#123 Albert Champion RecordSetting Racer to Dashing Tycoon

Albert Champion, born into poverty in Paris in 1878, rose from an errand boy to a celebrated cyclist and later a tycoon in the burgeoning automobile industry. His relentless work ethic, shaped by the early death of his father and the need to support his family, led him to become a professional racer, immigrating to the U.S. and eventually transitioning into automobile manufacturing. Champion's innovative spirit and commitment to self-improvement saw him co-found Champion Ignition Company and AC Spark Plug division, both becoming industry giants. Despite his professional success, Champion's personal life was tumultuous, marked by affairs and a workaholic nature that strained relationships. His untimely death at 49, following a violent altercation spurred by infidelity, ended a life of remarkable ascent from rags to riches.

• Albert Champion was born in Paris in 1878.
• At age twelve, following his father's death, he became the breadwinner for his family.
• His father, Alexander, was a working-class man who died of pneumonia at age 47.
• Albert's mother, Marie, was a washerwoman, and the family was very poor, consuming horse meat.
• Albert lost his childhood innocence due to the early responsibility placed upon him.
• The experience of becoming the family's provider at a young age shaped Albert's character and work ethic.
• He threw himself into work, planning new projects, and eventually built a business with factories in three countries.

"For the rest of his life, he threw himself into work, forever escaping into the task at hand, keeping busy, always planning new projects."

This quote highlights Champion's relentless work ethic and his drive to keep busy as a means of coping with his father's death and the responsibilities that followed.

• Champion ended formal schooling at twelve, a common practice for impoverished families.
• He initially worked as an acrobat performing outside a bike shop, which led to his interest in cycling.
• He was employed by Henry, a civil engineer, to perform acrobatics to attract customers.
• Champion was a natural showman and was committed to self-improvement.
• His dedication to mastering the unicycle led to other businesses hiring him for performances.
• He learned the value of self-improvement and applied it throughout his life.

"Champion had discovered the value of self-improvement. He would apply that principle again and again."

The quote emphasizes the importance of self-improvement in Champion's life and his realization that it was a key to success.

• Champion became a professional bicycle racer, quickly gaining success and becoming a young celebrity.
• His life story is pieced together from journal articles and obituaries.
• He enjoyed immense popularity and wealth from his racing career.
• The press was keen to capture his actions and quotes, similar to today's young celebrities.

"What little is known of champion's childhood can be gleaned from a lifetime of journal articles and an outpouring of hundreds of french and english obituaries with recollections from friends, fellow athletes, and auto executives on both sides of the Atlantic."

This quote indicates the level of fame Champion achieved and the impact of his career on his life narrative, as reflected in the extensive coverage after his death.

• Adolf Clement was a poor French orphan who became a successful bicycle and automobile manufacturer.
• Clement recognized the potential of bicycles to transform transportation and invested in Dunlop tires.
• He leveraged every deal for maximum payback, including securing an exclusive license for Dunlop tires in France.
• Clement's success story and seizing of opportunities inspired Champion.

"Investing in the Dunlop pneumatic tire company was risky. The product was untried. It was just a prototype. It had no demand. The former locksmith wrote a check for 500 francs to buy 100 shares in the company."

This quote illustrates Clement's willingness to take risks on innovative products, a trait that influenced Champion's own business ventures.

• The Paris-Brest-Paris race was a 750-mile event that influenced Champion's approach to competition.
• A rumor during the race led one cyclist, Lavelle, to rest, while another, Tarant, continued without stopping.
• Champion identified with Tarant, who came from a similar background and won through willpower and physical strength.
• The race taught Champion the importance of mental fortitude and not falling for distractions or deceptions.

"Champion learned that Taron had grown up in the cramped, congested slums of central Parish, just like champion did. A chord struck that with champion, that Tarant came from nothing. He was a nobody, just like champion. Yet through the force of willpower, keeping his wits under extreme physical demands that made Laval give in, and drawing on the strength of his body, Tarant turned into a grand winner."

This quote shows the lesson Champion took from Tarant's victory: that success can come from determination and resilience, regardless of one's background.

