Bob Parsons

For other people with the same name, see Robert Parsons.

Bob Parsons
Parsons in 2017
Born
Robert Ralph Parsons

(1950-11-27) November 27, 1950 (age 73)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Baltimore
OccupationEntrepreneur
TitleFounder of GoDaddy.com
Founder of YAM Worldwide, Inc.
Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
Founder of Parsons Xtreme Golf
SpouseRenee Parsons
Military career
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Unit26th Marine Regiment
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsPurple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Websitewww.bobparsons.com

Robert Ralph Parsons (born November 27, 1950) is an American entrepreneur, billionaire, and philanthropist. In 1997, he founded the GoDaddy group of companies, including Internet domain name registrar GoDaddy.com, reseller registrar Wild West Domains, and Blue Razor Domains.[1] In July 2011, Parsons sold approximately 70 percent of GoDaddy to a private equity consortium and resigned his position as CEO.[2][3] In June 2014, he stepped down from his position as Executive Chairman and served on the board until 2018.[2][4][5][6]

Parsons is the founder and CEO of YAM Worldwide, Inc., which is home to his entrepreneurial ventures in the fields of powersports, golf, real estate, and marketing.[7]

In 2012, Parsons and his wife Renee founded The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which provides funding, primarily in the greater Phoenix area, to nonprofit organizations.[8] In December 2013, they joined The Giving Pledge, an initiative started by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett that requires signators to commit at least half of their fortunes to charity.[9]

As of September 2023, Parsons is ranked No. 314 on the Forbes 400 list of The Richest People in America.[10]

  1. ^ Sanders, Monica. "Rags to Riches: Bob Parsons, Founder of GoDaddy.com". LegalZoom. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Damouni, Nadia. "KKR, Silver Lake to buy GoDaddy for $2.25 billion: sources". Reuters. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  3. ^ Bort, Julie. "Why GoDaddy's Founder Bob Parsons Is Leaving The Company". Business Insider. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  4. ^ Bishop, Todd. "GoDaddy files for $100 million IPO, founder Bob Parsons resigns as chairman". GeekWire. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  5. ^ Whitford, David. "GoDaddy Founder Bob Parsons: Entrepreneurship Is 'a Little Spooky'". Inc.com. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  6. ^ Russ Wiles and Angelique Soenarie. "GoDaddy plans initial public offering of stock; chairman Bob Parsons to step down". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  7. ^ "Company Overview of YAM Worldwide Inc". Bloomberg Business. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  8. ^ Anderson, J. Craig. "Go Daddy exec, wife plan major philanthropic effort". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  9. ^ "More billionaires pledge to give away fortunes". CNN Money. December 10, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  10. ^ "The Forbes 400 2020: The Richest People in America". www.forbes.com. September 8, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2024.