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Shoe Dog

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

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Shoe Dog

Written by: Phil Knight
Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz
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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. Business Professionals & Academics Running & Jogging Inspiring Heartfelt China Imperial Japan Business Biography
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Loved this book from start to finish! I felt like I was with the author alongside, the whole time , through the decades I felt the passion, the struggles, all the highs and lows, the never give up attitude...felt it all!

Brilliantly written book, a must read for all !

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Such an inspiring journey together with Nike founding fathers. The author shares many insights of what to expect on the path of entrepreneur, illustrates in details a constant struggle for success and never ending challenges.
PS. Audible version is a pleasure to listen.

Must read for entrepreneurs

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The story of Buck Knight is impressive. I was surprised how honest he was about the adversary Nike faced and how we was a less than perfect leader. Narrator was solid, but some of the “voices” he did were a little off putting. Overall well worth the read/listen! #Audible1

Great insight, surprisingly honest

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loved it! could not stop listening to it. favourite book of the year, so far

amazing

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Loved the story and narration, very relatable and inspiring. lots to learn and appreciate about his story

Amazing memoir told in a very personable manner

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