Rudolf Dassler Biography

Rudolf Dassler was a German businessman who founded the sportswear company ‘Puma.’ He is the elder brother of Adolf Dassler, better known as founder of the multinational corporation ‘Adidas.’ As a youngster, Dassler started working at the shoe factory where his father worked. Although born into a poor family, Dassler showed entrepreneurial skills from his early days. It was only after the end of the World War I, that he was able to fulfill his dreams of being an entrepreneur. He teamed up with his brother, Adolf, to start a company for manufacturing shoes. It was named ‘Gebruder Dassler Schuhfabrik.’ They manufactured track shoes and football boots. They achieved moderate success with the business. The brothers were supporters of the ‘Nazi Party,’ formed by Hitler. During World War II, Rudolf Dassler was called for duty, while Adolf Dassler managed the business. When the war was over, there was a fall-out between the brothers, which led to the company being split up. Adolf Dassler started a new company named ‘Adidas,’ while Rudolf Dassler started the company ‘Ruda.’ Later, it was renamed ‘Puma.’ Several renowned athletes and soccer players favored ‘Puma’ and helped the company gain international acceptance. Dassler breathed his last at the age of 76, after a battle with lung cancer. Though ‘Puma’ was established by Rudolf Dassler, the company gained worldwide success only under the leadership of his son, Armin Dassler.