Intro and Expectations
Upon viewing the list of companies we would be visiting during this trip, the place that really stuck out to me was the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. I knew Nike was a company that proudly shared its history and reveled in their rise to being a sportswear titan. I expected big things from the visit to Nike, and upon pulling into the long, security-protected driveway towards the headquarters, I must say, I was still stunned.
Nike Visit
Upon pulling into the Nike headquarters, I was immediately blown away by the picturesque monuments that introduce guests. A fountain with a stone path lead the way for guests to enter the facility. The stone path, entirely surrounded by water, was not an equally-spaced one, for each fault in the stepping space was to symbolize the stops and starts that a company/individual must endure to reach a goal. We were greeted by Ken Cohen, a Maryland graduate from the Class of 1983, and he enthusiastically led us inside a discussion hall, where a multitude of speakers would inform us about all things Nike.
Cohen showed us videos about how Nike originated. From a single car shipping shoes around to various local high schools under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports” into the brand of Michael Jordan, Nike was always a project founded on bettering the athlete. Cohen then handed off the microphone to a true Nike lifer, Nelson Farris, who provided a truly fascinating presentation regarding his experience with the company. When Farris began at Nike, the company was in its infancy, having recently rebranded under their current name. Farris told us of the 1984 Summer Olympics, where Nike began to make a name for themselves. Nike wanted to be bold, brash, and loud during these Olympics, and they did just that, with flashy commercials featuring Randy Newman and big billboard plastered town-wide. However, it was the performance of Joan Benoit, who’s performance in the Woman’s Marathon shattered previously held expectations for women, which really came to symbolize what Nike is about. Nike is about shattering expectations, and on the campus, Benoit is lionized for doing just that. Being bold and even annoying at times is a great way for a start-up to get recognized, Nike appealed to its target audience with brightness and flash, and it was a smart marketing scheme to get their product off the ground.
The class next got to hear from Howard White, a former UMD basketball player. White told us stories from his childhood, a childhood where, from the help he received from a high school basketball coach and his own mother, White was able to rise from an area of poverty and gang violence to get drafted into the NBA. White is now the current VP of Jordan Brand Operations, despite by his own admittance, “not being smart”. He told us that passion, kindness, and ability to work in teams is what will lead to a rise in rank, not intelligence. To cap off his presentation, White gave us a copy of his book, "Believe to Achieve", of all the lessons in this book: one stuck out to me the most, the message that, "even a dog can stop to wag its tail to people on the street." This really struck me as an interesting way to go about life. With this quote, White is encouraging his readers to take time to say hello to people when you cross them, for it could brighten their day and teach you about what your impact can mean to others. Not only did I take this as a great way to improve your self esteem, but as a way to build you network. I have taken this lesson to heart, and at the career fair, made it a point to communicate to all different types of employers, even ones that are not in my field, for they may remember my good intentions, and possibly build my network.
After the speakers, we took a guided tour around Nike’s campus, which was entirely built surrounding Lake Nike, the large body of water in the center of campus. We had a delicious free lunch and then toured through the various buildings, from the gym and training facility where LeBron James has played to the plaza where employees decompress, Nike was designed to feel very similar to a college campus. There are even radio stations and conference centers exclusive to this campus. I feel like this effort from Nike to build a college-like community is wonderful for culture, for it makes workers feel as though they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This is not a one-building operation, they are a part of a community, an economy all of itself, and I feel like that likely boosts productivity.
We concluded our tour at the Nike Museum, where we viewed a replica of the car Phil Knight used to drive around to schools, selling them various models of shoes. I still find it baffling that a company with such humble beginnings could grow to be so massively influential. In the museum, there was also a big memorial for Steve Prefontaine, an Olympic runner and friend of Phil Knight. He, like Benoit, echoed everything Nike was about, from his unorthodox running style to his unrelenting determination to break barriers, Prefontaine is one of the building blocks of Nike’s ideals. The campus even has a building named after him, showing their clear admiration.
The conclusion of our tour marked a conclusion into the psyche of Phil Knight, a man who admired athletes and made a company for athletes. He always strove to be the best, and this campus is a true testament for his quest for perfection.
Post Visit Actions
After the visit, I connected with Ken Cohen on LinkedIn and read the book Howard White wrote, entitled “Believe to Achieve”. White spoke about how one’s people skills can translate to real world success. From my connection with Cohen on LinkedIn, I want to observe what people in his field are doing in case I want to potentially pursue a career in this field. Cohen came from a similar background to me, so I may decide to have an informational interview with him in the future in order to pick his brain some more.
