Kevin Plank is a self-made man. The business tycoon and founder of Under Armour returned to his alma mater — the University of Maryland — to deliver the commencement speech to the graduating class of 2016. As expected, Plank used the opportunity to educate the grads on the history of his company and the brand's humble beginnings in the basement of his grandmother's house. UA's CEO also shares the life lessons he learned along the way to starting his billion dollar business and the reasons he only wants to sign "underdog athletes" to his brand. "Four years ago, we signed three underdogs in three very different sports… Recently, they've all three begun to make a bit of considerable noise," he said. "Jordan Spieth, Misty Copeland and Stephen Curry represent the essence and spirit of Under Armour. They embody passion. And yes, even with all of their —success they still see themselves as underdogs. But differently than maybe others think of them."
See the full commencement speech (without having to pay U of M tuition) in the video above. Plank's portion starts at around the 1:48 mark.
