Early Life and Education
Henry Ross Perot Jr. was born on November 7, 1958, in Dallas, Texas. He is the son of the late billionaire Ross Perot Sr., a successful entrepreneur, and Margot Birmingham Perot. He graduated from St. Mark's School of Texas in 1977 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1981.
Career and Achievements
Perot Jr.'s career is marked by significant achievements in both aviation and business. In 1982, at the age of 23, he co-piloted the first helicopter flight around the world, completing the journey in less than 30 days. Following his aviation feat, he served in the U.S. Air Force for eight and a half years, becoming a certified F-4 pilot. In 1988, he founded Hillwood, a real estate development company. Hillwood is known for its large-scale projects, including AllianceTexas, a 27,000-acre master-planned community near Fort Worth, anchored by the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the first industrial airport in the U.S.. He also served as the Chairman of the Air Force Memorial Foundation, leading the effort to build the United States Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C.. In November 2024, he became vice chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Congress.
Business Strategies and Leadership
Perot Jr. is known for his strategic approach to real estate development, emphasizing long-term value creation and public-private partnerships. Hillwood's success is attributed to a deep commitment to quality, disciplined decision-making, and an ability to recognize and create opportunities. He also focuses on infrastructure development, including airports and logistics hubs, which drives demand for industrial technology and sustainability solutions. He has formed strategic partnerships and invested in innovative technology to meet evolving business needs.
Philanthropy
Perot Jr. and his wife, Sarah, have established the Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation, supporting healthcare, education, and community initiatives.