Ross Perot: the history of the founder of Electronic Data Systems
Ross Perot is a successful businessman, millionaire and founder of Electronic Data Systems, who has managed to try himself not only in business. He was actively involved in politics, twice running for president of the USA, in 1992 and 1996.
Ross Perot grew up in Texas in the family of a cotton picker, his first job was to organize Scouts. After serving in the Army, the future businessman entered the U.S. Naval Academy. There he showed success in both his core business and proved himself as a good manager and innovator. Perot was reorganizing the awards system, commanding a battalion. Despite the fact that service was easy for him and he could make a successful military career, after 4 years Ross decided to leave the Naval Academy. The young man’s new field of activity was IT, IBM. Here he was engaged in sales, and quite quickly proved himself, a few years later he took the position of head of the department. The pen was an initiative worker, trying to promote fresh ideas, but not all of them were accepted by the management. Failure to fully realize himself drove Ross to start his own company. That’s how Electronic Data Systems came into being in 1963. Initially things weren’t going well, but success came after the company fulfilled a government order. This event was the starting point for the growth of the company and the increase in the capital of the pen itself. The EDS was worth $2.4 billion by 1984, and for that amount it was sold to General Motors Holding. Four years later, Ross decided to create another company – Perot Systems Corporation and over time it was run by the businessman’s son. Perot himself began to implement his political plans.
In addition, the entrepreneur was actively involved in a number of public programs. He has amended the Texas drug law, accompanied educational projects. The businessman’s ties to the military helped during the conflict in Iran, and he made efforts to save American hostages. These actions increased the popularity of Perot and he tried his hand at the presidential election. However, the businessman failed to get the right number of votes and he failed twice.
After an unfortunate career, Ross focused on investment activities, he also gave lectures and presentations of his books, and actively helped the Foundation of Military Veterans. His fortune was estimated at $4.2 billion.
Perot passed away last summer, he was 89 years old.
