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Who Is The Owner Of Under Armour

Alright, gather 'round, 'cause we're diving into the world of sportswear, and we're gonna talk about the brains behind Under Armour. You know, the brand that's been keeping athletes cool and dry since the '90s. So, who's the mastermind behind all that sweat-wicking magic?

Meet Kevin Plank

Our man is none other than Kevin Plank, a guy who's as passionate about sports as he is about business. Born in 1972, Kevin grew up in Maryland, where he played football and lacrosse. He was always a hustler, even selling newspapers as a kid. But little did he know, his big break would come from a simple t-shirt.

You see, Kevin wasn't always a billionaire sportswear mogul. No, no, he was once a humble University of Maryland football player. And it was during those sweaty practices that he had an aha! moment. He was tired of changing out of his sweat-soaked cotton t-shirts and into dry compression shorts. So, he thought, "Why not make a shirt that wicks away moisture?" And thus, the seed of Under Armour was planted.

From T-Shirt to Empire

After graduation, Kevin worked for a pro football team. But his mind was always buzzing with that lightbulb idea. So, in 1996, he took a $20,000 loan from his grandmother and turned his t-shirt dream into a reality. He started Under Armour in his grandmother's basement, with just eight styles of shirts.

But here's where things get interesting. Kevin didn't just sit around waiting for orders to roll in. No, he was a one-man sales machine. He'd drive around, trunk full of shirts, knocking on doors, pitching to anyone who'd listen. He even slept in his office for a while to save money. Talk about dedication!

Under Armour Takes Off

Word spread about Kevin's magical moisture-wicking shirts. Athletes loved them, and soon, Under Armour was the talk of the sports world. By 2000, the brand was making $5 million in sales. And guess who was still driving around, trunk full of shirts? Yep, Kevin. He was hands-on like that.

Under Armour CEO and Founder Kevin Plank Stepping DownUnder Armour CEO and Founder Kevin Plank Stepping Down

Then came the big break. In 2005, Under Armour signed a deal with NFL star Tom Brady. The rest, as they say, is history. Under Armour became a household name, and Kevin became a billionaire. But he didn't stop there. Oh no, he had bigger plans.

From Sports to Tech

Kevin saw the future, and it was digital. He started investing in tech, buying companies like MapMyFitness and Endomondo. He even created the Under Armour Connected Fitness platform, which tracks your workouts and gives you personalized coaching. Talk about a smart move!

But here's the thing about Kevin. He's not just about the money. He's about inspiring people to be their best. He's all about "I Will" - that's Under Armour's mantra. It's about setting goals and crushing them. And Kevin's a walking, talking "I Will." He didn't just build a sportswear empire; he built it from the ground up, one sweaty t-shirt at a time.

Under Armour Founder Kevin Plank's Top 8 Quotes |Small Business SenseUnder Armour Founder Kevin Plank's Top 8 Quotes |Small Business Sense

Kevin Today

Today, Kevin's still at the helm of Under Armour, serving as the Executive Chairman. He's stepped back from day-to-day operations, but he's still very much involved. He's also a philanthropist, supporting causes like the Wounded Warrior Project and the University of Maryland's business school.

And you know what? Despite all his success, Kevin's still just a regular guy. He loves spending time with his family, playing sports, and cheering on his beloved Baltimore Ravens. He's even been known to drive a school bus for his kids' lacrosse team. Now that's a boss we can get behind!

So there you have it, folks. The story of Kevin Plank, the man behind Under Armour. It's a tale of sweat, determination, and a whole lot of "I Will." And isn't that just the most inspiring thing you've heard all day?