Adolf ("Adi") Dassler started to produce his own sports shoes in his mother's wash kitchen after his return from World War I. In 1924, his brother Rudolf (Rudi) Dassler joined the business which became Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory). In 1948 the brothers split up, with Rudi forming Puma, and Adi forming Adidas. The three stripes of Adidas have over the years become synonymous with sporting excellence, and have achieved iconic status.