John Joseph Campion (January 17, 1963 – October 2, 2020) was an Irish-American entrepreneur. In 1987, he founded Showpower, Inc., [1] a California company that provided portable generators for the Rolling Stones, U2, Kiss and AC/DC. [2] Campion served as chairman and chief executive officer of APR Energy plc (LSE: APR). [3] [4]
Born in Cork, Ireland, Campion was held back in primary school twice, failed secondary school exams, and did not attend college. [5] At age 21, Campion emigrated to the United States with an airline ticket and $25 in his possession. [2]
Under the leadership of Campion, APR Energy specialized 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. [5] The modular power plants are typically constructed in a few months. Campion held several patents for this technology. [6] 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. [2] [7] 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. [5]
Other projects have been undertaken in Uruguay, Yemen, Senegal, Argentina, Libya and Botswana, among other countries. [8] [9] The company has received numerous awards for its technology. [2]
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. [10] In 2014, the company was valued at $1.2 billion. [5]
Campion, who founded APR Energy, left his role as CEO in May 2019 to take over as the non-executive chairman for the APR board. [11]
Campion assembled a stable of Lancias. [12] 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. [17] [18] Campion's complete car collection also includes Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and Porsches. [13]
Campion helped to launch Team Ireland along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the President of Motorsport Ireland. [19] The Team Ireland Foundation is a national program designed to support young drivers in the sports of rallying, racing and karting. [20] Campion was involved with the University of North Florida’s Osprey SAE Student Race Team. [21] The UNF Osprey Student Racing team received financial support and mentorship from Campion in 2015 and 2016. [22] A partner of the Just a Bunch of Roadies (JABOR) global humanitarian group, [23] Campion's work included donating fuel, plus trucks and personnel to relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. [24] [25] In addition to his other works, Campion served as a board member to The Catholic University of America, providing students development support. [26]
Campion died from leukemia on October 2, 2020, aged 57. [27] [28]
John Joseph Campion (January 17, 1963 – October 2, 2020) was an Irish-American entrepreneur. In 1987, he founded Showpower, Inc., [1] a California company that provided portable generators for the Rolling Stones, U2, Kiss and AC/DC. [2] Campion served as chairman and chief executive officer of APR Energy plc (LSE: APR). [3] [4]
Born in Cork, Ireland, Campion was held back in primary school twice, failed secondary school exams, and did not attend college. [5] At age 21, Campion emigrated to the United States with an airline ticket and $25 in his possession. [2]
Under the leadership of Campion, APR Energy specialized 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. [5] The modular power plants are typically constructed in a few months. Campion held several patents for this technology. [6] 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. [2] [7] 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. [5]
Other projects have been undertaken in Uruguay, Yemen, Senegal, Argentina, Libya and Botswana, among other countries. [8] [9] The company has received numerous awards for its technology. [2]
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. [10] In 2014, the company was valued at $1.2 billion. [5]
Campion, who founded APR Energy, left his role as CEO in May 2019 to take over as the non-executive chairman for the APR board. [11]
Campion assembled a stable of Lancias. [12] 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. [17] [18] Campion's complete car collection also includes Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and Porsches. [13]
Campion helped to launch Team Ireland along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the President of Motorsport Ireland. [19] The Team Ireland Foundation is a national program designed to support young drivers in the sports of rallying, racing and karting. [20] Campion was involved with the University of North Florida’s Osprey SAE Student Race Team. [21] The UNF Osprey Student Racing team received financial support and mentorship from Campion in 2015 and 2016. [22] A partner of the Just a Bunch of Roadies (JABOR) global humanitarian group, [23] Campion's work included donating fuel, plus trucks and personnel to relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. [24] [25] In addition to his other works, Campion served as a board member to The Catholic University of America, providing students development support. [26]
Campion died from leukemia on October 2, 2020, aged 57. [27] [28]