Bob Parsons Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Bob Parsons, born on November 27, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, overcame early academic challenges and financial hardships. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, an experience he credits with instilling resilience and discipline. Parsons served as a rifleman and received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Purple Heart for his service. Following his military service, Parsons taught himself programming and founded Parsons Technology, a software company specializing in financial programs. He sold the company to Intuit in 1994. In 1997, he launched Jomax Technologies, which later became GoDaddy, a leading domain registrar and web hosting company. Parsons sold a majority stake in GoDaddy in 2011. In 2012, Parsons established YAM Worldwide, encompassing ventures in motorcycles, golf, real estate, finance, and marketing. Notable enterprises include Scottsdale National Golf Club, Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, and Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), known for high-end golf equipment. Parsons and his wife, Renee, founded The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2012, focusing on supporting underserved populations and causes such as education, health, and veterans' services. The foundation has made significant contributions to organizations like the Semper Fi & America's Fund. In 2023, Parsons released his memoir, "Fire in the Hole!", detailing his journey from a challenging upbringing to entrepreneurial success. Beyond business and philanthropy, he is an avid motorcyclist and golfer, integrating these passions into his professional endeavors.