PORTLAND, Ore. -- Phil Knight is the most well-known businessman in Oregon history and one of the most famous businessmen around the globe. He built Nike from a start-up making running shoes into one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Journalists who cover Oregon business know that landing an interview with Knight is nearly impossible, but KGW’s Joe Donlon was able to sit down with Knight after he was named a 2016 History Maker by the Oregon Historical Society.
Knight, the co-founder of Nike, now serves as chairman emeritus of the Beaverton-based company.
Donlon and Knight discussed the rocky start of Nike, how Oregon’s culture shaped the company, Knight’s own spirituality and more.