Name John Campion | ||
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John Joseph Campion (born January 17, 1963) is an Irish-American entrepreneur. In 1987, he founded Showpower, Inc., a California company that provided portable generators for the Rolling Stones, U2, Kiss and AC/DC. Campion currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer of APR Energy plc (LSE: APR).
Contents
- Early life
- Corporate Leadership
- The Campion Automotive Collection
- Philanthropy
- Awards and recognition
- Patents
- References
Early life
Born in Cork, Ireland, Campion was held back in primary school twice, failed secondary school exams, and did not attend college. At age 21, Campion emigrated to the United States with an airline ticket and $25 in his possession.
Corporate Leadership
Under the leadership of Campion, APR Energy specializes in the rapid deployment of electrical power-generating plants in areas of the world that have been struck by natural disasters or that are experiencing a shortage of energy. The modular power plants are typically constructed in a few months. Campion holds several patents for this technology. One such plant was assembled in 45 days following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a task that would normally require from three to four years to complete for a permanent power plant installation. It took APR Energy less than a month to deploy a power plant in Cyprus with the equivalent generating capacity to power approximately 120,000 American homes.
Other projects have been undertaken in Uruguay, Yemen, Senegal, Argentina, Libya and Botswana, among other countries. The company has received numerous awards for its technology.
From zero revenues at its founding, APR Energy has grown to $486 million in revenues, projected for 2014. The company employs more than 150 people in Jacksonville and over 850 internationally. In 2014, the company was valued at $1.2 billion.
The Campion Automotive Collection
Campion assembled a stable of Lancias. His collection includes seven models that have each raced in the World Rally Championship (WRC):
His Lancia collection has been displayed at the 2015 Concours d’Elegance on Amelia Island, Florida. Campion’s complete car collection also includes Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and Porsches.
Philanthropy
Campion helped to launch Team Ireland along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the President of Motorsport Ireland. The Team Ireland Foundation is a national program designed to support young drivers in the sports of rallying, racing and carting. Campion is involved with the University of North Florida’s Osprey SAE Student Race Team. The UNF Osprey Student Racing team received financial support and mentorship from Campion in 2015 and 2016. A partner of the Just a Bunch of Roadies (JABOR) global humanitarian group, Campion’s work includes donating fuel, plus trucks and personnel to relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. In addition to his other works, Campion serves as a board member to The Catholic University of America, providing students development support.