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The Idea
While getting his MBA at Stanford, Knight took a class with Frank Shallenberger. The semester-long project was to devise a small business (with a marketing plan). Synthesizing Bowerman's attention to quality running shoes and the opinion that high-quality/low cost products could be produced in Japan and shipped to the U.S. for distribution, Knight found his market niche. Shallenberger thought the idea interesting, but certainly no business jackpot. Nothing more became of Knight's project. -
Blue Ribbon Sports Makes The Deal
Nike, known as Blue Ribbon Sports back then make a deal with a Japanese shoe manufacturer to allow them to distribute their Tiger shoes in the Western United States. -
Updated to Nike and Swoosh Logo
Blue Ribbon Sport's name is changed to 'Nike' and a student at Portland State University (Caroline Davidson) designs the swoosh logo. She met Phil Knight while he was teaching accounting classes and she started doing some freelance work for his company. Phil Knight asked Caroline to design a logo that could be placed on the side of a shoe. She handed him the SWOOSH, he handed her $35.00. -
Nike Air
After Blue Ribbon Sports officially switching to Nike, the sales went from $10 million to $270 million. That was due to the first running shoe with Nike Air being released as well as the first clothing line. This was a huge success for Nike. -
Regular Sneaker to Sports Sneaker
After the first Air Max's were released, Nike came up with the idea of basketball shoes. So in 1982, The Air Force 1 basketball shoe is introduced becoming the first Nike basketball shoe to incorporate Nike Air cushioning technology. -
Michael Jordan enters the Nike World
In 1984, all-star Michael Jordan is signed. This is a huge benefit for Nike because Jordan was role model for many kids. He helped increased the sales and production for Nike. -
Sydney Olympics
Nike Shox debuted in the Sydney Olympics. Nike has created new ways to interact with the consumer and also became the official sponsor of the NFL. This becomes another huge boost for Nike as they're getting their name and products out there through major events. -
Barefoot Running?
Nike begins to get technological and advances into something that has never been done before Nike gets its cue from bare feet. Nike launches Nike Free launches, which provides runners with footwear that emulates the leg-strengthening benefits of barefoot running. -
Leaving Sneakers Behind?
The physical act of running meets the digital world of technology when Nike and Apple team up to launch Nike+. Thanks to one small sensor in a classic running shoe, Nike+ makes music, biofeedback and data collection as fundamental to running as the shoes themselves. -
Nike Employees
Nike employs more than 44,000 people worldwide. This includes a lot of people working for Nike which could benefit Nike as more people are getting their brand out. Nike is currently, one of the most popular brands in the world. -
The Greatest.
The brand (Nike) is valued at $14 million making it the most valued brand among sports businesses. This gives Nike a head above all the other brands as they're rated number one. The improvement since the beginning leaves me speechless. -
Extending Boundaries
Nike reaches their revenue target which is $28-$30 billion. This shows Nike's starting from nothing and continuing by passing their revenue target is a huge success. Nike could go nowhere but up from here.
