Introduction

MISSION STATEMENT

" To Bring Inspiration and Innovation to Every Athlete in the World. If You Have a Body, You are an Athlete." 

         Before Nike started, two men by the names of Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight joined together to form what would become the most influential sporting company. Bowerman was the track coach at Oregon University while Knight was a part of the track team during the late 1950s. Together they envisioned overall better quality running shoes. Therefore, they embarked on a strategy to do so. This strategy involved becoming a footwear distributor from Japan to the U.S. Their first venture together was selling 300 pairs of shoes out of Knight's car and this created Blue Ribbon Sports. 

However, Knight and Bowerman wanted to become their own brand and designer for shoes. Nevertheless, Nike was formed. The "Swoosh" brand came into full effect and is now internationally known symbol. 

          Today, Nike is solely concentrated on innovation to fully satisfy their consumers. They have recently landed a deal to become the official sponsor of the National Football League. This was a major step in expansion which included a move towards the Chinese market. Nike's revenue targets have increased as well and their new target for the year is to reach $30 billion. Through their full commitment in serving the athlete, Nike has and will continue to be the industry leader.