Marmot, originally named Marmot Mountain Works, was founded in Colorado in 1974. Founders Eric Reynolds, Dave Huntley, and Tom Boyce used their mountaineering experience to identify issues with the outdoor products available at the time, and, in 1971, began designing gear for themselves and a small group of friends in California. In 1974, the climbers-turned-gear-makers moved their operations to Grand Junction, Colorado, where they opened their first manufacturing plant and store. Marmot began to gain prominence in 1976 due to their use of a Gore-Tex, which was a new fabric at the time. Now owned by Newell Brands, they have remained well-known in the outdoor industry for their camping, climbing, and skiing clothing and gear.

Laura Miera began her work at Marmot as a seamstress in 1983. In 2007, she was appointed Vice President of Technical Product Development, where she remained until her retirement in 2016.