Bob Parsons: From GoDaddy Founder to Billionaire Entrepreneur

Bob Parsons is a name that evokes mixed reactions – some know him as the visionary behind the domain registrar giant GoDaddy, others remember his provocative marketing campaigns.

Parsons is a self-made billionaire and a true maverick in the business world. Let’s dive into his life, from his humble beginnings to his current philanthropic endeavors.

Who is Bob Parsons?

Born on November 27, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, Bob Parsons faced a challenging childhood. Economic hardship and academic difficulties marked his early years. Yet, beneath his struggles lay a tenacious spirit and a sharp, entrepreneurial mind.

How old is Bob Parsons?

Bob Parsons is currently 73 years old.

Career

Parsons’ career path took unexpected turns. After a brief stint in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, he returned to civilian life and earned an accounting degree. In 1984, he founded Parsons Technology, a company that created personal finance software. A decade later, he sold Parsons Technology to Intuit for $64 million.

How did Bob Parsons get famous?

In 1997, Parsons launched Jomax Technologies, later renamed GoDaddy. GoDaddy’s rise to dominance brought immense fame (and some notoriety) to Parsons. The company’s often sexually suggestive Super Bowl ads became a marketing phenomenon and made GoDaddy a household name.

Does Bob Parsons have kids?

Yes, Bob Parsons has two children.

Bob Parsons Net Worth

As of March 2024, Bob Parsons has an estimated net worth of approximately $3.4 billion.

How much did Bob Parsons sell GoDaddy for?

While Parsons wasn’t involved in the final sale of the entire company, he sold approximately 70% of his GoDaddy stake to a group of private equity firms in 2011 for an undisclosed amount. The entire company was later valued at $2.25 billion during its initial public offering (IPO) in 2015.

How did Bob Parsons make his money?

Bob Parsons amassed his wealth primarily through these ventures:

Parsons Technology: The sale of his software company to Intuit provided a substantial foundation.
GoDaddy: His leadership and ownership stake in GoDaddy were significant drivers of his financial success.
Later Ventures: His business portfolio includes PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf), YAM Worldwide, Inc. (real estate, powersports, marketing), and other successful enterprises.

Who is the original owner of GoDaddy?

Bob Parsons is the original founder of GoDaddy.

Why did Bob Parsons start PXG?

Frustrated by the quality of existing golf equipment, Parsons founded PXG in 2014. PXG reflects his passion for golf and his drive to create high-performance equipment with cutting-edge technology and design.

Conclusion

Bob Parsons is a controversial yet fascinating figure in the business landscape. His rise from difficult circumstances to billionaire status is a testament to his entrepreneurial drive and willingness to challenge conventions. While his approach may not resonate with everyone, there’s no denying his accomplishments.

FAQs About Bob Parsons: From GoDaddy Founder to Billionaire Entrepreneur

Where did Bob Parsons grow up? Bob Parsons grew up in Baltimore, Maryland.
Did Bob Parsons serve in the military? Yes, Bob Parsons served in the United States Marines Corps during the Vietnam War.
What was Bob Parsons’ first company? His first company was Parsons Technology, a software development company.
Is Bob Parsons involved in philanthropy? Yes, Bob and his wife, Renee, established The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which focuses on supporting marginalized populations and causes.
Besides GoDaddy and PXG, what other businesses does Bob Parsons own? Parsons’ diversified portfolio includes holdings in powersports, real estate, marketing, and film production.