Add Shoe Dog to your library — and to your little one’s, too

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Shoe Dog: A Memoirby the Creator of Nike is — as the title suggests — penned by Nike founder Phil Knight, who offers a first-hand account of his humble origins and revolutionary rise of his global sportswear brand. Knight took time to share his story, honestly and openly, after many years of keeping away from the spotlight. The memoir traces the history of the brand since its conception as Blue Ribbon Sports, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and failures he faced. Knight started with a modest USD 50 from his father to start establishing his company after he graduated with a business degree in the 1960s. His initial idea revolved around getting humble athletic shoes from Japan and reselling them from his car trunk. In his first year he reaped USD 8k as gross profit, a far cry from Nike’s current USD 5.1 bn bottom line. Through grit and perseverance, Knight was able to turn his unconventional idea into a thriving enterprise.

The key to the brand’s success? Starting with a devoted group of partners and employees which formed a tight-knit team that eventually created a brand that would later become ubiquitous worldwide. Note: There’s another version of the book for young readers if you want an inspiring story to discuss with them.