Out of Nowhere

How does a boy from a small Oregon farm town get swept up in the politics of his chosen sport? Out of Nowhere takes the reader along on Geoff Hollister’s 33 year journey at the center of Nike, the company that would change not only the world of athletic shoes and apparel but the business of sport itself. Nike began with a handshake and a few hundred dollars passed between Phil Knight and legendary track coach Bill Bowerman. Hollister was coached by him at the University of Oregon and was Bowerman’s pick as Nike’s third employee. Before he had even graduated Hollister began selling shoes out of the trunk of his car for Blue Ribbon Sports, the company that became Nike. Out of Nowhere provides an inside look for the entrepreneur, from someone who experienced the humble beginnings, lived and breathed the first 33 years of Nike, now the largest sports and fitness company in the world. Hollister takes you on the rollercoaster ride of success and failure. SOME INTERESTING QUOTES Delightful insights and surprises fill the pages. The message is one of hope: it is still possible for a team of individuals, led by someone with integrity, to be successful beyond imagination—even when coming out of nowhere. Jeff Galloway, author of Galloway’s Book on Running Geoff’s stories of his legacy with Nike illustrate the essence of American ingenuity and how it really can change the world for the better. Frank Marshall, film producer and director Out of Nowhere is a life journey with magic moments ... about believing and reaching out to human potential. Joaquim Cruz, Olympic champion Geoff Hollister was there at the beginning. He has written with great observation and insight about the early days at Nike, his relationships with Bill Bowerman and some of the greatest track and field athletes of the last 35 years. But more than that, he has touched on themes of friendship, loyalty and leadership. I saw many of these same events, but looking at them through a different set of eyes made for a great read. Philip Knight, Nike Founder, Chairman of the Board Out of Nowhere captures stories in a fascinating way and provides valuable business lessons to students and others around the world. Karen Collins, Ph.D, Professor Lehigh University The world knows Nike by the swoosh, and by the athletes who wear Nike's shoes, but this is the heartfelt, startlingly personal,candid account of the individual employees who, empowered and inspired by great leadership, and tending to the nitty gritty details, make the company run and run, realizing there is no finish line. Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic champion