Ross Perot | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Update : January 05, 2025

Who is Ross Perot?

Ross Perot was an influential American businessman and politician, renowned for his significant impact as a third-party presidential candidate. Born on June 27, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas, Perot’s early life was marked by an entrepreneurial spirit nurtured through his father's ventures. He launched his business career by establishing Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, turning the company into a data processing giant that was eventually sold to General Motors in 1984 for $2.5 billion. His financial success positioned him as a billionaire and allowed him to pivot into politics, where he made waves as a candid, outspoken reformer.

In 1992, Perot made headlines by running as an independent candidate for the U.S. Presidency, claiming nearly 19 percent of the popular vote—an extraordinary feat for a third-party candidate. His campaign struck a chord with many disillusioned voters, emphasizing the need for governmental reform and accountability. Despite withdrawing from the race briefly, he returned to secure his place in political history as the most successful independent candidate since Teddy Roosevelt in 1912. Perot's political ambitions continued with the founding of the Reform Party and a second presidential run in 1996, though it failed to match his earlier success.

Early Life and Education

Ross Perot was born Henry Ray Perot on June 27, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas. He was the youngest child of Gabriel Ross Perot, who ran a cotton wholesaling business. Perot’s childhood experiences included accompanying his father to cattle auctions, which honed his sales skills from a young age. After losing an older brother to illness, he grew up with an older sister named Bette, in a setting that cultivated his business acumen and charm. It was during these formative years that he decided to change his name to Henry Ross Perot, reflecting a desire to carve his own identity.

In 1949, Ross Perot enrolled at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he excelled academically and socially. Thriving in the rigors of military life, he was elected class president in both his junior and senior years. It was also during this time that he met his future wife, Margot, whom he married in 1956. Following his graduation, Perot served in the Navy, fostering a strong sense of discipline and leadership that would serve him well in his future business and political endeavors.

Successful Businessman with EDS

Ross Perot's journey into the business world began after serving in the U.S. Navy when he joined IBM in 1957. His desire for independence and innovation led him to establish Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, a move that ultimately changed the landscape of data processing. EDS specialized in providing technological solutions for businesses, quickly growing from a single-person operation to a multimillion-dollar company. Perot's effective sales techniques and visionary approach helped him take the company public in 1968, making him a millionaire and setting the stage for a prosperous future.

Under Perot's leadership, EDS became a titan in the information technology sector, serving various large-scale clients and achieving notable success. After securing a controlling interest in the company, General Motors acquired EDS in 1984, providing Perot with substantial financial rewards but also challenging him with corporate politics. Despite his partnership with GM, Perot remained critical of business practices and eventually sold his stock back to the company. Undeterred, he subsequently founded Perot Systems, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneering businessman dedicated to innovation in the tech industry.

Presidential Candidate and Reform Party Founder

Ross Perot emerged as a significant figure in American politics when he ran as an independent candidate for the U.S. presidency in 1992. His campaign resonated with voters disillusioned by traditional political parties, leading him to garner nearly 19 percent of the popular vote—a remarkable achievement for a third-party candidate. Perot's straightforward style and knack for clear messaging allowed him to communicate complex ideas engagingly, particularly through his infomercials. This approach helped him connect with voters who were frustrated with the mainstream political landscape, marking him as a voice for the "disaffected" and "disenchanted."

In 1995, he took his political aspirations a step further by founding the Reform Party, which aimed to bring about systemic changes in American politics. He continued to advocate for reform during his campaign in 1996, where he ran again for the presidency, though the support he received was significantly less than in his first run. Despite the challenges he faced in his latter campaign, Ross Perot's influence as a third-party candidate left an enduring impact on the American political scene, illustrating the complexities and possibilities surrounding independent political movements.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Ross Perot continued to influence the business and political landscapes. He retired from the day-to-day operations of Perot Systems in 2000, though he remained involved as chairman of the company until it was sold to Dell in 2009. His son, Ross Jr., took over the leadership, ensuring the company's legacy continued in the tech industry. Even in retirement, Perot remained connected to political discourse, endorsing Republican candidate Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race. He expressed concerns about the nation's direction, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and maintaining constitutional freedoms.

Perot's political ambitions may not have realized the presidency, but his impact on American electoral politics was undeniable. He became a pivotal figure as an independent candidate, showcasing the potential for third-party movements. On July 9, 2019, Ross Perot passed away at his home in Dallas due to leukemia. He was 89 years old, leaving behind a legacy marked by his entrepreneurship, political advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the causes he championed throughout his life. His contributions continue to resonate in discussions on political reform and business innovation.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Ross Perot's personal life was marked by a strong commitment to family and a long-lasting marriage. He married his wife, Margot, in 1956 after meeting her during his time at the United States Naval Academy. Their partnership flourished over the decades, serving as a foundation for both personal and professional support. Margot was instrumental in shaping Perot’s public persona, often implying that her insights helped him navigate both business and political landscapes effectively.

Together, the couple raised five children: Ross Jr., Nancy, Suzanne, Jennifer, and Caroline. Perot was known for his hands-on approach to parenting, instilling in his children the values of hard work and perseverance that he learned from his own father. He often emphasized the importance of education and ambition, encouraging each child to pursue their passions while remaining grounded in their family's heritage. His relationship with his children remained a priority throughout his life, with family gatherings often being a cherished tradition amid his busy career.

Net Worth and Earning: Business Success

Ross Perot, a prominent businessman and political figure, amassed significant wealth primarily through his entrepreneurial ventures. After starting his career at IBM, he founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, laying the groundwork for his business empire. By transforming EDS into a major data processing company, he went public in 1968, which catapulted him into billionaire status. Perot's business savvy allowed him to negotiate a lucrative sale of EDS to General Motors in 1984, further solidifying his financial legacy with a reported $2.5 billion deal.

Beyond EDS, Perot continued to thrive in the business world with the establishment of Perot Systems in the late 1980s. This venture provided IT services and consulting, contributing to his expanding net worth. By the time Dell acquired Perot Systems in 2009, Perot had positioned himself as one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States. His innovative thinking, coupled with his fierce dedication to business success, not only earned him financial accolades but also made a lasting impact on the American corporate landscape.