• Champion witnessed Tarant's celebrated feat of cycling from Paris to Brest and back, inspiring him to seek similar glory.
• Parisians' adulation and collective fascination with Tarant's achievement motivated Champion, who was poor and yearning for recognition.
• Champion saw Tarant, who had a similar background, as a role model, believing that he too could attain glory through cycling.

"So this idea about the adulation of Parisians seeking glory, collective fascination, these are huge motivators for a young, still poor champion."

The quote illustrates the impact of public admiration and fame on Champion's ambition to succeed as a cyclist, similar to Tarant's celebrated achievement.

• At 17, Champion left his job teaching cycling to work for Adolf Clement, which marked a significant turning point in his life.
• Working for Clement provided Champion with a wealth of knowledge, serving as a blueprint for his future endeavors.
• Clement's employment terms included both racing and working in the factory, which taught Champion valuable lessons about business and advertising.

"17 year old champion gave up the job of instructing clients how to ride. He left to present himself to Clement."

The quote emphasizes Champion's decision to leave his teaching job and seek employment with Adolf Clement, reflecting a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.

• Champion learned the importance of getting good value for money and the significance of advertising from Clement.
• Clement's shrewd business practices, such as not relying on a single printer, influenced Champion's later business strategies.
• The mentorship between Clement and Champion began with Clement recognizing Champion's potential and providing guidance.

"Clement ordered couriers to expedite the posters to printers. Clement was shrewd about how he spent money."

This quote highlights Clement’s strategic approach to business, which Champion observed and later emulated in his own career.

• Champion's relentless work ethic stemmed from his difficult childhood and his determination to rescue his mother from poverty.
• His drive for success was fueled by the promise of wealth through cycling, avoiding the fear of returning to impoverished conditions.
• Champion's admiration for Clement's work ethic and prioritization of business over family influenced his own life choices.

"So champion, from the time he was a very, very young boy to the time the day he dies, is a complete and utter workaholic."

This quote describes Champion's lifelong dedication to his work, which was rooted in his early life experiences and ambition to escape poverty.

• Clement foresaw the rise of automobiles and strategically invested in the industry, equipping his autos with Dunlop tires.
• Champion observed Clement's ability to anticipate market trends and the importance of innovation and diversification.
• Clement's visit to US bicycle companies and adoption of machine stamping techniques demonstrated to Champion the need to stay competitive and embrace new methods.

"Clement invested heavily in the company and made sure that his autos were equipped with Dunlops."

The quote shows Clement's strategic investment decisions, which Champion took note of as he learned about business and innovation.

• Racing provided Champion with financial support for his family and personal ego gratification.
• His aggressive racing style and desire for public approval reflected his deep-seated need for recognition and success.
• Champion's approach to racing was influenced by his personal circumstances and his ambition to dominate the field.

"Racing was about making money for the dual compelling needs that invigorated him."

The quote captures Champion's motivations for racing: providing for his family and seeking the ego boost that came with public acclaim.

• Champion initially resisted training with Choppy Walburton but eventually embraced his philosophy of enduring strenuous training to excel in racing.
• Walburton's training not only prepared Champion physically but also instilled a belief in the importance of mental and physical fitness.
• Choppy's influence extended beyond training, serving as a father figure and expanding Champion's outlook on life and work.

"No matter what game a man is in, he is only as big as the amount of punishment he is able to take."

This quote reflects the training philosophy Champion adopted from Walburton, emphasizing resilience and the connection between physical and mental fitness.

• Champion's interactions with Clement and the lessons learned from him led to Champion's aspiration to become the next Adolf Clement.
• Clement's mentorship played a significant role in shaping Champion's future ambitions and approach to business and innovation.
• The sharing of knowledge and experience between Clement and Champion exemplified the multiplying power of mentorship.

"Albert Champion intended to grow up and become the next Adolf Clement."

The quote signifies Champion's ultimate goal to mirror the success and business acumen of his mentor, Adolf Clement.

• Champion was known for his generosity and responsibility towards his family, yet he had a complex personality.
• Unlike others who viewed cycling as a pastime, Champion treated it professionally due to the necessity of supporting his family.
• Champion's personality traits and approach to cycling were observed and reported by journalists like Breyer, who noted his multifaceted character.

"Cycling was a pastime for Breyer and multitudes of others, but champion treated it as a profession."

