Nike’s Origin Story
“Just do it” is one of the most iconic trademarks in the world, and when paired with the classic “swoosh” logo, the two symbols invariably draw to mind the image of Nike. Nike, Inc. is the most valuable sports business in the world, with over 44,000 employees worldwide and a brand worth valued at almost twenty billion dollars, but everything started with a shoestring budget and a garage innovation. The company that now dominates athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories started off as Blue Ribbon Sports, with a thousand dollars of startup funding and an idea for running shoes inspired by a waffle iron. Join us today, with a special Wednesday edition of Garage Greatness, as we explore how Nike rose to multinational domination from a modest start at the University of Oregon track.