Founders · May 7Phil Knight: Founder of Nike
He wrote constant sales letters, joined full-time in summer 1965 despite Knight's $11,000 bank debt, and kept an index card file of customers. He hit a sales target to earn the first store, built as a sanctuary for runners, and came up with the name Nike.
Tips
- Phil Knight hired Jeff Johnson, who begged for a berth on a sinking ship▶ 25:59Johnson worked seven days a week and built an index card file of every customer's size and preferences.
- Phil Knight managed by telling people what to do and letting them surprise him▶ 32:02Johnson hit the ambitious sales target Knight set for the first store, which Knight had not expected him to reach.
- Jeff Johnson built Nike's first store as a sanctuary that celebrated runners▶ 33:52Johnson also kept an index card for every customer and sent Christmas cards, birthday cards and race congratulations.
