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Summary
In this compelling and enduring New York Times bestseller, Phil Knight, the founder and board chairman of Nike, unveils a rare and insightful glimpse into the enigmatic figure responsible for the iconic swoosh logo. Praised by Bill Gates as one of his top five favorite books, "Shoe Dog" offers an honest and illuminating account of the tumultuous journey behind Nike's rise from a daring startup importing Japanese running shoes to a global powerhouse, recognized for its game-changing influence and remarkable profitability.
Fresh out of business school, Knight embarked on his entrepreneurial odyssey with a mere fifty-dollar loan from his father, establishing a company in 1963 dedicated to importing high-quality, affordable running shoes from Japan. Beginning by selling shoes out of the trunk of his car, Knight managed to gross eight thousand dollars in the first year alone. Today, Nike stands as a benchmark for success, boasting annual sales exceeding $30 billion and a ubiquitous swoosh logo that resonates worldwide.
In "Shoe Dog," Knight shares his story for the first time. Choosing to forge his own path at the age of twenty-four, he recounts the myriad risks, setbacks, fierce competitors, and unsupportive financiers he encountered, as well as the exhilarating triumphs that defined Nike's evolution. Central to the narrative are the pivotal relationships that shaped the essence of Nike, including those with his former track coach, the charismatic Bill Bowerman, and the initial team of eclectic individuals who transformed into a close-knit fraternity of swoosh enthusiasts.
United by a bold vision and a shared belief in the transformative power of sports, Knight and his team harnessed the electrifying energy to create not only a brand but also a culture that revolutionized the landscape. "Shoe Dog" encapsulates the messy, perilous, and chaotic journey to business success, offering a refreshing reminder of the true nature of the entrepreneurial path.
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