Adolf Dassler

Entrepreneur

Birthday November 3, 1900

Birth Sign Scorpio

Birthplace Herzogenaurach, Germany

DEATH DATE Sep 6, 1978 (77)

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About

German entrepreneur best remembered as the founder of the sportswear company Adidas. He brought the company to international prominence by equipping athletes with Adidas gear during the Olympic Games, beginning in the 1920s.

Before Fame

He was born in the town of Herzogenaurach and trained as a cobbler after World War I. He originally founded Adidas as the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory along with his brother in 1924.

Trivia

He was a member of the Nazi Party and designed boots for the unified armed forces of Germany during World War II.

Family Life

His older brother is Puma founder Rudolf Dassler.

Associated With

Runner Jesse Owens won four gold medals wearing Adidas shoes at the 1936 Summer Olympics.