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It's spring 1971 outside a factory in Guadalajara, Mexico

33-year-old Phil Knight stands near a small makeshift field and watches a group of workers enjoy a pickup game of soccer

Phil hopes this factory and its workers are the answer to a crisis at his shoe company Blue Ribbon Sports

A few weeks back Phil's Japanese manufacturer, Onitsuka, gave Phil an ultimatum

Accept a buyout or lose the ability to distribute on its Sukas products

Phil has no intention of giving up control of his company

So he's here in Mexico to find an alternative manufacturer who can make a brand new product line exclusively for Blue Ribbon Sports

As one of the workers scores a goal, the manager of the factory approaches Phil from behind

So Mr. Knight, what do you think of the tour? I enjoyed it very much

And our factory? Well the truth is I have no idea

I'm a shoe importer not a manufacturer so I don't know how to tell a good factory from a bad one

But I know a superior product when I see it

Right now my company exclusively sells Onitsuka Tigers from Japan

But I'd like to make my own

You think you can help with that?

The manager smiles

Of course, prior to the 68 Olympics in Mexico City, we did work for Adidas

All the athletic shoes they sold during the games were made here

We delivered them on time and for a fair price much cheaper than in Europe

Well that's good to hear

So if I placed in order with you how soon could you have them ready?

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