Who Founded Nike?

 How Did This Legendary Brand Begin?

It's hard to believe just how long Nike has been going! However, as with all things, Nike itself had a beginning. 

Once upon a time, a guy(well actually two people) decided to go ahead and JUST DO IT! But, who were the people who started Nike?

Where Was Nike Founded?

Before we get to the actual people who founded Nike, consider where it was founded, where was that? The actual place that is credited with the birth of this global brand is the University of Oregon, which you can find in any United States Business Directory.

Why was the University of Oregon the birthplace of Nike? Well, simply because that is where the founders were located! In fact, it was the combination of a track athlete and their coach which formed the team that 'kicked' off the brand. Had their paths not crossed at the university, we may not have ever worn Nike on our feet!

So, Who Were This Athlete And Coach Team?

So, with no further ado, allow me to share with you who founded Nike. The athlete that was mentioned previously was a chap by the name of Phil Knight, and his coach was Bill Bowerman. 

Of course, successful track athletes can make good amounts of money over their short careet. However, this team will likely not regret moving away from pacing the track, to cushioning the pacing of the track!

Their Worldwide success can now be found in any varieties that can be found by searching for local businesses near me. How glad we are that they changed careers!

So, how did this change of career arise? Well, initially this start-up was known as Blue Ribbon Sports, and it was founded on Januray 25 1964. What was the original purpose of the start-up?

Well, the creative juices didn't immediately flow. In fact, Blue Ribbon Sports started as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese shoe manufacturer. And, instead of selling from local shops as Nike now does, the team initially started selling from their automobile at Track Meets.

So, how did the switch occur from distributors to creators. Whilst the original team have their version of events, a different version came from Gold Medal Track Athlete Otis Davis.

Davis claims that Knight manufactured the original pair of Nikes for him. And he is adamant about this claim!

Whilst Nike's growth did not happen overnight, by 1971 the relationship between Onitsuka Tiger and Blue Ribbon Sports was ended, and the rest, as they say, is history! 

There is a saying that Rome wasn't built in a day...Nike wasn't either, not that your tired feet care who takes the stress out of your next walk, jog, or run!