This quote distinguishes Champion's serious and professional attitude towards cycling from those who engaged in it merely as a leisure activity.

• Facing a dilemma between military draft and a lucrative opportunity in America, Champion chose to emigrate to avoid interrupting his career.
• Charles Herman Metz's offer to Champion to race and help develop a motorcycle led to Champion's significant role in the nascent auto industry.
• Metz's vision of an affordable motorcycle for the working class paralleled Henry Ford's approach to automobiles, with Champion playing a key role in design and development.

"Metz had hired champion to race for him and to aid in his plan to shift from manufacturing bicycles to manufacturing automobiles."

The quote highlights the transitional phase in Champion's career, where he moved from cycling to contributing to the early development of the motorcycle and auto industry in America.

• The motorcycle prototype was revolutionary due to its affordability ($250) compared to American cars at the time.
• The prototype was lightweight at 105 pounds, marking a significant advancement in individual motor-powered transportation.

"So they want to sell this motorcycle for about $250. This is before, eventually, with Henry Ford's innovations in manufacturing." "This prototype motorcycle weighed only 105 pounds."

The quotes highlight the motorcycle's affordability and lightweight design, which were revolutionary for personal transportation at the time.

• Bicycle racing was highly lucrative, with top racers earning substantial sums.
• Champion, a top bicycle racer, earned the equivalent of $250,000 today, surpassing the earnings of famous baseball player Cy Young.
• Promoters offered up to 40% of ticket sales to marquee cyclists to attract competitors and audiences.

"Rough estimates of the winnings and salary for champion came to $9,000." "Promoters offered marquee cyclists to a portion of the receipts, usually up to 40%."

The quotes indicate the high earnings of bicycle racers and the promoters' strategies to attract top talent and audiences through significant financial incentives.

• Champion's transition to racing automobiles was a pivotal moment in his life.
• He suffered a severe accident during a race, which resulted in a permanent leg injury.
• Despite the injury, Champion was determined to continue his career in the burgeoning automobile industry.

"He cautioned, if you take it, Albert, be careful. It has no brakes." "She rolled over me and my legs went numb."

These quotes describe the dangerous nature of early automobile racing and the severe accident that Champion experienced, emphasizing his resilience and determination to overcome challenges.

• Champion aimed to capitalize on his fame and the growing auto industry by importing French automobile parts.
• He planned to finance his business by returning to France to race bicycles and win prize money.
• Champion's strategy involved starting as an importer before transitioning to manufacturing.

"Champion felt the onus to create his own business to serve America's mushrooming auto production." "In France, the purses were much bigger there, and he could win the money he needed in order to establish his own business."

The quotes detail Champion's entrepreneurial vision and his strategic approach to entering the American automobile industry through initial success in bicycle racing in France.

• Champion faced skepticism from peers and had to overcome his physical injury.
• His success in France allowed him to become the exclusive importer for Newport spark plugs.
• Champion's celebrity status was both an asset and a liability, leading to a partnership with the Stranahan family.

"I'm back in France to get the dough I need to go back there." "With your leg? Yes, with my leg. I'll just use one crank shorter than the other, that's all."

These quotes reflect Champion's determination to succeed despite physical and societal challenges, utilizing his fame and innovative solutions to achieve his goals.

• Champion's affair caused a rift with his business partners, the Stranahan family.
• The Stranahans' concern for their reputation ultimately led to the end of the partnership.
• Champion's independent nature clashed with the Stranahan family's Victorian values.

"The brazenness of his affair cracked open a rift between champion and the Stranahan family." "The frenchman, live by his own rules and behave like a pirate."

The quotes illustrate the personal and ethical conflicts that led to the dissolution of Champion's business partnership with the Stranahan family.

• Champion was disciplined and focused on time management and self-improvement.
• His encounter with Billy Durant was a turning point, leading to a partnership with Buick.
• Champion's never-satisfied attitude and desire for constant improvement were key to his success.

"I remember a salesman one time telling me that he knew the game from a to z." "The key to his success was that he was never satisfied with the product or the job he was doing."

These quotes reveal Champion's philosophy on work and improvement, which resonated with Durant and contributed to their successful collaboration in the auto industry.

