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- Book Title: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
- Author: Phil Knight
- Year Published: April 24, 2016
- Goodreads Rating: 4.47/5
- Availability: Buy the PDF from Google Play Books.
After you have purchased Shoe Dog, follow these instructions to download it from Google Play Books in PDF format:
- Click on the "Books" tab at the top of your screen.
- Click on the "Your Library" link beneath that.
- Find your book and click the icon with three dots beneath the cover image.
- Select "Export" and then "Export as PDF".
How to Read Shoe Dog in PDF Format
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Our Review of Shoe Dog
"Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight stands out as an exceptional memoir that offers a raw and intimate look into the origins of Nike. Unlike many business memoirs that celebrate the author’s success, Knight’s book focuses deeply on the early, challenging years of Nike, which initially began as Blue Ribbon Sports. The narrative is a candid, year-by-year account of the first decade of the company, from its modest start to its rise as a global powerhouse.
The story begins in 1964, with Knight's equal partnership with Bill Bowerman. Knight doesn’t shy away from sharing the gritty details of his life during this period. For the first five years, he balanced his time between working full-time as an accountant at Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand and building his company during nights and weekends. The revenue figures in the early years are striking: $8,000 in 1964 and $20,000 in 1965 with just one full-time employee. Fast forward to 2015, and Nike's revenue skyrocketed to $30.6 billion with a net income of $3.3 billion.
Knight's memoir delves into the numerous challenges he faced. He recounts the many moments of uncertainty and potential failure that seemed to occur annually. His personal struggles as a leader, the financial hurdles, and the moments when he doubted the worth of his efforts are all laid bare. This honesty makes the story relatable and compelling, particularly for those in the entrepreneurial world who face similar obstacles.
One of the most gripping threads in the book is the financial struggle during the first decade. Traditional banks were his primary source of financing, and they were often uncooperative. Despite having no equity, the company’s growth rate was phenomenal, rivaling modern-day VC-backed startups. Knight's innovative ways of managing the company's finances, often through sheer determination and strategic partnerships, highlight his resilience and resourcefulness.
A fun fact that adds depth to Knight’s narrative is his recounting of the people who were both challenging and indispensable. His detailed accounts of conflicts with early team members who eventually became crucial to Nike’s success offer valuable lessons in leadership and the importance of perseverance in building a team.
Reading "Shoe Dog" provides a unique insight into the mind of a man who built one of the most iconic brands from scratch. Knight, now worth over $25 billion, offers a perspective that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. His story is not just about the triumphs but also about the relentless grind and the personal sacrifices he made along the way.
For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, or simply a good story about overcoming odds, "Shoe Dog" is a must-read. It’s a testament to the power of persistence and the belief in a vision, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem. This memoir is an inspiring and educational read that provides a thorough and heartfelt look at the foundations of Nike.
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