Ross Perot is a famous American entrepreneur and two-time US presidential candidate. He is best known for his no-nonsense style, business acumen, and philanthropy. Perot, who was born in 1930, was an influential businessman for decades, eventually becoming one of the richest people in America. After deciding to enter the political arena, he ran for president twice in the 1990s and became an admired advocate for political and economic reform.
Early Life and Career
Ross Perot was born Henry Ross Perot in 1930 in Texarkana, Texas. His father was a cotton broker and his mother was a homemaker who had a background in nursing. From an early age, Perot displayed an enterprising spirit, often pushing his friends to propose business ideas with him. After graduating from high school in 1947, Perot attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He served four years in the Navy before leaving to start his own business.
Perot’s first entrepreneurial endeavor was a computer services company which he established in 1962. It was a success, and over the next two decades, Perot expanded his business interests, investing in a variety of companies, including real estate and oil. He earned a significant fortune from his investments and eventually founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS). EDS became one of the most successful information technology firms in the 1980s, and Perot was praised for his innovative business strategy.
Presidential Campaigns
In 1992, seeing the need for reform in US politics, Ross Perot decided to enter the US presidential race as an independent candidate. His candidacy was unique for its emphasis on fiscal responsibility, with Perot advocating for a balanced budget, reduced government spending, and greater transparency. He also appealed directly to voters by giving frequent speeches and appearing on many television and radio shows.
Perot ran a surprisingly successful campaign, eventually receiving nearly 19 percent of the popular vote – the highest total ever earned by an independent candidate in a US presidential election. He later ran again in 1996, although with less success. He received 8 percent of the vote, though he still managed to make a significant impact on the country’s political landscape.
Philanthropy
Ross Perot’s accomplishments didn’t stop at business or politics. His philanthropic activities have been widely celebrated. Perot founded a family foundation in 1988 that has since supported a variety of causes, including education and domestic violence awareness. He has also donated large sums of money to medical research, helping to fund multiple studies on heart disease.
Legacy
Ross Perot has had a lasting influence on the US political system and economy. His two presidential campaigns were characterized by the innovating and conscientious use of television and radio advertising to reach out to the public. His successful business ventures have proven the value of his acumen and risk-taking, and he has donated generously to a variety of charitable causes.
Throughout his life Ross Perot has been admired as a tenacious leader and innovative thinker. His legacy will continue to be praised for many years to come.