• Champion's disagreements with the younger Stranahan brother, Robert, escalated to physical altercations.
• The partnership was unsustainable due to differing values and Champion's behavior.
• Champion's meeting with Durant offered a new opportunity, leading to his move to Flint and a profitable business venture.

"A fistfight between Albert and Robert was inevitable." "If he were quite sure that he could make a plug that would answer our purpose."

The quotes emphasize the tension within the partnership and Champion's readiness to seize new opportunities, which ultimately led to his collaboration with Durant and success in the auto industry.

• Adolf Clement was a mentor to Champion, who developed a small locksmith enterprise into a major automobile company.
• Champion quickly decided to leave for Michigan, seeing it as the emerging hub for automobile commerce.
• Within a year of moving to Flint, Michigan, Champion's company was financially successful.

Champion had paid back the initial investment. And had over $100,000 in the bank.

This quote indicates Champion's financial acumen and the swift success of his ignition company, which impressed his investors.

• Durant incorporated Champion's company as a partially owned subsidiary of General Motors.
• Champion was made president and awarded a quarter of the company's stock.
• The Champion Ignition Company produced spark plugs for prominent automobile brands.

Durant organized Champion's company as a partially owned subsidiary of General Motors. With champion as president, Durant awarded him one quarter of the stock.

The quote shows the strategic business move by Durant to integrate Champion's company into General Motors, highlighting Champion's leadership and the significance of his company's products.

• Champion was known for his twelve-hour workdays, often only leaving his desk for lunch.
• He had a forceful personality, was impatient, demanding, and strict about production schedules.

Champion launched his twelve hour work days by seating himself at his desk.

This quote reflects Champion's dedication to his work and his intense work ethic, which was integral to his success.

• Champion and Chevrolet, both French and sharing a passion for speed, became friends in Flint, Michigan.
• They had similar backgrounds, including surviving high-speed crashes and setting world records.
• Their friendship was strong, but a business fallout between Durant and Chevrolet was imminent.

Both men carried so many scars on their bodies that they could regal an audience over drinks with a catalog of outrageous stories about broken bones and mangled machines.

This quote illustrates the shared experiences and the bond between Champion and Chevrolet, which was rooted in their love for speed and adventure.

• Durant's strategy, later emulated by Alfred Sloan, was to create a niche market to compete with Ford.
• Louis Chevrolet and Durant had a disagreement over the vision for their cars, leading to Chevrolet's departure.

Louis Chevrolet and Billy Durant had different tastes.

This quote summarizes the differing business philosophies between Chevrolet and Durant, which ultimately led to their professional split.

• Champion earned a substantial income and royalties from patents, including a critical one for insulators and conductors.
• Despite his financial success, Champion made a grave personal error by attempting to have an affair with Chevrolet's wife, leading to a violent confrontation.

Champion does something dumb. Champion. While Louis working at the company that he's financing, champion goes to Louis' house to try to sleep with his wife.

The quote highlights a significant personal mistake by Champion that threatened his professional relationships and personal reputation.

• Champion invested heavily in research and development for better spark plugs.
• He believed in rigorous testing, personal engagement in sales, and continuous learning and adapting.
• Champion valued teamwork and saw his employees as collaborators.

To keep ahead of the race is what brings success. Albert Champion said.

This quote encapsulates Champion's philosophy that constant innovation and striving for improvement are key to success in business.

• Champion's domestic life was troubled, particularly with his second wife, Edna, who was unhappy living in Flint.
• His workaholic nature and prioritization of business over marriage led to marital strife.
• Champion's death at 49 was precipitated by a physical altercation stemming from discovering an affair involving his wife.

Work is Albert Champion's main pastime.

This quote reflects Champion's dedication to his work, which was both a source of success and personal conflict.

• By 1926, Champion held 25 U.S. patents and was expanding his product lines.
• Despite his tragic death, Champion's innovations and companies have left a lasting legacy in the automobile industry.
• Champion is remembered through various institutions and products that continue to bear his name.

From Aaron boy in Paris to millionaire automobile accessory manufacturer in America, the spark plug designs, dashboard speedometers and companies champions started have stood the test of time.

The quote summarizes Champion's rags-to-riches story and the enduring impact of his contributions to the automotive world.