Robert Crants facts for kids

Robert Crants is an American businessman born in 1944. He is well-known for helping to start the Corrections Corporation of America. This company manages private prisons. He also served as its main leader, holding the titles of chairman and chief executive officer, from 1994 to 1999.

Robert Crants: A Business Leader

Early Life and Education

Robert Crants was born on November 17, 1944, in Salamanca, New York. His mother gave him the first name "Doctor," but he usually does not use it as an adult. He has a special connection to the Seneca people. One-fourth of his family heritage comes from the Seneca side, and he grew up on a Seneca reservation in New York.

He went to Lansing Central High School. After that, he studied at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. While there, he was roommates with Thomas W. Beasley. Robert Crants served in the military in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Later, he earned two advanced degrees from the Harvard Business School in 1974. He received a master's degree in business and a law degree.

Starting a Business Career

Before starting his own companies, Robert Crants worked as a financial manager for a real estate company. This company was located in Nashville, Tennessee. After that, he decided to create his own business called Broadcast Management Services. Through this company, he helped set up several television stations.

Founding a Prison Management Company

In 1983, Robert Crants teamed up with his former college roommate, Thomas W. Beasley. Beasley was a leader in the Republican Party in Tennessee. They also partnered with T. Don Hutto. Together, they started the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). This company was created to manage private prisons.

CCA received early investments from important organizations. These included Jack C. Massey, who founded Hospital Corporation of America. Other investors were Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Robert Crants first served as the treasurer for CCA. By 1987, he became the company's president. From 1994 to 1999, he held the top positions as chairman and chief executive officer. As of 2015, CCA was the largest company managing private prisons in the United States. By 2016, CCA and another company called Geo Group managed over 170 prisons and detention centers. In 2015, CCA's total earnings were about $1.79 billion.

Later Business Ventures

After the events of September 11 attacks in 2001, Robert Crants started another company. He co-founded the Homeland Security Corporation with one of his sons, D. Robert Crants, III. Robert Crants is the chief executive officer of this company. Joseph S. Johnson serves as its president.

Family Life

Robert Crants is married to Shirley Crants. They have a family with two sons and one daughter.