Phil Knight
1938- · American · Modern Era
Known for: Co-founder of Nike, world's largest athletic brand
Middle-distance runner whose Stanford MBA paper proposed importing Japanese shoes. Founded Blue Ribbon Sports (Nike) 1964 with coach Bill Bowerman. Sold shoes from his car trunk.
Waffle sole (Bowerman's waffle iron), Swoosh ($35 design), 'Just Do It.' Shy, introverted, competitive. Shoe Dog is one of the best business memoirs.
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