# Ross Perot

> American businessman and politician (1930–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q313697](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313697)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Perot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ross-perot

## Summary
Ross Perot was an American businessman and politician best known for founding Perot Systems, a major information technology company, and for his influential third-party presidential campaigns in 1992 and 1996. As a self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist, he played a significant role in shaping both the tech industry and U.S. political discourse.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 27, 1930
- **Died**: July 9, 2019
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: United States Naval Academy (graduated 1953)
- **Known for**: Founding Perot Systems, running for U.S. President as an independent candidate, and his business leadership at IBM
- **Employer(s)**: IBM (early career), Perot Systems (founder), Reform Party of the United States of America (leader)
- **Field(s)**: Business (entrepreneurship, IT services), politics

## Contributions
Ross Perot founded **Perot Systems** in 1988, an information technology company headquartered in Plano, Texas, which specialized in computer-based information systems. The company grew into a major player in the IT services sector before being acquired by Dell. Additionally, Perot served as a key figure in the **Reform Party of the United States of America**, which he helped establish in 1995, advocating for fiscal responsibility and political reform. His presidential campaigns in 1992 and 1996, though unsuccessful, significantly influenced U.S. political discourse by highlighting issues like the national debt and trade deficits.

## FAQs
### **What was Ross Perot’s most notable business achievement?**
Ross Perot founded **Perot Systems** in 1988, which became a leading IT services company before its acquisition by Dell. The company was headquartered in Plano, Texas, and focused on developing and managing computer-based information systems.

### **What political roles did Ross Perot hold?**
Perot was a prominent figure in the **Reform Party of the United States of America**, which he helped establish in 1995. He ran for U.S. President as an independent candidate in 1992 and 1996, gaining significant support and influencing national debates on fiscal policy.

### **Where did Ross Perot receive his education?**
Perot graduated from the **United States Naval Academy** in 1953, which shaped his early career in both military and business leadership.

### **What awards or honors did Ross Perot receive?**
Perot was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the **Raoul Wallenberg Award** (1985), the **Horatio Alger Award**, and the **Distinguished Eagle Scout Award**. He also received an **honorary doctorate from the University of Miami**.

### **What was Ross Perot’s connection to IBM?**
Early in his career, Perot worked at **IBM**, where he gained experience in technology and business management before founding his own company.

## Why They Matter
Ross Perot’s impact spans both business and politics. As an entrepreneur, he demonstrated how IT services could transform industries, leading to the growth of companies like Perot Systems. Politically, his presidential campaigns brought attention to critical issues such as the national debt and trade imbalances, forcing major parties to address these concerns. His leadership in the Reform Party also provided a platform for independent political voices, influencing later third-party movements.

## Notable For
- Founding **Perot Systems**, a major IT services company acquired by Dell.
- Running for U.S. President in **1992 and 1996** as an independent candidate.
- Establishing the **Reform Party of the United States of America** in 1995.
- Receiving the **Raoul Wallenberg Award (1985)** and **Horatio Alger Award**.
- Being a **Distinguished Eagle Scout** and honorary doctorate recipient from the University of Miami.
- Early career at **IBM**, contributing to his business expertise.

## Body

### **Early Life and Education**
Ross Perot was born on **June 27, 1930**, and graduated from the **United States Naval Academy** in **1953**. His military background instilled discipline and leadership skills that later defined his business and political careers.

### **Business Career**
Perot began his career at **IBM**, where he gained experience in technology and corporate management. In **1988**, he founded **Perot Systems**, an IT services company based in **Plano, Texas**, which specialized in computer-based information systems. The company grew significantly before being acquired by **Dell**, solidifying Perot’s reputation as a successful entrepreneur.

### **Political Influence**
Perot entered politics by running for U.S. President in **1992 and 1996** as an independent candidate. His campaigns focused on fiscal responsibility, trade policy, and government reform, earning him nearly **19% of the popular vote in 1992**—one of the strongest showings by a third-party candidate in modern U.S. history. He later helped establish the **Reform Party of the United States of America** in **1995**, advocating for political reform and economic accountability.

### **Awards and Recognition**
Perot received numerous honors, including:
- **Raoul Wallenberg Award (1985)** – Recognizing humanitarian efforts.
- **Horatio Alger Award** – Celebrating his rise from modest beginnings to business success.
- **Distinguished Eagle Scout Award** – Honoring his contributions to scouting and leadership.
- **Honorary Doctorate from the University of Miami** – Acknowledging his impact on business and public service.

### **Legacy**
Ross Perot’s legacy includes his entrepreneurial success with **Perot Systems**, his influence on U.S. political discourse through his presidential campaigns, and his role in founding the **Reform Party**. His business acumen and political activism left a lasting mark on both the tech industry and American politics. He passed away on **July 9, 2019**, but his contributions continue to be studied and respected.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.wargs.com/political/perot.html)
2. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-ross-perot-idUSKCN1U41PL)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Dallas Icon Ross Perot Remembered As Visionary, Philanthropist, Family Man. KTVT. 2019](https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/07/16/dallas-icon-ross-perot-remembered-visionary-philanthropist-family-man/)
5. [1972 Horatio Alger Award Winner - H. Ross Perot, Sr.. Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans](https://horatioalger.org/members/member-detail/h-ross-perot-sr/)
6. [Source](https://commencement.miami.edu/about-us/archives/honorary-degree-recipients/index.html)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. SNAC
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. GeneaStar
13. Munzinger Personen
14. [Ross Perot, billionaire and ex-presidential candidate, dies at 89](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48927718)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. BBC Things
17. Quora
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
19. The Movie Database