“Let everyone else call your idea crazy… just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where “there” is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop.”
These lines from Phil Knight’s pen reflect his thought process, which never allowed him to stop even after ruling the world of sportswear for more than 52 years. Born in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, USA, he pursued business education and joined the University of Oregon. At the university, the school’s track team was headed by coach Bill Bowerman. Knight ran track at the University and created Nike shoes with coach Bill, who was famous for modifying runners’ shoes.
After graduating from Oregon with a business degree, he served one year in the US Army and later enrolled in Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. In a school assignment, he presented the idea of Japanese shoe production outpacing the world-famous German shoe industry. This was when he conceived Nike by comparing the Inexpensive Japanese shoe industry competing with the German Adidas.
After graduating from Stanford, he visited the Onitsuka factory in Japan.
The quality of the product and the fast pace of production convinced him to make a business deal to sell the company’s signature shoes, the Onitsuka Tiger, in the USA. Later, he and coach Bill founded Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, which was renamed Nike in 1971. During the initial years of Blue Ribbon Sports, he worked as an accountant and as a teacher at Portland State University.
Knight married Penelope Parks and had three children. Their eldest son, Matthew Knight, died in a scuba-diving accident in 2004. Nike’s deal with Michael Jordan inspired the sports drama “Air.” Frequently described as a laid-back personality, Knight rarely makes public appearances. In 2016, he published the memoir Shoe Dog. Knight’s net worth was estimated to be more than $28 billion in 2023. Through the Knight Foundation, he has donated $3.6 billion to charity.
The Knights have pledged over $500 million in donations to Phil’s alma maters. Moreover, the couple pledged $400 million to help rebuild Portland, Oregon’s Black Albina neighborhood in 2023.
Bird’s Eye View of Phil Knight’s House
Phil Knight’s house, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, is an amalgam of modern style’s elegance and old-school charm. The house has an open layout with a cozy and inviting feel at the same time.
This House, built in 1973 and purchased by Knight in 2012, spans over 6828 square feet and costs roughly $45 billion. Though located outside of Portland in a rural area, it was featured in Frobes among the homes of billionaires in a rural area.
The architecture is devised using local materials and design ideas. Natural materials like stone, wood, and natural fibers are prominent features of the overall architecture. This choice makes it an ideal craft for Oregon’s architectural tapestry and scenic beauty. Moreover, clean and curved lines, rounded shapes, and high ceilings simultaneously give a sense of grandeur and fluidity.
Prominent Features of the Nike Guy’s House
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Design
Eco-friendly and Sustainable DesignThe house is designed with eco-friendly features such as solar panels and smart thermostats to reduce carbon footprints. Innovative rainwater harvesting systems and water-efficient fixtures reflect a commitment to sustainability. The house features an energy-efficient HVAC system to minimize energy consumption and a home automation system to monitor energy usage.
Security System
Apart from being located in a gated community with a high-end security system, advanced security measures augment the security. These include Smart locks, HD cameras, motion sensors, and a safe room that provides a secure hiding place in emergencies.
Innovative Use of Latest Technology
Automated systems for lighting, climate control, security, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, advanced air purification, and circadian lighting systems all blend seamlessly into the house’s design and offer a healthy and comfortable environment.
Entrance
Entering the house, one is welcomed into a grand entrance hall with an atrium above, giving it an ancient Roman touch. Beautiful artwork displayed over the walls complements the dark wooded floor. Artistic light fixtures and an elegant staircase further add to the elegance. This brilliantly designed entrance sets the tone for the rest of the house.
Living Room
The living room has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, flooding the room with natural light and offering a view of the green landscape outside. The room is adorned with minimalist decoration pieces and a grand piano in a corner. The use of warm colors and textures creates a comfortable ambiance.
Kitchen and Dining Room
The kitchen is well equipped with vast storage space and top-of-the-line appliances. Marble countertops and a large center island offer a practical and pleasing cooking place. A long wooden table with chairs and a magnificent chandelier add to the ambiance of the adjacent dining room.
Bedrooms
The master bedroom is comfortable with a plush bed, a sitting area, and a fireplace. The en-suite bathroom, with dual vanities and a spa-like shower, further adds to the comfort. Each bedroom has unique design elements that cater to the preferences of its occupants.
Features Other Than a Regular House
Other prominent features of the house include a fully equipped gym with cardio machines and other equipment, a climate-controlled wine cellar, and a luxurious spa with a sauna. A superb theatre with a comfortable seating system, large screen, and top-notch sound system completes this luxurious house.
Guest House
To cater to the guests, there is a separate guest house within the house, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, but with a private entrance.
Outdoors
Well-kept gardens with a seating area, an infinity pool, and an outdoor kitchen make the outdoor area perfect for personal time and gatherings.