Nike, one of the largest sports companies in the world, has had a historic impact on the world of sports for over 50 years. Nike's mission is simple: "to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world." Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, realized the incredible possibilities of human potential in sports. He understood that every person who has a body is an athlete and with this philosophy he founded not only one of the largest sports companies in the world, but also one of the most influential. Today, Nike employs more than 35,000 people on six continents and operates in more than 160 countries. Not only has the company become one of the largest sports companies in the world, but it also owns several subsidiaries, including: Cole Haan, Converse Inc., Hurley International LLC., Nike GOLF, Umbro Ltd. and Nike Jordan. Nike continues to grow and fulfill its mission every year by making better products. Many people wonder how Nike manages to make such great improvements to the product line year after year. They do this by working with athletes to make products for athletes. The approach Nike has taken has set itself apart from other athletic companies active today, but Nike hasn't always been such an influential company. It all started more than fifty years ago with the Blue Ribbon Sports company and a handshake between Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. During the 1950s, Bill Bowerman was a nationally acclaimed track and field coach at the University of Oregon. He was well known at the time for his experimentation with his runners' equipment to help give them a competitive edge. He tried different track surfaces, different hydrating drinks and, most importantly, shoes. Bowerm...... center of sheet ......tory/>."History and chronology of Nike." American Studies at the University of Virginia. Network. February 14, 2012. "NIKE, Inc. - About NIKE, Inc." NIKE, Inc. - The official corporate website of Nike and its affiliated brands. Network. February 14, 2012. "The Brief History of Nike, Nike Advertising, and the Nike «American Persona» Brands. American person. Network. February 14, 2012. "The Shoe Game: The Story of Nike." TheShoeGame.com - Sneakers and information. Network. February 14, 2012. .Strasser, JB, and Laurie Becklund. Swoosh: The Unauthorized History of Nike and the Men Who Played There. New York: HarperBusiness, 1993. Print.