Key Takeaways
Upon viewing the list of companies we would be visiting during this trip, the place that really stuck out to me was the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. I knew Nike was a company that proudly shared its history and reveled in their rise to being a sportswear titan. I expected big things from the visit to Nike, and upon pulling into the long, security-protected driveway towards the headquarters, I must say, I was still stunned.
Nike Visit
Upon pulling into the Nike headquarters, I was immediately blown away by the picturesque monuments that introduce guests. A fountain with a stone path lead the way for guests to enter the facility. The stone path, entirely surrounded by water, was not an equally-spaced one, for each fault in the stepping space was to symbolize the stops and starts that a company/individual must endure to reach a goal. We were greeted by Ken Cohen, a Maryland graduate from the Class of 1983, and he enthusiastically led us inside a discussion hall, where a multitude of speakers would inform us about all things Nike.
Cohen showed us videos about how Nike originated. From a single car shipping shoes around to various local high schools under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports” into the brand of Michael Jordan, Nike was always a project founded on bettering the athlete. Cohen then handed off the microphone to a true Nike lifer, Nelson Farris, who provided a truly fascinating presentation regarding his experience with the company. When Farris began at Nike, the company was in its infancy, having recently rebranded under their current name. Farris told us of the 1984 Summer Olympics, where Nike began to make a name for themselves. Nike wanted to be bold, brash, and loud during these Olympics, and they did just that, with flashy commercials featuring Randy Newman and big billboard plastered town-wide. However, it was the performance of Joan Benoit, who’s performance in the Woman’s Marathon shattered previously held expectations for women, which really came to symbolize what Nike is about. Nike is about shattering expectations, and on the campus, Benoit is lionized for doing just that. Being bold and even annoying at times is a great way for a start-up to get recognized, Nike appealed to its target audience with brightness and flash, and it was a smart marketing scheme to get their product off the ground.
The class next got to hear from Howard White, a former UMD basketball player. White told us stories from his childhood, a childhood where, from the help he received from a high school basketball coach and his own mother, White was able to rise from an area of poverty and gang violence to get drafted into the NBA. White is now the current VP of Jordan Brand Operations, despite by his own admittance, “not being smart”. He told us that passion, kindness, and ability to work in teams is what will lead to a rise in rank, not intelligence. To cap off his presentation, White gave us a copy of his book, "Believe to Achieve", of all the lessons in this book: one stuck out to me the most, the message that, "even a dog can stop to wag its tail to people on the street." This really struck me as an interesting way to go about life. With this quote, White is encouraging his readers to take time to say hello to people when you cross them, for it could brighten their day and teach you about what your impact can mean to others. Not only did I take this as a great way to improve your self esteem, but as a way to build you network. I have taken this lesson to heart, and at the career fair, made it a point to communicate to all different types of employers, even ones that are not in my field, for they may remember my good intentions, and possibly build my network.
After the speakers, we took a guided tour around Nike’s campus, which was entirely built surrounding Lake Nike, the large body of water in the center of campus. We had a delicious free lunch and then toured through the various buildings, from the gym and training facility where LeBron James has played to the plaza where employees decompress, Nike was designed to feel very similar to a college campus. There are even radio stations and conference centers exclusive to this campus. I feel like this effort from Nike to build a college-like community is wonderful for culture, for it makes workers feel as though they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This is not a one-building operation, they are a part of a community, an economy all of itself, and I feel like that likely boosts productivity.
We concluded our tour at the Nike Museum, where we viewed a replica of the car Phil Knight used to drive around to schools, selling them various models of shoes. I still find it baffling that a company with such humble beginnings could grow to be so massively influential. In the museum, there was also a big memorial for Steve Prefontaine, an Olympic runner and friend of Phil Knight. He, like Benoit, echoed everything Nike was about, from his unorthodox running style to his unrelenting determination to break barriers, Prefontaine is one of the building blocks of Nike’s ideals. The campus even has a building named after him, showing their clear admiration.
The conclusion of our tour marked a conclusion into the psyche of Phil Knight, a man who admired athletes and made a company for athletes. He always strove to be the best, and this campus is a true testament for his quest for perfection.
Post Visit Actions
After the visit, I connected with Ken Cohen on LinkedIn and read the book Howard White wrote, entitled “Believe to Achieve”. White spoke about how one’s people skills can translate to real world success. From my connection with Cohen on LinkedIn, I want to observe what people in his field are doing in case I want to potentially pursue a career in this field. Cohen came from a similar background to me, so I may decide to have an informational interview with him in the future in order to pick his brain some more.
Key Takeaways
- Their headquarters is reminiscent of a college campus.
- Not taking a risk is a bigger risk
- A company made for athletes, by athletes
- The innovative spirit of Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman still drive the company.