Imagine stepping into the heart of one of the world’s most iconic brands—Nike’s global headquarters. For Ben Ehlert, known as Bouncy Ben on Instagram, a professional dunker with a vertical jump just inches away from the world record, that dream became a reality.
A small-town athlete who once aspired to be a professional basketball player, Ben’s visit to Nike wasn’t just about meeting the people behind the brand—it was about creating the connections that could shape his future. His visit to Nike HQ became a career-defining experience and showed him how far passion, persistence, and adaptability can take you.
Dennis & Ben at Nike HQ.
Ben’s Journey to Nike HQ: A Dream Came True
Ben didn’t always see himself as a professional dunker. Early on, he had dreams of making it as a basketball player, but things didn’t work out as planned. He wasn’t fast enough to be the star player, so instead of giving up, Ben shifted his focus to dunking—a skill he was naturally gifted at. This shift was a turning point in his journey.
It’s a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, the key to success is being adaptable and willing to change direction when things don’t go as expected.
This flexibility is exactly what got Ben to Nike HQ. His journey from riding the bench to breaking dunking records is a testament to the idea that it’s okay to pursue something different, as long as you’re passionate about it. Ben’s story shows that there are many different paths to success, and it’s all about embracing the unexpected.
Bouncy Ben at Nike HQ, all set to dunk.
For Ben, who once dreamt of wearing Nike shoes while playing basketball, being at the heart of the company that shaped sports culture was a full-circle moment.
The highlight of Ben’s visit was meeting the designers and visionaries who shaped the iconic products that fueled his passion. He had the chance to interact with the creative minds behind shoes worn by legends like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
Behind the scenes at Nike HQ: Dennis, Ben, and Tanya.
What surprised Ben the most was how kind and approachable these industry giants were. They treated him as an equal, asking about his work and genuinely showing interest in his story. This level of humility and approachability is a core value that Nike fosters among its people, and Ben saw it firsthand. Even the highest levels of success didn’t stop these people from being grounded and kind.
The Legacy of Nike: Lessons from Phil Knight
One of the most impactful moments of Ben’s visit was learning about Nike’s origin story. At Nike HQ, Ben stood in front of the original building where it all began—the very space where Phil Knight, the company’s founder, once worked.
To think that Knight, at the age of 90, still works in the same office is a surreal reminder of the dedication and commitment required to build something as massive as Nike. Knight’s unwavering belief in his company and its values has not only made Nike a global powerhouse but has also created a legacy that continues to inspire athletes and entrepreneurs around the world.
For Ben, it was a humbling experience to realize that Nike’s success didn’t come overnight. It was built from the ground up, starting with just an idea and a small team of passionate individuals. Today, Nike stands as a multi-billion-dollar company, and its culture of hard work, persistence, and adaptability continues to define its path forward. It was a reminder for Ben that his own journey—no matter how unconventional—could one day lead to something just as impactful.
Dennis and Ben connecting with the team at Nike HQ.
How Ben’s Experience Mirrors Nike’s Success
Ben’s experience at Nike HQ highlighted a crucial lesson that parallels Nike’s journey to success: being adaptable and willing to take risks. Just as Nike grew from a small business selling shoes out of a van to a global leader in sportswear, Ben’s journey from a young, hopeful athlete to a professional dunker is a story of transformation and perseverance.
Ben’s visit wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a reminder of what’s possible when you stay true to your passion and remain open to unexpected opportunities. The story of Nike is one of overcoming obstacles and believing in something bigger than yourself. It’s about breaking barriers and finding new ways to reach the top.
A key element in Ben’s success has been his use of social media. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube helped him showcase his unique talents to a wider audience. Initially, Ben introduced himself as a pharmacy student, but over time, he began to call himself a professional dunker, fully embracing his identity. This change in how he presented himself led to increased recognition and opened up new doors.
Social media has allowed Ben to connect with people who share his passion, expand his audience, and take his career to new heights. His experience shows that with dedication and consistency, you can use social media to build a personal brand and create new opportunities.
At Nike HQ, I introduced Ben to some of the brightest minds in the industry—people who had worked on products for athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Through these interactions, Ben learned the value of mentorship and networking. These connections gave him insights into the industry and helped him see the bigger picture. Ben’s experience highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
Key Takeaways: Practical Advice for Aspiring Young Adults
For young adults trying to figure out their next move, Ben’s journey is proof that success isn’t always a straight path. If you have a dream, no matter how unconventional, pursue it with passion and commitment. Take action, even if you don’t have all the answers.
Ben’s visit to Nike serves as a powerful reminder that opportunities often come when you least expect them. Sometimes, the best experiences—like meeting the people who built Nike—are the result of a series of small, bold steps.
Ben’s story teaches us that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities arise when you are true to your passions and open to new possibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, entrepreneur, or creative, remember that your journey is unique, and it’s okay to take detours along the way.
So, take that first step. Reach out to those who inspire you. Leverage your social media presence, embrace your unique talents, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The path to success might surprise you—just as it did for Ben when he walked into Nike HQ.
