Nike NKE

Founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman with a vision as ambitious as their sneaker designs, Nike has become the global juggernaut of athletic wear and the undisputed king of swooshes. Known for its relentless marketing prowess and iconic "Just Do It" mantra, Nike’s defining moments include the launch of the Air Jordan line—a sneaker so influential it could make Michael Jordan's career look like a footnote in basketball history. Valued in the hundreds of billions, Nike has sprinted to the forefront of both fashion and sports, but not without stumbling. The company’s path is paved with controversies from labor practices in sweatshops to accusations of cultural appropriation. Despite these setbacks, Nike’s impressive roster of endorsements—from Serena Williams to LeBron James—keeps its brand shiny and its stock in the green. Executives like former CEO Mark Parker and current boss John Donahoe have maneuvered Nike through highs and lows with a combination of market savvy and relentless ambition. In the relentless world of sports apparel, Nike remains the apex predator—sometimes reviled but never ignored.