Famous Business Leaders from Texas

Texas is more than oil fields and football—it’s a breeding ground for bold entrepreneurs, legendary CEOs, and world-changing innovators. From tech giants like Michael Dell to modern powerhouses like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, Texas has become a global headquarters for opportunity. Whether born here or drawn by its pro-business climate, these influential figures built companies, transformed industries, and made Texas a magnet for entrepreneurship. Discover the stories of business legends who call the Lone Star State home.

Texas is more than oil fields and football—it’s a breeding ground for bold entrepreneurs, legendary CEOs, and world-changing innovators.

🧩 Born or Raised in Texas

🖥️ Michael Dell

Founder of Dell Technologies, born in Houston. He built one of the world’s largest tech companies from his college dorm room and revolutionized the personal computer industry.

🍽️ Tilman Fertitta

Galveston-born billionaire, owner of Landry’s, Inc. and the Houston Rockets. He’s a hospitality empire builder with casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

💍 Kendra Scott

Though born in Wisconsin, Scott started her billion-dollar jewelry business in Austin. She’s a major philanthropist and advocate for women entrepreneurs.

🏗️ Ross Perot & Ross Perot Jr.

Ross Perot (Texarkana) founded EDS and ran for U.S. president. His son, Perot Jr., developed AllianceTexas, transforming logistics and real estate in North Texas.

🛢️ T. Boone Pickens

Amarillo-born oil tycoon and hedge fund manager. A vocal advocate for energy independence and alternative fuels in his later years.

🛒 John Mackey

Houston native and co-founder of Whole Foods Market in Austin. He became a leader in organic food and conscious capitalism.

🗣️ Alex Jones

Founder of InfoWars, born in Dallas and based in Austin. Known for his controversial media platform promoting conspiracy theories and alternative news, he has been a polarizing figure in American media and politics.

🏠 Ebby Halliday

One of the first successful female real estate moguls in Texas. Based in Dallas, she built a multi-billion-dollar realty brand.

🛢️ Dan Duncan

From Shelby County, Duncan co-founded Enterprise Products and became one of the richest men in Texas through oil and gas logistics.

🏦 Bum Bright

Dallas-based businessman who made fortunes in banking and oil. Former owner of the Dallas Cowboys before selling to Jerry Jones.

👟 Blake Mycoskie

From Arlington, TX, he founded TOMS Shoes and introduced the One-for-One giving model, donating a pair for every one sold.

🌟 Famous Entrepreneurs Currently Living in Texas

🎙️ Joe Rogan

Moved to Austin in 2020. Host of The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most streamed podcasts in the world. Opened the Comedy Mothership club downtown.

🚀 Elon Musk

Now lives in Austin and Boca Chica. CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). He’s bringing major tech and aerospace innovation to Texas with Gigafactory and Starbase.

🏀 Mark Cuban

Lives in Dallas. Owner of the Dallas Mavericks and investor on Shark Tank. Known for bold business moves, including launching Cost Plus Drugs to reform prescription pricing.

🧠 Tim Ferriss

Lives in Austin. Bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, early-stage investor, and host of a top-rated self-development podcast.

📺 Glenn Beck

Lives near Fort Worth. Founder of The Blaze, a conservative media network. Moved his entire operation to Texas for freedom and business climate.

🌐 Brett Hurt

Austin tech entrepreneur. Founder of Bazaarvoice and current CEO of data.world, advocating for ethical AI and data transparency.

🍖 Aaron Franklin

Founder of Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Built a local BBQ spot into an international brand and teaches courses on culinary business strategies.