Ross Perot

Overview

Ross Perot (June 27, 1930 – July 9, 2019) was an American businessman, investor, and three‑time public candidate who played a major role in U.S. politics and in the growth of American information technology services. He founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, built a substantial fortune, and later founded Perot Systems. He sought the U.S. presidency in 1992 as an independent candidate and in 1996 as the Reform Party nominee, influencing national discussions on trade and budget discipline.

Biography Highlights

• Born in Texarkana, Texas, United States, on June 27, 1930.
• Founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, which grew into a major information technology and services company.
• Sold EDS to General Motors in 1984 for approximately $2.5 billion, a defining moment in tech and business history.
• Helped launch Perot Systems in the late 1980s, focusing on IT solutions for government and corporate clients; Perot Systems was later acquired by Dell Technologies in 2009.
• Ran for U.S. president in 1992 as an independent and in 1996 as the Reform Party nominee, delivering one of the strongest third-party showings in a generation.
• Died on July 9, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, leaving a lasting legacy in business, politics, and philanthropy.

Public Businesses & Projects

• EDS (Electronic Data Systems) — Founded in 1962; grew into a leading IT services provider; acquired by General Motors in 1984 for about $2.5B.
• Perot Systems — IT services and solutions company launched by Perot; acquired by Dell in 2009 for about $3.9B, expanding Dell's services portfolio.
• Hillwood — The Perot family’s real estate development and investment arm, led by H. Ross Perot Jr., engaging in large-scale commercial and residential projects, particularly in Dallas and surrounding markets.
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science — Dallas institution supported by the Perot family, highlighting STEM education and public science outreach (opened in 2012).

Philanthropy & Legacy

Perot and his family supported science, education, and civic initiatives through the Perot Foundation and related enterprises. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science stands as a visible example of the family’s commitment to public education and scientific literacy. The Hillwood estate and related activities reflect the Perot imprint on culture, community development, and philanthropy in Texas.

Public Image & Leadership

Beyond business achievements, Perot’s national profile emerged from his presidential campaigns and his insistence on reforming trade, budget practices, and government processes. His influence helped shift public discourse toward efficiency, deficit reduction, and skepticism of rapid tariff and trade deals. His leadership style combined direct communication, large-scale fundraising, and a focus on data-driven critique of policy and economic strategy.

News & Current Context (as of public record)

Ross Perot passed away in 2019; since then, coverage has concentrated on obituaries, retrospectives of his impact on business and politics, and ongoing activities of his family and affiliated institutions. In recent years, reference to his work often appears in discussions of 1990s political history, U.S. trade policy debates, and the ongoing evolution of tech services companies that trace roots to his entrepreneurship.

Social Media & Public Profiles

There are no verified personal social media accounts for Ross Perot. Public engagement related to his legacy today comes from affiliated institutions and family-led enterprises. Notable avenues to explore his public footprint include:

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science — public outreach and education content related to Perot family philanthropy.
• Hillwood (Perot family real estate and development arm) — corporate communications and project updates.
• Perot Foundation and related charitable initiatives (official channels may summarize grant activity and civic programs).

For current information, search official pages of the Perot family enterprises and major Dallas public institutions tied to his legacy.

Notable Personal Life

Perot married Margot Birmingham in 1956 and had several children, among them H. Ross Perot Jr., who has led major real estate and development ventures. The family’s public footprint remains active in philanthropic and civic projects in Texas.

Selected References for Further Reading

• Obituaries and retrospective profiles published in major outlets after 2019.
• Historical coverage of EDS and GM acquisition (1980s) and the evolution of IT services.
• Documentation on Perot Systems’ acquisition by Dell (2009) and the ongoing role of the Hillwood portfolio.