Eric Ryan is a sailor. In fact, his passion for sailing is what initially drew the Michigan native to the University of Rhode Island, where he studied business and communications and was a member of URI’s renowned sailing team. “I’ve always had this strong emotional connection to the water,” he says. “For me, water has always represented freedom and unlimited possibilities.”

Today the possibilities are indeed unlimited for Ryan, co-founder of San Francisco-based Method Products, the leading innovator of premium eco-conscious home and personal care products—and one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.

Ryan didn’t plan to be the guru of enviromentally-friendly cleaning products. After working in marketing and design in London and Minneapolis, Ryan took a job in advertising in San Francisco, where he crossed paths with childhood friend and fellow sailor Adam Lowry, an environmental chemist. In 2001, the two old friends co-founded Method, which now boasts 130 products sold in more than 40,000 retail locations in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Target, Lowe’s, Whole Foods, and Bed, Bath & Beyond all carry Method Products.

Ryan attributes much of Method’s success to the choices he and Lowry have made in developing a culture where employees can take risks, be themselves, and have fun. “Method is a culture that doesn’t fear failure,” he says. “Everything is a series of tests and learns, a series of small steps.” It’s an approach he encourages in young people just starting out in the world of work.

Life is busy for the 41-year-old sailor, entrepreneur, business and environmental leader. In his book, The Method Method: Seven Obsessions That Helped Our Scrappy Start-up Turn An Industry Upside Down, he offers advice for entrepreneurs and the next generation of start-ups. In 2013, he received the prestigious Clinton Global Citizen Award for using business as a force for social and environmental good. So what’s next for Eric Ryan and Method?

Unlimited possibilities—and clear sailing ahead.