When Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman Built a Shoe Company That Changed the World
The Birth of a Global Brand
Phil Knight, a former college track athlete, and his former coach Bill Bowerman established a shoe company in 1962, which has now grown to become one of the world’s most well-known brands, Nike, Inc.
From Humble Beginnings to Worldwide Success
Knight and Bowerman both created a new company that would market Japanese running shoes in the United States. The company was first called Blue Ribbon Sports. By the end of 1963, they had made their first sales of $8,000. Over the next decade, the company grew quickly, and by 1971, they had rebranded as Nike, Inc. and the "swoosh" logo was created. Over time, Nike expanded into new markets and diversified their products beyond just running shoes, eventually becoming one of the world's largest sports brands.
Continuing Legacy of Innovation
Nike, Inc. is a global manufacturer and marketer of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. Its headquarters is located near Beaverton, Oregon.
How did Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman's shoe company evolve over the years? Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman's shoe company evolved from a small distributor of Japanese running shoes in the US to one of the world's most iconic and diversified sports brands, Nike, Inc.