Nike

1461 snips

Jul 25, 2023

Discover the captivating story behind Nike's rise from a small company to an athletic empire. Explore the unique origins of the iconic swoosh and the innovative Waffle Trainer. Uncover the drama of Phil Knight's early days and the pivotal moments that reshaped the brand. Dive into the impact of Michael Jordan on sneaker culture and the evolution of the Air Jordan line. The podcast also sheds light on Nike's marketing genius, from controversial advertising campaigns to navigating the challenges of global outsourcing and labor practices.

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ANECDOTE

Blue Ribbon Sports' Origin

Phil Knight's business plan for Blue Ribbon Sports, selling Japanese track shoes in the US, was inspired by the Japanese disruption of the German-dominated camera market.
His thesis, written at Stanford GSB in 1962, received little attention as the track shoe market was considered small.

ADVICE

Knight's Trip to Japan

After graduating from Stanford GSB, Phil Knight traveled to Japan and visited Onitsuka, the makers of Tiger shoes.
He convinced them to send samples, claiming to be a US businessman with a company called Blue Ribbon Sports.

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Shoe Dog

Phil Knight

Shoe Dog is a memoir that chronicles the journey of Phil Knight as he builds Nike from its humble beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports. The book is a personal and detailed account of Knight's experiences, from his early days selling Japanese running shoes out of the trunk of his car to the global brand Nike is today. It highlights his relentless work ethic, the challenges he faced, and the key relationships with his partners and employees that were crucial to the company's success. The memoir also touches on Knight's personal life, including his family and the emotional struggles he encountered along the way[1][3][4].

Just Do It

The Nike Spirit in the Corporate World

Donald R. Katz

In 'Just Do It: The Nike Spirit in the Corporate World', Donald R. Katz provides a comprehensive and engaging account of Nike's transformation from a small startup to a global sports powerhouse. The book starts with the origins of Nike, tracing back to the handshake deal between Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, two track and field coaches at the University of Oregon. Katz explores Nike's innovative design, marketing campaigns, and endorsement deals that helped the company stand out against competitors like Reebok and Adidas. He also delves into the controversies Nike faced, such as sweatshop allegations and athlete doping scandals. The book highlights Nike's unique approach to business, focusing on creating a brand with a distinct identity and emotional appeal, and how this approach has contributed to its success and cult-like following among consumers.

Swoosh: The Unauthorized Story of Nike, and the Men who Played There

J.B. Strasser

Laurie Becklund

This book provides an entertaining and informative account of Nike's history, drawing on inside information, interviews, and archival material. It explores how Phil Knight, a long-distance runner and Stanford MBA graduate, transformed a small company called Blue Ribbon Sports into the global brand Nike. The authors delve into the company's early days, its key figures such as Bill Bowerman, and the cultural and business factors that contributed to its success and challenges.

Jogging

William J. Bowerman

Written by William J. Bowerman, 'Jogging' is a seminal work that introduced the concept of jogging as a beneficial form of exercise for the general public. The book, which became an international bestseller, was based on Bowerman's experiences and studies, including his work with cardiologist Waldo Harris. It provided various jogging plans tailored to different physical levels and helped ignite a global boom in physical fitness and running. Bowerman's initiative in promoting jogging transformed the way people approached exercise and contributed significantly to the development of modern running culture[1][5].

Nike

Blue Ribbon Sports' Origin

Recommended Reading on Nike

Knight's Trip to Japan