Shoe dog

An overview about the book The Shoe Dog.

1. SHOE DOG A memoir by the creator of Nike By:- Phil Knight

2. “A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. Here Knight opens up in a way few CEOs are willing to do. I don’t think Knight sets out to teach the reader anything. Instead, he accomplishes something better. He tells his story as honestly as he can. It’s an amazing tale.” - Bill Gates

3. An Overview… A New York Times Bestseller, Shoe Dog depicts the story of the establishment of the company Nike & its journey between 1962 to 1980. Phil is purely honest & reminds the readers that the path of success is messy, chaotic journey riddled with mistakes, infinite sacrifices and struggles. Through his journey of establishing Nike from scratch to making it success, he had to face many ups and downs along the way. The business almost went under several times, but Knight always managed to overcome and save it at the last moment.

4. About the Author One of the world’s most influential business executives, Phil Knight is the founder of Nike, Inc. Net worth US$ 17.36 billion, as of 2021. He served as CEO of the company from 1964 to 2004, as board chairman through 2016, and he is currently Chairman Emeritus. Known for his contributions to philanthropy in education & other charities. His memoir, titled Shoe Dog was released in 2016. Currently, he lives in Oregon with his wife, Penny. 

5. Nike Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight & Bill Bowerman. In initial few years, it sold shoes manufactured by a Japanese company named Onitsuka. Went on to sell its own shoes after a fallout with the Japanese company. Officially became Nike, Inc. in 1971. Today, it is one of the most popular Athletic Footwear & Apparel company. As of 2021, it generates a revenue of US$ 17.36 billion.

6. SUMMARY

7. 1962-64 Phil sets out on a world trip. Travels to Hawaii along with carter. Meets Onitsuka executives in Japan, tells them he is from Blue Ribbon, asks to send samples. Boweman is impressed, strikes a partnership, 300 pairs of shoes ordered. 1965-67 8000 sales in the 1 st year which doubled next year. 1 st retail store open in Santa Monica. 3 year contract signed with Onitsuka. 1968-70 Phil quits his job at PWC, joins Portland State University as Ass. Prof. Quits job & begins working full time for Blue Ribbon, gets married. Becomes suspicious of Onitsuka. Flies to Japan- seeks a 3 year contract of extension.

8. 1971-73 Kitami comes to the US wants Onitsuka to takeover Blue Ribbon, threatens to terminate the agreement. Phil gets into an agreement with another company. The brand is named Nike ( the goddess of victory). Shoes from the new company were not the good quality. Prefontaine is signed to endorse Nike. 1974- 76 Onitsuka files a lawsuits on Blue Ribbon. Blue Ribbon sued Onitsuka in the U.S and wins the case. Prefontaine dies in an accident. Due to company’s financial crises Phil opted the option of going public. 1977- 80 Nike experiments with the air soles, signs basket ball players. Sales increased, Phil thinks to expand to apparel , accessories etc. Decision to manufacture in China. Nike in conflict with the Feds.

9. Conclusion There were several learnings that can be seen in certain chapters. Some of them are: Don’t shy away to accept your shortcomings. Have crazy ideas: research, test and implement. The crazy idea turns to successful business. Building a winning culture. Be passionate about something. Passion pulls abilities we didn’t know we ever had.