It started with a handshake between two visionary Oregonians - Bowerman and his University of Oregon runner Phil Knight. They and the people they hired evolved and grew the company that became Nike from a U.S.-based footwear distributor to a global marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and equipment that is unrivaled in the world.
Founded in 1972, Nike has since grown into a global force. Nike's innovating thinking in all of its products has led the company to be a well-establish brands. Believing in the human potential, the company has masterfully crafted and developed products to enhance and enable athletes in all levels and abilities. This is what helps to set Nike apart from the competition.
Its world headquarter is located near Beaverton, Oregon, a suburb of Portland. While the Pacific Northwest is the birthplace to Nike, today it operates in more than 160 countries around the globe. Through its suppliers, shippers, retailers and other service providers, it directly or indirectly employs nearly one million people. Each employee across six continents contributes to fulfilling Nike's mission statement: to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
