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Shoe Dog

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

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Shoe Dog

By: Phil Knight
Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz
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About this listen

 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 China Imperial Japan Business Biography
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Absolutely loved this. Didn’t want it to end. Stunning example of integrity , passion , pursuing your dream, never giving up , humbleness and staying true to yourself . Absolute Nike loyal customer for ever 👌My audible pick of 2020 ✅✅✅✅

Didn’t want this to end...

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The book is structured year-by-year taking you through from the early days of the idea for Blue Ribbon Sports to distribute Onitsuka Tiger running shoes through to the public float of Nike. The narrator is quite good and the story has a strong linear narrative that works well in audiobook format. For people who are not into business books the going may get a tough, but people interested in business, running their own business, or who are interested in the history of Nike you will get a lot out of it. Doesn't have much to add the story after 1982 or thereabouts - there is a long period of most recent history that is wrapped up relatively quickly in a summary chapter.

Good narrative structure suited to audiobook

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Unbelievable book on how Nike grew to what it is today. I appreciate Nike more as a company then ever before. I will be re-reading this again

I appreciate Nike more after this book.

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This has to be one of the best stories ever told. It's surprisingly very funny and the narrator brings the story to life.

Funny, inspiring, and superb narration

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Loved it. An interesting story of the history and foundation of Nike. A story that gives heart and soul to a company I previously would have thought of as only as a lifeless behemoth. Like all good stories, I didn't want it to end.

Not just a history, but a story

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Very enjoyable and easy to follow. Some parts might be a bit lame but I really enjoyed the narrative, interesting and inspiring at times.

Quite inspring

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2nd time reading (listening)
I found it truly interesting.....understanding the background and process of how Knights empire was built. well worth it

Great

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easily one of the best books I've ever heard. it got me so invested and an incredible story.

I didn't want it to end.

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The audible version makes you feel like you were there with Phil along for his journey!

One of the best reads you ll ever read!

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Shoe Dog takes us into the life and journey if Phil Knight, as he assemble his team to create Nike. A fascinating story, loaded with life and entreprenuerial lessons. Solid!

Exceptional story of an iconic brands in the world

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