Rob Strasser was a visionary leader in the sports apparel industry, who played a pivotal role in the success of both Nike and Adidas. He was involved in the launch of the iconic Air Jordan line at Nike, and later helped revitalize Adidas as a major competitor. His net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death in 1993. How did he achieve such a remarkable feat? Let’s take a look at his career and legacy.
From Lawyer to Marketing Director
Strasser was born in Milwaukie, Oregon, in 1947. He graduated from Willamette University and UC Berkeley School of Law. He started his career as a lawyer in Portland, where he represented Nike (then known as Blue Ribbon Sports) in a legal dispute with a Japanese manufacturer. He impressed Nike’s founder Phil Knight with his skills and personality, and was hired as Nike’s marketing director in 1973.
The Air Jordan Revolution
As Nike’s marketing director, Strasser had a keen sense of brand identity and consumer trends. He also believed in the power of individual athletes as symbols of excellence and aspiration. He was instrumental in Nike’s strategy to challenge Adidas, its main rival, and to expand into European markets.
One of his most notable achievements was the launch of the Air Jordan line, which featured the rising star Michael Jordan as the face of the brand. Strasser and his team convinced Jordan to sign with Nike, despite his preference for Adidas, and created a shoe line that revolutionized the industry. The Air Jordan line became the most profitable and influential product in Nike’s history, generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating a cultural phenomenon.
The Adidas Comeback
In 1987, Strasser left Nike due to ideological differences with Phil Knight. He partnered with Peter Moore, another former Nike executive, and started a consulting firm called Sports Inc. They helped new companies develop their brands and products, such as Avia and Starbury.
In 1989, Strasser and Moore received an offer from Adidas, the company they had once helped Nike defeat. Adidas was struggling to compete with Nike and needed a fresh vision. Strasser and Moore accepted the challenge and moved Adidas’s North American headquarters to Portland.
Their strategy was to focus on the core values and heritage of Adidas, and to create products that appealed to the loyal fans and new customers. They developed two successful lines: Equipment, which emphasized performance and innovation, and Originals, which celebrated the classic and retro styles. They also signed deals with prominent athletes, such as David Beckham and Kobe Bryant. Strasser and Moore’s efforts helped Adidas regain its market share and reputation as a leading sports brand.
The Legacy of Rob Strasser
Strasser died of a heart attack in 1993, at the age of 46. He left behind a legacy of creativity and leadership that shaped the sports apparel industry. He was portrayed by Jason Bateman in the 2023 movie Air, which depicted the story of the Air Jordan deal.
Strasser’s net worth reflected his achievements and contributions to both Nike and Adidas. He earned around $150,000 a year at Nike, and also profited from the company’s public offering. He was 33 and already a millionaire. He also received $24 million from Adidas for his consulting services and ownership stake. He was passionate about his work and dedicated to his vision.
Rob Strasser was a man who changed the game for Nike and Adidas, and for the millions of fans who wore their products. He was a pioneer, a rebel, and a legend.