John Ballis attended Louisiana State University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. Furthering his education, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Today, Ballis works in the real estate sector in Houston, Texas, where he applies his expertise at Ballis Investments. As President, he acquires and manages various properties in the area. John Ballis partners with Hakeem Olajuwon, a well-known NBA player for the Houston Rockets who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The two started their partnership in the 1990s when John Ballis suggested they buy a dilapidated historic Main Street bank building. While Olajuwon was hesitant at first, the two eventually agreed to build the Islamic Da’wah Center, which they completed in 1995. Today, the old bank vaults contain sacred texts. Each day, members visit the mosque to attend two prayer services.

Besides overseeing daily operations at his company and making strategic corporate decisions, John Ballis is involved in the world of thoroughbred horseracing along with his son, Jake. Ballis has served as the owner of several thoroughbreds over the years. His horse Groovy attracted extensive attention in the press, winning Belmont Park’s Tom Fool Stakes in 2009 in an upset win against the favorite, Phone Trick. Known for his passion for jelly donuts, the horse is the last one to break the 130 Beyer Speed Figure. John Ballis purchased Groovy just after his 1986 race at Florida’s Gulfstream Park, where he won the Spectacular Bid Stakes at six furlongs. Ballis turned him over to trainer Jose Martin, who entered him in Belmont Park’s July 4 Firecracker Stakes, where he won by 2.75 lengths. In 2001, Groovy was retired due to neurological issues and in 2006 Ballis had him euthanized at WinStar Farms.

In addition to his endeavors in real estate and horseracing, John Ballis gives back to his community and to charities on an international level. He acts as an underwriter for the Cattle Baron’s Ball, an event that is held each year with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. Since its inception, the ball has raised more than $22 million for the organization.