If you are looking for a super inspiring book for entrepreneurs to read, I can recommend ‘Shoe Dog’ written by Phil Knight. I have read it now for the second time, and will probably read it again sometime in the near future.
“Shoe Dog” is the biography of Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, Inc.
The book provides an in-depth and candid account of the founding and growth of Nike, one of the world’s most iconic and successful sportswear companies. Here is a synopsis of “Shoe Dog”:
Phil Knight starts his story by recalling his early days as a track and field athlete at the University of Oregon. He developed a passion for running and a desire to create better running shoes. After completing his MBA at Stanford, he came up with the idea of importing high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan. With the help of his former track coach, Bill Bowerman, he established Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) and began selling Japanese Tiger brand shoes in the United States.
The book takes readers through the challenges and obstacles Knight faced in the early days of BRS, from securing distribution deals with Japanese manufacturers to managing cash flow. There were an insane amount of setbacks and financial struggles, not to mention negative sentiments displayed by his father.
In the face of possibly losing the Tiger distributorship, Knight and his team rebranded the company as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. What is very interesting is that Knight did not take to the famous Swoosh logo straight away, but he was pressed for time to take the first products to market. With a new name and logo, Nike embarked on an ambitious marketing campaign, focusing on endorsements from elite athletes, starting with runner Steve Prefontaine.
The memoir provides insights into the challenges of managing a growing business, including dealing with international suppliers, legal issues, and financial risks. Knight also shares personal anecdotes about his relationships with key figures in Nike’s history, such as his partners, employees, and athletes like Michael Jordan and John McEnroe.
Throughout the book, Knight reflects on the values and culture of Nike, emphasizing the importance of innovation, teamwork, and relentless determination. The company’s success is marked by numerous milestones, such as the development of innovative footwear technologies and iconic product launches, like the Air Jordan.
“Shoe Dog” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of building a global brand and the entrepreneurial journey of Phil Knight. It showcases the perseverance and vision that led to Nike’s transformation into a sports and fashion powerhouse. The biography also explores themes of risk-taking, leadership, and the power of dreams in the world of business.
Shoe Dog has been mentioned as an inspiring book for entrepreneurs read by many of our guests on Expedition Business and I definitely agree that this is a book to read if you are in need of inspiration!
