thyssen's firm was a vertically integrated company, controlling all aspects of the steelmaking process. he owned his own fleet of ships, a network of docks and a railroad. although he was one of the richest men in germany, to the day he died his ethos was "if i rest, i rust." he lived a simple life; he ran his empire from a dingy office in mülheim, drove an old car, wore off-the-peg suits, and was known to drink and eat with his workers. he was also an ardent republican.