Rudolf Dassler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rudolf Dassler
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| Born | 26 March 1898 Herzogenaurach, Kingdom of Bavaria, German Empire
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| Died | 27 October 1974 (aged 76) Herzogenaurach, West Germany
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| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Founder of Puma |
| Political party | Nazi Party (former member) |
| Partner(s) | Friedl Dassler |
| Parent(s) | Christoph Dassler (father) Pauline Dassler (mother) |
| Relatives | Adolf Dassler (brother) |
Rudolf "Rudi" Dassler (born March 26, 1898, in Herzogenaurach, Germany – died October 27, 1974, in Herzogenaurach) was a German businessman. He founded the well-known sportswear company Puma. He was also the older brother of Adidas founder, Adolf "Adi" Dassler. The brothers first worked together in a shoe company. Adi started it, and it was called "Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik" (meaning "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory"). Rudi joined the business in 1924. However, after a big disagreement between Rudolf and Adolf Dassler, especially after World War II, the brothers decided to go their separate ways. In 1948, they each started their own companies.
Rudolf first named his new company "Ruda." This name was a mix of his first and last names: Rudolf Dassler. But soon, he changed it to its current name, Puma. The word "Puma" comes from the Quechua language. It is the native word for a cougar, a type of wild cat. This name then became used in German and other languages.
Contents
Rudolf Dassler's Story
Starting a Shoe Business
Rudolf's younger brother, Adolf Dassler, began making sports shoes. He started in his mother's kitchen after he came back from World War I. Their father, Christoph, helped him. Christoph worked in a shoe factory. Also, the Zehlein brothers helped. They made the metal spikes for track shoes in their blacksmith's shop. In 1924, Rudolf joined the business. It then became the "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory." Rudolf was sometimes called 'Bobby.' This was because 'Bobby' was the only sound he could make when he was a very young child.
Brothers Go Separate Ways
During the 1930s, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party became powerful in Germany. Both Dassler brothers joined the Nazi Party. Rudolf was thought to be more strongly involved with the party.
During World War II, the disagreement between the brothers grew. It reached a breaking point in 1943. An Allied bomb attack happened. Adi and his wife went into a bomb shelter. Rudolf and his family were already there. This event made their relationship worse. Later, American troops captured Rudolf. They suspected he was part of a special group called the SS. It was believed that Adolf had given this information to the Americans. This led to the brothers splitting their business.
Puma's Journey
Under Rudolf's leadership, Puma stayed a smaller, local company. It only became a famous worldwide company later. This happened when his son, Armin Dassler, took over the business.
Rudolf's Later Life
Rudi Dassler passed away on October 27, 1974. He was 76 years old. He died from lung cancer.
