Grant Troutt's dad is Kenny Troutt, a self-made American billionaire best known for founding Excel Communications, a telecommunications giant that shook up the industry in the 1990s. While Grant gained public recognition through his marriage to Bachelor alumnus Madison Prewett and his work as a minister and speaker, public curiosity often centers on his family background, his father's rise to immense wealth, and the legacy built by the Troutt family.
Understanding the background of Kenny Troutt provides essential context for the family's trajectory. From humble roots in southern Illinois to controlling multi-billion-dollar corporate portfolios and elite thoroughbred racing stables, the family history spans decades of aggressive entrepreneurialism and high-profile investments.
Who Is Kenny Troutt?
Kenny Troutt was born in 1948 in Mount Vernon, Illinois, growing up in a modest household. Determined to change his family's financial standing, he worked his way through Southern Illinois University Carbondale, selling insurance policies to pay for his education. He graduated in 1971 and immediately jumped headfirst into sales and business ventures.
His big breakthrough came in 1988 when he co-founded Excel Communications alongside business partner Steve Smith. Excel utilized a multi-level marketing structure combined with long-distance phone services, catching fire during the telecom boom of the 1990s. By 1998, the company scaled so rapidly that Teleglobe acquired it for a staggering 3.5 billion dollars. This transaction cemented Kenny Troutt's status as a billionaire, transforming the family's financial landscape forever.
Business Ventures and WinStar Farm
After cashing out of Excel Communications, Kenny didn't retire to a quiet life of leisure. Instead, he channeled his capital into diverse industries through his Dallas-based investment firm, Mt. Vernon Investments. His portfolio spans energy, real estate, and public equities.
However, his most famous passion project outside of corporate finance is WinStar Farm, an elite 2,600-acre thoroughbred breeding and training facility located in Versailles, Kentucky. Under his ownership, the farm has produced legendary racehorses, including Triple Crown winner Justify. WinStar stands as a premier institution in the global horse racing industry, regularly competing at marquee events like the Kentucky Derby.
Family Life and Raising Grant Troutt
Kenny and his wife, Lisa Troutt, raised three children in Dallas, Texas: Grant, Preston, and Savannah. Despite sitting atop a massive fortune, the family placed a heavy emphasis on athletic discipline, education, and personal values.
To support his sons' athletic ambitions, Kenny famously financed and managed elite youth basketball teams known as the Titans, pouring substantial resources into youth sports development. This environment shaped Grant's early life, steering him toward competitive high school athletics and eventually a college basketball opportunity at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before injuries redirected his path toward ministry and public speaking.
You can read more about business histories and billionaire profiles via Forbes. For regional sports and background context, check out The Dallas Morning News.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kenny Troutt's net worth?
As of recent financial tracking by publications like Forbes, Kenny Troutt's net worth is estimated at approximately 1.7 billion dollars, largely stemming from his telecom success and long-term private investments.
How did Grant Troutt's dad make his money?
He made his primary fortune by founding Excel Communications, a long-distance telephone service provider that he successfully took public before selling it to Teleglobe for 3.5 billion dollars in 1998.
Does Kenny Troutt still own WinStar Farm?
Yes, he is the sole owner of WinStar Farm in Kentucky, where he oversees the breeding and training of elite thoroughbred racehorses.
How many children do Kenny and Lisa Troutt have?
They have three children together: sons Grant and Preston, and a daughter, Savannah.
