He founded Excel Communications, a Texas-based telecommunications company that offered long distance phone service.
[4][5] Troutt is a major Republican donor, and has contributed to American Crossroads, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum,[6] and "Kentuckians for Strong Leadership", a super PAC backing Mitch McConnell.
[7] Together with his spouse, Troutt contributed $1.7 million to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.
[8] As of April 19, 2022, Troutt has donated $1,409,651,[9] to Texas Republican candidates Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, and Dan Patrick.
[6] Troutt graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1971, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.