Kiefer
After Adolph Kiefer set an Olympic record and won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1936 Olympics, his fascinating life was only just beginning.
In 1941, Kiefer joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Physical Instructors School in Norfolk, Virginia. During a visit to the docks of returning U.S. cargo supply ships from England, Kiefer learned that 80 percent of cargo ships were sunk by the Germans. Further distressing to Kiefer was that more naval soldiers died from drowning than enemy fire. Unable to sleep at night, Kiefer sought a solution—a trait that continues to drive his life-long ambitions.
Kiefer was soon granted a naval training program. The intuitive instructor focused on basic flotation and survival techniques in the water, training 1,200 instructors which went on to train more than two million enlistees in a 21-hour basic training program.
“After I taught these various techniques of survival, I felt incredibly accomplished” said Kiefer.
As successful as the program became (and is still used today), there soon occurred a shortage in proper equipment. This sparked Kiefer’s inventive spirit. In a desire to provide more water resistant and safer life vests, he developed the lighter PVC devices which are still in use today.
This taste of successful invention gave Kiefer the desire to begin his own business in 1947. Just a year later, Adolph Kiefer and Assoc. became the official aquatics supplier to the U.S. Olympics swim team. It was here that Kiefer introduced the first nylon swimsuit.
One of the company’s philosophies “is to provide equipment that makes an Olympian,” said Kiefer. With this in mind, Adolph Kiefer and Assoc. still have a heavy influence in Olympic progress. In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Adolph Kiefer and Assoc. provided all the equipment to furnish the pools.
Kiefer holds 12 patents, including one for his internationally renowned non-turbulence racing lanes, which he continues to improve with his sons to this day. Kiefer considers this to be his company’s greatest success.
Another key feature of the company’s success is their willingness to work with other industries. At the beginning of the company’s career, Kiefer joined forces with Sears Roebuck to improve their pool structures and to research proper chemical treatment. Later, the company combined minds with a water ski company to develop concave water skis.
Another key feature of the company’s success is their willingness to work with other industries. At the start of the company’s career, Kiefer joined forces with Sears Roebuck to improve their pool structures and to research proper chemical treatment. Later, the company combined minds with a water ski company to develop concave water skis.
At the ripe age of 93-years-young, Adolph Kiefer still has a commanding hand in the company he founded as CEO and director. Over the years, Adolph Kiefer has expanded to 7 stores and 3 factories.
The company shows no signs of slowing down. This year, the University of Iowa recruited Adolph Kiefer to install starting platforms and racing lanes in its new recreation center. In the winter of 2009, the company launched an updated eye-grabbing e-store.
Kiefer comments that the company has been neglectful on one thing: international outreach. At this year’s first FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) conference, Kiefer intends to improve their international relations.
After all these years, Kiefer continues to remain enthusiastic about his company and goes to work every day. While the World Health Association declares that the biggest world mortality is drowning, there is still great need for Kiefer’s inventive spirit. “I am always thinking about a new product.” Kiefer said when asked about his unfaltering dedication. “That’s what gives me inspiration.”
