At first, we couldn’t be establishment, because we didn’t have any money. We were guerrilla marketers, and we still are, a little bit. But, as we became No. 1 in our industry, we’ve had to modify our culture and become a bit more planned.
Meaning of the quote
When Phil Knight's company was just starting out, they didn't have a lot of money. They had to be creative and use unconventional marketing tactics, like "guerrilla marketing," to get their name out there. But as the company grew and became the best in its industry, it had to change its approach a bit. They couldn't keep using those scrappy, last-minute tactics. Instead, they had to become more organized and planned in how they did business.
About Phil Knight
Phil Knight is an American billionaire and the co-founder of Nike, Inc. He has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to his alma maters and other institutions. He was part of the track and field club at the University of Oregon and later co-founded the global sports company with his former coach, Bill Bowerman.
More quotes from Phil Knight
You can’t explain much in 60 seconds, but when you show Michael Jordan, you don’t have to. It’s that simple.
American billionaire and co-founder of Nike
We could see that he was a charismatic guy who jumps over the moon and is very competitive, but nobody could have predicted what he would become to our culture.
American billionaire and co-founder of Nike
At first, we couldn’t be establishment, because we didn’t have any money. We were guerrilla marketers, and we still are, a little bit. But, as we became No. 1 in our industry, we’ve had to modify our culture and become a bit more planned.
American billionaire and co-founder of Nike
Sports is like rock ‘n’ roll. Both are dominant cultural forces, both speak an international language, and both are all about emotions.
American billionaire and co-founder of Nike