Nike was founded in 1960 in Oregon by Phil Knight and Bowerman. It has grown from a small startup to a global brand covering the US and international markets. Nike focuses on performance and quality in its products while also prioritizing fashion. It builds brand equity through endorsements of top athletes, which helps drive sales and loyalty. Nike tailors its marketing and sponsorships to different cultural markets around the world. Sponsorships are vital to Nike's success in building its initial customer base and occupying mind share. However, some aggressive marketing messages were not well received in all markets. Fashion is also an important part of Nike's brand identity and product line.