Shoe Dog Flashcards

Phil Knight

• Founder of Nike, characterized by his awkwardness and determination to win.
• Developed the "crazy idea" of starting a shoe company focusing on Japanese running shoes.

Crazy Idea

• Concept originated from Phil's vision of transforming his passion for running into a profitable shoe business.

Jeff Johnson

• Third employee of Nike, credited with naming the company after dreaming of the name.
• Known for being bothersome to Phil; played a key role in creating the Pre Montreal shoe.

Blue Ribbon

• Initial name of Phil Knight's business, inspired by blue ribbons he won during track events.

Bill Bowerman

• Co-founder of Nike; highly respected track coach who influenced Phil Knight.
• Instrumental in designing innovative shoes, often altering existing models for improvement.

Tigers

• Initial Japanese running shoes used by Phil Knight; adapted by Bowerman to enhance performance.

Delbert J. Hayes

• Phil's friend and best accountant, noted for his physical presence and drinking habits.

The Marlboro Man

• Competitor who sought to market Tigers and gain approval from Onitsuka, posing a challenge to Phil Knight.

Kitami

• Key figure at Onitsuka; attempted to purchase Phil's business and later engaged in legal disputes over contracts.

Geoff Hollister

• Phil's third full-time employee, hired after Phil's kindness in paying for a meal they shared.

Bob Woodell

• Major team member who, despite being paralyzed, contributed significantly as one of Bowerman's star athletes.

Penny

• Phil Knight's wife, first met while teaching; she took on a role in Blue Ribbon.

Tadayuki Ito

• Became financial manager of Blue Ribbon in 1975, known as "The Ice Man."

Perry Holland

• New banking contact; similar to a previously problematic contact, led to financial difficulties for Blue Ribbon.

Bill Giampietro

• A true "shoe dog" who aided Blue Ribbon in acquiring their first factory in Exeter.

Rob Strasser

• Young attorney who worked on the Blue Ribbon case, later became their first in-house counsel.

April 14, 1974

• Date of the court session involving Blue Ribbon versus Onitsuka.

Supply and Demand Problems in 1973

• Raised issues of excess demand for shoes contrasted with insufficient supply.

Pre Montreal

• Shoe developed by Jeff Johnson in tribute to athlete Steve Prefontaine; notable design with distinct color scheme.

Nike's First Celebrity Endorser

• Romanian tennis star Ilie Nastase, known as "Nasty," endorsed the Nike Match Points.

The Nike Symbol

• The "swoosh" represents the sound of swift movement, symbolizing speed and victory.

Origin of Nike

• Named after the Greek goddess of victory, representing the brand's ethos.

Frank Rudy and Bob Bogart

• Innovators behind the air sole technology, contributing to Nike's competitive edge in cushioning.

Athena Corp.

• Subsidiary of Nike Inc. located in Taiwan, involved in manufacturing and distribution.

Jim Gorman

• Key representative for Nike Inc. in Taiwan, managing local operations.

Matthew and Travis

• Phil Knight's sons, with Matthew tragically passing away during a scuba diving incident.

Shoe Dog

• Refers to individuals passionate about all aspects of shoe design, sales, and manufacturing.

Shoe Dogs

• Group of committed individuals in Nike's early formation, including Phil Knight and Jonas Senter.

Cortez

• New shoe model developed as a modification of the Tiger shoes, reflecting Nike's innovation.

Explore key concepts and personalities from Phil Knight's memoir 'Shoe Dog'. This quiz covers significant figures such as Phil Knight and Jeff Johnson, alongside essential ideas like the Crazy Idea that led to the founding of Nike. Test your knowledge of this inspiring entrepreneurial journey!