In the world of business, there are few individuals who can truly be called pioneers, and Darwin Deason is undoubtedly one of them. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire and influential entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. This blog will take you through the life and career of Darwin Deason, shedding light on his unique path to success and the significant contributions he has made to the business world. Early Life and Humble Beginnings Darwin Deason was born on September 10, 1940, in the small town of Wilson, Oklahoma. His early life was far from glamorous, as he grew up in a modest family with limited resources. Despite the challenges he faced, Deason demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and determination from a young age. These qualities would serve as the foundation for his future success. Education and Early Career Deason's journey began with his education at Wichita Falls High School in Texas, where he graduated in 1959. After high school, he pursued higher education at Texas Tech University. His time at the university was instrumental in shaping his business acumen. It was during his college years that he discovered his knack for entrepreneurship and began his foray into the business world. In 1968, Deason founded his first company, Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), with a mere $10,000 investment. The company started as a data processing business, offering computer services to local businesses. It was a modest beginning for a company that would go on to become a global leader in business process outsourcing. Rise of Affiliated Computer Services Under Deason's visionary leadership, ACS flourished. He expanded the company's services and capabilities, taking it from a small local enterprise to a major player in the IT and business process outsourcing industry. ACS provided a wide range of services, including data processing, customer care, human resources, and financial services to a diverse clientele. One of the defining moments in ACS's history came in 1994 when the company went public. The initial public offering (IPO) marked a significant milestone in Deason's career and allowed ACS to access the necessary capital for further growth and expansion. The company continued to acquire and merge with other firms, solidifying its position in the market. Deason's business acumen and his commitment to innovation were key drivers behind ACS's success. He understood the importance of adapting to the changing technological landscape and ensuring that the company stayed at the forefront of industry trends. This forward-thinking approach played a crucial role in ACS becoming a Fortune 500 company. Xerox Acquisition and Philanthropy In 2009, ACS caught the attention of Xerox Corporation, a multinational document management and business services company. Xerox saw the potential for growth and synergy in acquiring ACS and, in a landmark deal, acquired the company for approximately $6.4 billion.