Born on June 27, 1930, in Texarkana, TX and raised on a farm. Even as a young child Ross was a hard worker and exercised his creativity. As a small boy, one of his chores was to feed and water the horses. Based on that chore he tried to invite and implement an automatic feeding and watering system. Though he was not able to do that as a child because of money, he does have that implemented in his stables today.

According to Ross, one of the contributing factors to getting a pivotal job at IBM was his early learning’s as a child. One of the most prominent was the fact of learning to play an instrument. Later on, scientific research showed that reading music at a young age helps in the development of a child’s brain. Also at a young age, he was taught how to give speeches, do plays, and so much more. The private school in which he attended was bringing out the best in children during the Great Depression. He began work at six years old, which during this time was not unusual at all. He began his business training by selling flower seeds and Christmas cards to earn enough money to purchase a bike he wanted for recreation. Later that bike turned into a business investment for a paper route to earn money. (Perot). At Patty Hill School where he went to as a child he was taught and memorized the following: “Help the man who is down today. Give him a lift in his sorrow. Life has a very strange way, no one knows what will happen tomorrow” and “I was angry because I had no shoes, and then I met a man who had no feet.” These quotes have had a lifelong impact on Ross Perot and he states that it is unfortunate that the ‘Federal Courts do not allow such principles to be taught in school today.’ (Perot)

Ross Perot joined the Cub Scouts and set out goals to achieve all four levels, which he did. He then joined Boy Scouts and was an Eagle Scout after that. During this scouting journey is where Ross discovered setting goals and obtaining them. During this time frame, the United States entered World War II. The scouts did a lot to try to aid in the war effort, one of which was recycling. As an adult, Ross Perot has always voiced his support of the US Military’s men and women and he has followed through his words with his actions. Even as a child he supported the troops. He and his father clean out a storage closet and placed a bed in it so that a soldier passing through town with his troops could have a place to sleep.

Ross Perot learned about business and anything else whenever he could. His father was a business owner and they had a family friend that owned a business. Whenever Ross could he would inquire about the friend’s business and what he did. Ross even helped build his father’s office. Ross Perot even attributes him hitchhiking across Texas as a contributing factor into what he was done to date. At the age of 14, Ross purchased a vehicle and a family friend instructed him on how to rebuild the engine. Developing engineering and mechanical skills at this age would assist him in the Naval Academy.

Ross had many teachers influence him throughout his high school and junior college time. The created a sense of motivation to bring out his determination to do good in school and in turn life. During his sophomore year at junior college, he became the President of the Student Council. He was also part of a civilized student movement to expand the college to accommodate more students.

Even though Ross had never seen the ocean and had never stepped foot on a ship, he wanted to go to the Naval Academy. Finally, after countless letters to different influences, he was given an offering to go from Senator O’Daniel. Later in life, it was actually thanks to the Senator’s aide. “Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency.” – Commodore Maury.

After the first year at the Naval Academy Ross and his class were evaluated in a 360 fashion. Ross found out that he was at the top of his class in leadership. This continued three times a year through his senior year. One of the lessons growing up that was taught to him by his parents was “treat other people like the way you wanted to be treated.” Ross was elected Vice President of his class his sophomore year and President his junior and senior years. He also became the Chairman of the Honor Committee. Other recognition that Ross received was Who’s Who Among American College Students during both his junior and senior year. He received the Award for Outstanding Leadership and America’s Outstanding Student Leaders when he graduated.

After graduation, Ross Perot set on a journey around the world on the USS Sigourney that would touch 17 seas and 22 countries. He was the Junior Officer and Chaplin on board. While on this tour Ross learned yet another valuable lesson that has made him to the man he is today: “Tangible things do not bring happiness. Happiness is a state of mind.” (Perot). Ross Perot Married Margot in 1956 while he was still serving his country.