Ross Perot, Jr.
Ross Perot, Jr. – Life, Career, and Memorable Insights
Ross Perot, Jr. (b. 1958) is an American businessman and real-estate developer known for founding Hillwood, developing Alliance, Texas, and for piloting the first helicopter circumnavigation of the world. Learn about his life, ventures, philosophy, and quotes.
Introduction
Henry Ross Perot, Jr., born November 7, 1958, is an American entrepreneur, real estate developer, pilot, and public figure. He is perhaps best known for his role in transforming large-scale development in Texas (such as Alliance, Texas), leadership of his family’s business enterprises, and his groundbreaking helicopter flight around the world. While his father, Ross Perot Sr., was a prominent businessman and political figure, Ross Jr. has forged his own identity—including in aviation, property development, and civic stewardship.
Early Life and Family
Ross Perot Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas, to Margot (née Birmingham) and Ross Perot Sr. He is the eldest child in the Perot family.
Ross Jr. attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, graduating in 1977. He later earned a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.
Youth, Aviation & Early Ambitions
From early on, Ross Perot Jr. developed interests beyond conventional business ventures. He took to flying and aviation, which later became a defining facet of his life.
At age 23, he accomplished a remarkable feat: he co-piloted a helicopter around the world in 1982. The journey, aboard a Bell 206 L-1 Long Ranger II dubbed “The Spirit of Texas,” spanned 29 days and passed through 26 countries. This flight established him as a pioneer in rotorcraft aviation.
His early exposure to his father’s business activities and technology development (such as Electronic Data Systems, EDS) also shaped his understanding of enterprise and innovation.
Career and Major Ventures
Leadership of The Perot Group & Hillwood
Ross Jr. chairs The Perot Group, overseeing the family’s diversified interests in real estate, oil & gas, and investments. He is also at the helm of Hillwood, a development company active in commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects.
Under his guidance, Hillwood has launched ambitious projects such as Alliance, Texas—a master-planned “inland port” near Fort Worth combining industrial, logistics, residential, and commercial components. His developments also include residential communities like Harvest (in Northlake/Argyle, Texas) and large-scale mixed-use zones like Pomona in Manvel and Union Park in Little Elm.
Public Service & Board Roles
Ross Jr. has served on several boards and organizations, including:
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Board of Dell Inc.
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Board membership of GuideIT (a technology firm)
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Leadership roles at the U.S. Air Force Memorial Foundation
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Trustee positions for St. Mark’s School of Texas, Southern Methodist University, and Vanderbilt University
He also chaired the Texas Governor’s Task Force for Economic Growth (2002–2003).
Historical Milestones & Context
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1958 (Nov 7): Born in Dallas, Texas.
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1977: Graduates St. Mark’s School of Texas.
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Early 1980s: Earns Vanderbilt degree and serves in U.S. Air Force for ~8.5 years.
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1982: Completes first helicopter circumnavigation of the world.
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1990s–2000s onward: Leads major real estate projects, expands Hillwood, engages in civic and board roles.
Personality, Vision & Approach
Ross Perot Jr. exemplifies ambition, calculated risk, and a fusion of technical interest and real estate vision. His background in aviation suggests a comfort with exploring frontiers—both literal (in flight) and metaphorical (in development).
He often emphasizes the tangible nature of real estate (“I can drive out and check on it, it doesn’t go anywhere”) as a business principle. He also upholds core values of integrity, risk-taking, respect for his teams, and education—drawing on family principles.
He treats development not merely as building structures, but as crafting communities, infrastructure, and long-term assets.
Selected Quotes of Ross Perot, Jr.
Here are some notable statements attributed to Ross Perot Jr.:
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“I put it in the back of my mind that someday I would fly around the world.”
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“If we can’t have a great team and a winning team, then I will not be an N.B.A. owner very long.”
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“The real estate business was something Dad and I could do together.”
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“My father will always be my hero.”
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“For our teams that do great work, we have a tradition of giving Rolex watches. If you see all the key guys with their Rolexes, that’s sort of our Medal of Honor if you do something big.”
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“It wasn’t really part of the program in the Perot family. Rebellion was not an option.”
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“What I like about land is I can drive out and check on it. It doesn’t go anywhere. It’s hard to steal land.”
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“Every time there’s a dip in the market, we buy. If you don’t buy the land right, it ain’t going to work.”
These quotes reflect his views on legacy, teamwork, real estate, and ambition.
Lessons from Ross Perot, Jr.
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Bold vision backed by action
His global helicopter flight is emblematic of daring ambition matched with execution. -
Real estate as strategic long-term value
His philosophy that land “doesn’t go anywhere” underlines patience, stability, and stewardship. -
Team-oriented leadership
Recognition and rewards for top performers (e.g. symbolic Rolexes) reveal his belief in motivating through respect and acknowledgment. -
The intertwining of family and enterprise
He works in the domain his father pioneered but finds areas where their interests intersect (e.g. real estate). -
Embrace downturns
His approach—buying during market dips—demonstrates countercyclical conviction. -
Diverse engagement
He balances private business with public service, board responsibilities, and civic leadership.
Conclusion
Ross Perot, Jr. stands as a dynamic figure in modern American business—bridging bold aviation feats, strategic development ventures, and family business legacy. While his father’s name looms large in U.S. public life, Ross Jr. has carved his own path: building infrastructure, shaping communities, and pushing the boundaries of possibility.