Shoe Dog - Phil Knight

Shoe Dog

By Phil Knight

  • Release Date: 2016-04-26
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 3,715 Ratings

Description

In this instant and tenacious New York Times bestseller, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight “offers a rare and revealing look at the notoriously media-shy man behind the swoosh” (Booklist, starred review), illuminating his company’s early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.

Bill Gates named Shoe Dog one of his five favorite books of the year and called it “an amazing tale, a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. It’s a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey, riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice. Phil Knight opens up in ways few CEOs are willing to do.”

Fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and launched a company with one simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his car in 1963, Knight grossed eight thousand dollars that first year. Today, Nike’s annual sales top $30 billion. In this age of start-ups, Knight’s Nike is the gold standard, and its swoosh is one of the few icons instantly recognized in every corner of the world.

But Knight, the man behind the swoosh, has always been a mystery. In Shoe Dog, he tells his story at last. At twenty-four, Knight decides that rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, new, dynamic, different. He details the many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankers—as well as his many thrilling triumphs. Above all, he recalls the relationships that formed the heart and soul of Nike, with his former track coach, the irascible and charismatic Bill Bowerman, and with his first employees, a ragtag group of misfits and savants who quickly became a band of swoosh-crazed brothers.

Together, harnessing the electrifying power of a bold vision and a shared belief in the transformative power of sports, they created a brand—and a culture—that changed everything.

Reviews

  • One of the great entrepreneurs of our time

    5
    By Brendonltd
    A roller coaster ride of hope, anger, disappointment, dreams, competition, and spirit, Knight’s memoir Shoe Dog captures the nature of the scrappy entrepreneur. Nail biting stories and perfectly timed humor decorate this account of Nike’s history like Patrick Mahomes shoe collection. Must read for every athlete and entrepreneur.
  • great for founders

    5
    By Barnzebul
    an easy read that takes a realistic perspective on building companies.
  • Inspiring Story

    5
    By Suprqt!!!
    Although we may not agree on politics, addressing social issues, etc., (which is ok and shouldn’t be a prerequisite for reading this book) this is a truly inspiring story about dreams, grit, perseverance and ultimately “success”. It wasn’t easy and Phil had more than his share of hardship and tragedy, but his story is the “American Story”.
  • More than a history

    5
    By UndaCover Brother
    There are too many wise quips and sayings from too many different cultures to hold in memory. The way the book flows in and out of conflict, resolution, and set up of the next conflict was perfect. Great book on life and business and self reflection
  • Witty, engrossing!

    5
    By Laxy9
    Very well narrated the story which is impossible to believe to be true!!
  • Inspirational Insights

    4
    By AAAED0714
    A fabulous story of triumph through perseverance, hard work and lots of luck. This is an inspiration to all entrepreneurs and provides practical insights into the kinds of decisions that awaits founders. A story about the importance of people, friendships and teams. Well done Mr. Knight, and thank you for sharing.
  • Inspirational

    5
    By Kiki088
    This book inspired me and moved me more than any other book i read! Phenomenal story!
  • Motivational

    5
    By Mr Scheinbach
    Great inspirational book.
  • A masterpiece.

    5
    By Chris Jannenga
    This book hooks you and makes you want to get up and be more than what you are.
  • Awesome

    5
    By ThomasTyson11
    Great book! Loved the details and info given.

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