Nike

As a 24-year-old searcher, straight out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father to realize his Crazy Idea: to import good and cheap running shoes from Japan.

From an obscure basement operation in Oregon in 1964, Nike has grown into a global powerhouse in the world of sports through its spectacular sneakers. Founders Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman began their journey as Blue Ribbon Sports, and their goal was clear: to challenge the conventions of sportswear and offer better footwear to athletes.

But it wasn't until 1971 that the company changed its name to Nike and adopted the iconic swoosh logo, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. This was the start of an incredible journey to global dominance.