0_Apprentice
So... Nike is obviously this big company, right? But where did it all start? How did they become so dominant in the athletic world?
1_Wizard
Great questions.  It was founded on January 25, 1964.  It was actually called Blue Ribbon Sports, at first.  On May 30, 1971, it became Nike.
0_Apprentice
Blue Ribbon Sports? I had never heard that. I wonder why the name change--although it's good that they did that, because it sounds much better. Are there any other obscure facts? That one was fun!
1_Wizard
in 2014, the brand was valued at $19 billion.  In 2017, that value was increased to $29.6 billion.  Over a $10 billion jump in only three years.  
0_Apprentice
That's a crazy rise. I knew they were dominant, but I had no idea it was that dominant. And I figured they had already done most of their big growing, but they're still growing that large in the middle 2000s? Interesting. What else can you tell me?
1_Wizard
As far as interesting facts go, the change from Blue Ribbon to Nike was one of mythical proportions ... sort of.  The name Nike was chosen from the Greek Goddess Nike, whose name means Victory.  
0_Apprentice
I see.. this is all really interesting to me, because I never cared to learn that much detail about Nike. I just thought it was a big company, and that's it. The name etymology is very cool sounding. What's another obscure thing I may not know?
1_Wizard
Nike markets all of its products under its own name.  Nike is Nike, but its brands always follow Nike with few exceptions.  There is Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, etc.  But then there is Air Jordan.  So, most of the items keep the brand name, but a few diverge.  
0_Apprentice
Yeah, I've heard of Air Jordan before. I guess with an athlete as prolific as Michael Jordan, exceptions can be made. Next time you'll have to fill me in about the logo and its origins, as it fascinates me that it's so eye-catching yet unique and simple.
1_Wizard
True.  It is amazing to see their dominance.  One example of that branding is from a company called Bauer Hockey.  It was once owned by Cole Haan and Umbro.  When Nike rebranded it, they changed the name from Bauer Hockey to Nike Bauer.  