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Shoe Dog cover

Shoe Dog

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

The raw, unvarnished story of how Nike almost didn't make it.

by Phil Knight

2 founders on the eChai network recommend Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.

Phil Knight recounts the founding of Nike, from importing Onitsuka Tiger shoes as a young entrepreneur to building a global brand. The memoir is candid about the constant cash shortages, banking battles, lawsuits, and personal toll of the early years. It reads as a vivid, honest account of entrepreneurship rather than a triumphant retrospective.

Few founder memoirs capture how close-run and chaotic building a company really is. Knight's story shows the relentless cash crunches, partnership tensions, and stubborn belief that startups demand, making it an antidote to sanitized success stories.

Where to get it

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Questions, answered

What is Shoe Dog about?

Few founder memoirs capture how close-run and chaotic building a company really is. Knight's story shows the relentless cash crunches, partnership tensions, and stubborn belief that startups demand, making it an antidote to sanitized success stories.

Who recommends Shoe Dog?

2 founders on the eChai network have read and recommend it.

Where can I find books founders recommend?

The eChai founder bookshelf ranks the books founders in the network recommend to each other.

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