Rudolf "Rudi" Dassler (26 March 1898 in Herzogenaurach, Germany – 27 October 1974 in Herzogenaurach) was the German founder of the sportswear company Puma and the older brother of Adidas founder, Adolf "Adi" Dassler. The brothers were partners in a shoe company Adi started, Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory). Rudi joined in 1924. However, after a feud developed between Rudolf and Adolf Dassler following World War II, the brothers went separate ways and started their own companies in 1948. Initially calling the new company "Ruda" (an acronym for Rudolf Dassler), it was soon changed to its present name of Puma. Puma is the native Quechua word for cougar, from there it went into German as well as other languages.
The dasslers grew up poor but were bound for greatness, both had great entrepreneurial skills and the drive for success. They worked many years together owning and operating the “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory”.
The Dasslers made their big breakthrough when they persuaded Olympic Athlete Jesse Owens to wear their shoe. Jesse Owens won 4 gold medals and the company gain great amounts of recognition. They joined the Nazi party with Hitler, which led to their seperation. Adolf was accused of providing information to the Americans from then the brother split and created two of the largest sportswear companies in the world today.