Famous Entrepreneur by James Walsh

walshjam — 2025-04-21 13:31:57 UTC

Phil Knight

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Born February 24, 1938

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Portland, Oregon

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How did he start?

walshjam — 2025-04-21 13:42:24 UTC

He started by working for a newspaper in Portland as a sportswriter when his father wouldn't give him a job.

Education

walshjam — 2025-04-21 13:45:32 UTC

He went to Oregon University, where he was a great track runner, and got his B.B.A. in 3 years. Then went to Stanford Business School, where he got a master's in business administration in 1962.

What motivated him?

walshjam — 2025-04-21 13:47:48 UTC

In November of 1962, he went to Kobe in Japan for a post-graduation trip. It was there that he discovered the Tiger running shoe. Impressed by the high quality and low price, he made a meeting with a company leader and came out with the distribution rights for the Tiger in America.

What areas has he succeeded in?

walshjam — 2025-04-21 13:53:10 UTC

In addition to Nike, he bought Will Vinton Studios, and, after a takeover, renamed it to Laika and made his son, Travis, the CEO and president.

Has he failed?

walshjam — 2025-04-21 14:00:28 UTC

Yes, the suppliers for his shoes decided that they didn't need him, so he decided to create his own shoes, instead of just importing and selling someone else's.

What else has he done?

walshjam — 2025-04-21 14:04:51 UTC

Phil Knight has donated over 3.6 billion to charity, and over 1 billion to the University of Oregon alone.

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walshjam — 2025-04-21 14:10:03 UTC