Business Biographies & Histories

I’m currently reading Shoe Dog, the memoirs of Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. I can’t put it down.

Business biographies and business histories are my favorite genre.

Every single successful business I’ve studied has a fascinating story behind it. I’ve never read a single one where the path is predictable or linear. There is almost never a moment in the first decade or two where the success of the business or entrepreneur is secured.

Shoe Dog starts from the very beginning of Nike in 1962 and each chapter is one year in Nike’s early history. I’m currently up to 1976 and STILL, in every chapter, there is an existential threat to Nike around every corner. Right when you think things will calm down and there will be smooth sailing for the company, a bank pulls a credit line, a sponsored athlete dies or switches loyalty to another brand, a lawsuit emerges, a manufacturer betrays them, or some other fire crops up.

It’s never boring. And Nike is the norm among companies and founders that have pushed through the early trials of building something from nothing. There is always a delicate balance of securing credit whiling developing a new product and convincing the market to buy from you. Along the way, almost everyone will doubt the little guy including the family and friends of the founder. It’s a brutal road and requires exceptional conviction and persistence.

There is also extraordinary luck involved. Phil Knight had as his co-founder perhaps the greatest track coach in American history. They started Nike right as running was becoming popular among everyday people. The early employees were incredibly loyal. A key lawsuit went their way. The first Nike athletes were perfect fits for the Nike brand. There are so many things that went perfectly right at the right time and right place that allowed Nike to become what it is.

So, if you want a self improvement book, an action book, a suspense book, a philosophy book, a history book, and a strategy book all in one, pick up a business biography or business history. Shoe Dog is an excellent one to start with.