Associates Around the World Celebrate Perot Systems’ 20th Anniversary
Global Call provides opportunity to reminisce and look forward to the future
On May 20th Ross Perot , Ross Perot, Jr ., Peter Altabef and John King hosted a special Global All-Associate Call, in honor of Perot Systems’ 20th Anniversary, for associates around the world. The event was transmitted via a video webcast, a first for Perot Systems, enabling associates at corporate campuses around the world to view the program.
Peter Altabef began the call by acknowledging the special guests attending the event in person at the Plano Campus. In addition to Ross Perot, Ross Perot, Jr. , and John King , four of the original founders of Perot Systems: Don Drobny, Bruce Heath, Pat Horner and Ross Reeves were in attendance. Additionally, 85 of the 88 original Perot Systems associates, who have been with the company for 20 years and are now recognized as Pioneer Associates, were able to attend the call in person.
After welcoming everyone, Peter introduced a commemorative video which traced highlights of the unique culture and history of Perot Systems, the contributions of Mr. Perot to the IT industry, and our vision for the future.
Peter continued by providing a snapshot of where Perot Systems is today – a successful global company with business units providing services in Healthcare, Government Services, Insurance and Business Process Solutions, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Consulting and Applications Solutions markets. He concluded his remarks with a tribute to Ross Perot , saying, “I want to thank the person who embodies our values and vision; the person whose commitment to the Pioneers and to the Founders was unflinching and unfailing; the person whose commitment to our global team has been absolutely steadfast - I would like us all to recognize our Chairman Emeritus, Ross Perot. Thank you, Ross.”
John King took the audience on a walk down memory lane. He touched on company milestones such as the goals and objectives document drafted by our founders, which has since become the Values Card associates carry today; the original “office” of Perot Systems, otherwise known as the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel Lobby; and one of the original office chairs that he has kept all these years to symbolize the company’s frugal beginnings.
Reflecting on the values and principles Perot Systems was founded upon John noted, “Our goals and objectives have stood the test of time…and are still alive and well today as the bedrock foundation of the company.” John ended his presentation by leading the audience in three cheers of “hazaas” for Ross Perot in acknowledgement of his leadership and contributions to the company.
Ross Perot, Jr . discussed the important role the Founders and Pioneer Associates played in the laying the strong foundation of Perot Systems, which has given us the tools to succeed today and in the future.
“We love to talk about our past and we'll always respect our roots … but the future is what's important for us. It's the future and where we're going to go that's going to drive this company forward,” said Ross Perot, Jr. “I know that we have people out there around the world today coming up with the next great idea, the next great client, and the next great product that will keep this company growing for the decades to come.”
Ross Perot took the stage to a standing ovation. He discussed the amazing accomplishments the company has made in the past 20 years, which he credited to the dedication and talent of our global team. Mr. Perot noted, “People refer to us as a technology company and I always say no, we're a people company. People create all the technology and the company's future is totally determined by the quality of the people we attract, the environment they work in, and the way we deal with one another.”
He went on to share anecdotal stories of the company’s history and his vision for the future, which is one of growth and innovation. He concluded by saying, “You (associates) are the heart and soul of our company …so thank you for all you do and keep up your great work!”
Immediately following the call, associates around the world celebrated by enjoying cake and refreshments at their offices.
Associates Around the World Celebrate the Perot Systems 20th Anniversary: