John Joseph Campion
John Joseph Campion | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 January 1963 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 2 October 2020 (aged 57) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Known for | Founder of Showpower, Inc.; Chairman and CEO of APR Energy plc |
John Joseph Campion (January 17, 1963 – October 2, 2020) was an entrepreneur of Irish-American heritage. In 1987, he established Showpower, Inc., a California-based firm supplying portable generators to prominent music acts such as the Rolling Stones, U2, Kiss, and AC/DC. Campion held the positions of chairman and CEO at APR Energy plc (LSE: APR).
Early life
Campion was born in Cork, Ireland. He faced academic challenges and did not pursue higher education. At the age of 21, he relocated to the United States equipped only with an airline ticket and $25 in cash.
Corporate leadership
During Campion’s tenure, APR Energy focused on swiftly deploying modular power plants in areas experiencing natural disasters or energy deficits. These facilities were assembled within months—significantly faster than the usual multi-year timelines—utilizing proprietary technology patented by Campion. For instance, in response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, APR completed a power plant installation in just 45 days, compared to the standard three to four years. The company also installed a power station in Cyprus capable of supplying electricity to roughly 120,000 American households in less than a month.
APR Energy carried out projects spanning Uruguay, Yemen, Senegal, Argentina, Libya, and Botswana. The firm has received numerous accolades recognizing its technological advancements.
Starting from no revenue at its founding, APR Energy anticipated generating $486 million in income by 2014, employing upwards of 150 staff members at its headquarters in Jacksonville and over 850 employees worldwide. That same year, the company’s valuation reached $1.2 billion.
In May 2019, Campion transitioned from his CEO role to assume the position of non-executive chairman on APR’s board.
The Campion Automotive Collection
Campion amassed a distinguished collection of Lancia automobiles, including seven models that competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC):
- 1969 Lancia Fulvia, victor of the 1972 Daily Mirror Royal Automobile Club Rally, a precursor to the WRC
- 1975 Lancia Stratos, multiple race winner during the late 1970s, restored in 2011
- 1979 Fiat 131, featured on the cover of Road & Track magazine in May 1980
- 1980 Lancia Beta Montecarlo GR5, participant in the 1981 Daytona 24 Hours
- 1983 Lancia 037 Evo 2 chassis number 11, with several podium finishes including a Coppa Italia victory in 1985
- 1983 Lancia LC2 chassis #001 of only seven produced, raced at Monza, Le Mans (1983-84), and Fuji (1985)
- 1985 Lancia Delta S4, utilized as a test vehicle for all WRC events involving the Delta S4 model
- 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale, winner of both the 1988 Portugal Rally and Olympus/USA race
This Lancia collection was displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida during 2015. In addition to Lancias, Campion’s automotive holdings included Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Porsches.
Philanthropy
Together with the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the President of Motorsport Ireland, Campion co-established Team Ireland. The Team Ireland Foundation aims to nurture emerging talent in rallying, racing, and karting disciplines. He also provided financial support and mentorship to the University of North Florida’s Osprey SAE Student Race Team during 2015 and 2016. As an affiliate of Just a Bunch of Roadies (JABOR), an international humanitarian organization, Campion contributed resources such as fuel, vehicles, and personnel to aid relief operations following the Haiti earthquake in 2010. Moreover, he served on the board of The Catholic University of America, where he supported initiatives focused on student development.
Death
Campion passed away due to leukemia on October 2, 2020, at the age of 57.
Awards and recognition
- Honorary Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering awarded by the University of North Florida in 2017
- Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2016
- Named Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2014
- Performance Magazine honored ShowPower Generators in 1996, 1997, and 1998
- Innovation of the Year awarded by Jacksonville Business Journal in 2014
- MEED Quality Awards recognized the Oman Power & Water Project as Project of the Year in 2014
- Asian Power designated Fast-Track Power Plant of the Year in 2014
- Finalist for Middle East Electricity's Power Plant of the Year
Patents
- US Patent 8,816,518 B2 for a Scalable Portable Modular Power Plant
- US Patent 8,872,366 B2 for a Scalable Portable Modular Power Plant