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Return of the Marlboro Man.
Methods of Prosperity newsletter no.66.
Phil Knight (cont).
TL;DR
Phil Knight faced significant challenges in growing his shoe business, Blue Ribbon. His company lacked equity, relying on bank credit. His banker, Bob Wallace, was reluctant to extend Blue Ribbon’s credit. Wallace considered Knight too high-risk. In 1965, Knight worked his day job at Price Waterhouse. He served in the US Army Reserves. This was on top of getting Blue Ribbon off the ground.
Bill Bowerman, Knight’s partner, met with their Japanese supplier, Onitsuka. Still slow to deliver, Onitsuka was unresponsive to his innovative shoe designs. Meanwhile, Jeff Johnson, another key figure, worked on marketing and customer relations. Johnson received no encouragement from Knight.
Are you aware of archetypes? It’s relevant to suggest that Knight, Bowerman, and Johnson embody certain archetypes. Knight being the Commander. Bowerman as the nurturing Coach. Johnson could be the persistent, unlucky lucky... 0 reply
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