Kevin Plank’s Success Story and Way of Work

Kevin Plank is the founder and former CEO of Under Armour, a sports clothing and accessories company. Plank’s story is often cited as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship, as he built a global brand from scratch.

Plank was born in Kensington, Maryland in 1972. He grew up in a family of five siblings and played football at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. After graduating from high school, Plank attended the University of Maryland, where he played football and studied business.

While still in college, Plank began to develop the idea for Under Armour. He noticed that his cotton T-shirts became soaked with sweat during football practice, so he started to experiment with fabrics that would wick away moisture. Plank eventually settled on a synthetic material that was lightweight and breathable, and he began to make T-shirts that would keep athletes cool and dry.

In 1996, Plank launched Under Armour out of his grandmother’s basement in Washington, D.C. He started with just $40,000 in personal savings and sold his products out of the trunk of his car. The company’s breakthrough moment came when a number of NFL teams began wearing Under Armour shirts and other apparel.

From there, Under Armour grew rapidly. The company went public in 2005, and by 2010, it had surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue. Plank became a billionaire and a household name in the world of athletics.

Plank stepped down as CEO of Under Armour in 2020, but he remains involved with the company as its executive chairman. Today, Under Armour is one of the world’s leading sports apparel brands, with a global presence and a loyal following of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Overall, Kevin Plank’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. He turned a simple idea into a global brand, and he continues to inspire entrepreneurs around the world with his story of success.

Kevin Plank is known for his innovative and entrepreneurial approach to business. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Here are a few key aspects of Plank’s way of working:

Focus on solving a problem: Plank’s idea for Under Armour grew out of a personal need - he wanted to create a T-shirt that would keep him cool and dry during football practice. He was focused on solving a specific problem, and that focus helped him create a product that resonated with athletes around the world.

Move quickly and decisively: Plank has often emphasized the importance of moving quickly in business. He believes that entrepreneurs need to be decisive and willing to take risks in order to succeed. This mindset helped him launch Under Armour quickly and grow the company rapidly.

Emphasize innovation: Under Armour is known for its innovative products, and Plank has always emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve. He encourages his team to think creatively and to come up with new ideas that will set the company apart from its competitors.

Surround yourself with talented people: Plank understands that he can’t build a successful company on his own. He has worked hard to recruit talented people to work with him, and he has built a strong team that is focused on achieving the company’s goals.

Stay focused on the customer: Finally, Plank has always emphasized the importance of putting the customer first. He believes that every decision the company makes should be guided by a desire to create products that athletes will love and that will help them perform at their best. This customercentric approach has helped Under Armour build a strong brand and a loyal following.