We sure do love a good self-made rags-to-riches story here at Celebrity Net Worth and we’ve got a doozy for you today. Kenny Troutt grew up as the son of a bartender. His family was poor, and from a young age, Troutt was determined to overcome his situation. He worked his way through college and founded a long-distance phone company called Excel in 1988. The company had more than a billion dollars in revenue in its first decade in business. Then, he sold the company for $3.5 billion in 1998. Today, he’s the sole owner of WinStar Farms, home to the 2018 Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing winner Justify.
Kenny Troutt was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois in 1948. He is the eldest of three siblings. His father was a bartender, and the family did not have a lot of money. He worked from a young age to help support his family and earn a few dollars. After graduating from Mt. Vernon Township High School, he attended Southern Illinois University, where he worked selling insurance to pay his tuition, graduating in 1971.
He was introduced to horse racing by his uncle as a kid and immediately fell in love with it. While in college, he went to the races at Churchill Downs and was actually in the audience when the legendary Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby. After graduating from college, Troutt followed his passions and founded his first horse farm in the early 1980s, called Landview, in eastern Nebraska. However, it would be more than a decade before he became a billionaire and could really get serious about horses and owning thoroughbred racehorses.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kenny Troutt |
| Birth Year | 1948 |
| Hometown | Mount Vernon, Illinois |
| Education | Southern Illinois University |
| Company Founded | Excel Communications (1988) |
| Net Worth from Sale | $3.5 billion |
| Current Business | WinStar Farms |
| Notable Achievement | Owner of Justify, 2018 Triple Crown Winner |
Table of Contents
Biography of Kenny Troutt
Kenny Troutt's story is an inspiring tale of determination and success. Born into a modest family, he learned the value of hard work early on. His journey from a small-town boy to a billionaire entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and vision.
After overcoming financial challenges, Troutt not only succeeded in business but also pursued his passion for horse racing. His love for horses led him to create a legacy in the equestrian world, significantly impacting the industry.
Founding Excel Communications
In 1988, Troutt founded Excel Communications, a long-distance telephone service that would change his life forever. With a background in network marketing, he partnered with Steve Smith to create a company that quickly gained traction.
Excel Communications became one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., taking advantage of the need for affordable long-distance calling options. By 1996, the company went public, making history as the youngest company to join the New York Stock Exchange.
Establishment of WinStar Farms
In 2000, Troutt seized the opportunity to purchase a 400-acre horse farm in Kentucky, renaming it WinStar Farm. This venture realized another childhood dream of his. Under Troutt's leadership, WinStar has grown into a premier horse breeding and racing facility, achieving remarkable success.
The farm is known for producing champions, including Justify, who won the 2018 Triple Crown. This victory marked a significant milestone in Troutt's equestrian career and solidified WinStar's place in horse racing history.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
On a personal front, Troutt is a devout Christian who resides in Dallas with his wife, Lisa, and their three children. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and is a significant donor to the Republican Party.
Throughout his life, Troutt has supported various political figures, including Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, and Mitch McConnell. His commitment to his faith and community reflects his values and dedication to making a positive impact.
