After graduating from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Phil Knight sets out on a trip around the world, stopping in Kobe, Japan. There, he discoveres the Tiger-brand running shoe, manufactured by Onitsuka Co. (now ASICS). Knight makes a cold call to Mr. Onitsuka, and is able to secure Tiger distribution rights for the western United States.
Phil Knight and his University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman found Blue Ribbon Sports and begin selling Tiger running shoes.