Michael Jordan Research Paper

In Michael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism, Walter LaFeber emphasizes the contribution Michael Jordan and Nike had in building the new modern era. Together, they sprouted a variety of new industries and forever changed the game in marketing. With the use of star athletes, Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, became known as a brilliant innovator. He was driven to remove his competitors, Adidas and Reebok, and become the top selling shoe industry in the world. He acquired techniques that gave him the advantage, such as endorsing the most popular athletes and creating memorable advertisements. Phil Knight can be considered the 20th century’s version of John D. Rockefeller due to his similar ambitious nature, competitive edge, and the significant

Before creating his shoe company, Adidas, Puma, and Reebok were the ideal athletic footwear; however, Phil had developed an idea of his own. For instance, Lafeber stated that “Phil Knight believed he could change American styles by using the Japanese to defeat the Germans,” (59). Phil believed importing shoes from Japan would be cheaper while still receiving good quality athletic footwear. After experimenting his idea, he ended up selling about a thousand pairs of shoes (Lafeber, 59).
Phil Knight was no ordinary man. He avoided following traditional techniques and sprouted new ideas that would ater allow him to dominate the shoe industry. For example, Lafeber points out that Knight viewed himself as a rebel due to his usage of new marketing techniques and being untraditional (60). John D. Rockefeller was also known for “thinking outside the box.” Though considered a foolish idea, he created his success from taking waste and managed to make it beneficial for society. Like Rockefeller, Phil Knight also avoided traditional roots and established a successful

He wanted to pick a face that would promote his shoe by their overall persona. He would not pick someone who would give his brand a bad reputation. He strictly focused on what was in his best interest. Similarly, Rockefeller was also proud of his industry. He was very generous with his wealth. He was known for his extraordinary donations, such as his foundations for promoting education and medical research. His generosity gave him and his industry a memorable name, making him very popular in society. Both businessmen were smart in the way they presented themselves, making them influential in the