# William C. Short

> William C. Short is the founder and CEO of A.E. Perkins, a Texas holding company and long-term investor. His career includes UMB Bank and the leadership of Ameriflex, alongside the books 127 Grains and Think Boldly. A.E. Perkins takes its name from his great-grandfather’s company, whose failure after its founder’s death informs Short’s emphasis on durable operating systems and leadership beyond one person.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at A.E. Perkins
- **Organizations:** A.E. Perkins, Ameriflex, Workforce Go, Accresa, UMB Bank, North Texas YPO, Employers Council on Flexible Compensation
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Washington University in St. Louis, Master of Science in IT/CIS, Quinnipiac University, Owner/President Management (OPM) program; executive education, Harvard Business School
- **Known for:** Led Ameriflex during a period of 500 percent growth over seven years, as reported in 2016., 2016 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Southwest regional finalist., Fort Worth Business Press 2020 40 under 40 honoree, recorded by Washington University.

## Career timeline

- **2002** — Graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BSBA.
- **—** — Worked at UMB Bank and advanced from trainee to divisional director within two years, according to the 2016 D CEO profile.
- **2008** — Became Ameriflex CEO with an understanding that he would eventually acquire the company.
- **2015** — Published 127 Grains.
- **2016** — Featured among EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Southwest regional finalists in D CEO.
- **2020** — Washington University alumni notes recorded his Fort Worth Business Press 40 under 40 recognition.
- **2022** — Scheduled guest in the University of Texas at Dallas Leading for Good course on February 7.
- **2023** — Scheduled guest in the same course on February 20.
- **2025** — Think Boldly: Accept Nothing and Challenge Everything published December 12.
- **2026** — Appeared on Decision Points episode 88 on April 7; A.E. Perkins leadership changes announced April 23.

## Achievements

- Led Ameriflex during a period of 500 percent growth over seven years, as reported in 2016.
- 2016 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Southwest regional finalist.
- Fort Worth Business Press 2020 40 under 40 honoree, recorded by Washington University.
- Author of 127 Grains and Think Boldly.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Decision Points episode 88, released April 7, featured Short discussing his early ventures, operating decisions, books, and leadership.
- **2026-04** — An April 23 announcement named Rashmi Daryman president of A.E. Perkins and moved Chris Goheen into the chief innovation officer role.
- **2025-12** — Think Boldly: Accept Nothing and Challenge Everything was published December 12.

## Links

- Website: https://aeperkins.co/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-c-short-a5570550/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/william-c-short
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21