates, a quiet force behind some of the most respected outerwear brands in Canada and around the world.

Robin is a seasoned brand builder and operator whose career spans performance apparel, global brand strategy, and disciplined execution. He was appointed CEO of Woods, one of Canada’s oldest outdoor brands, where he helped guide the company into a modern era by focusing on relevance, authenticity, and long-term positioning in a crowded global market.

He also served as a senior executive at Canada Goose during a critical period of growth, playing a key role as the brand scaled from a respected Canadian label into a global icon.

Following that chapter, Robin founded Nobis, a premium outerwear brand known for technical innovation, clean design, and uncompromising quality. Nobis earned its reputation not through hype, but through performance and product integrity.

Across his career, Robin has built trusted relationships with elite athletes, industry leaders, and high-profile individuals by prioritizing credibility, long-term thinking, and doing things the right way — especially when the stakes are high.

But this conversation goes beyond brands and titles.

We talk about leadership under pressure, lessons learned the hard way, building things that last, and how fatherhood and legacy shape the way you show up, in business and in life.

Performance thinking doesn’t stop at the big brands.

Robin Yates helped shape Hatty Pro Dry — applying technical apparel principles to help kids stay dry, comfortable, and focused on play.

Special thanks to our incredible sponsors:

This episode's Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services

The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is One Bone