Someone has said, “A dream that can be accomplished by one is not a big enough dream." And from the wisdom of another, “Every great endeavor begins with small choices. “ Susan and Skip Ross began with their own small choices at different times, living in different places and under divergent circumstances. The pathways in those journeys eventually crossed and joined. The scope of the dream that was born is today truly expansive and inclusive.

Susan graduated from Ohio State and became a second grade schoolteacher. Skip invested eight years in higher education at Westmont College and Fuller Seminary, acquired three degrees and became a youth pastor and minister of music in Southern California. Before they ever met, their desire to help people, particularly young people, was being formed and nurtured. Those seemingly small, early choices about integrity, hard work, freedom and service to others were preparing them for the opportunities that would intersect their pathways in the future.

Susan's parents, Fred and Bernice Hansen, were among the founding families of the Amway business, so Susan grew up as an “Amway kid”. Skip was introduced to the business concept by a close college friend in Southern California. Those early decisions about integrity, hard work, freedom and service to others found a significant purpose as they began to build their business together. Year after year in country after country people report that Skip’s widely circulated books and CDs have helped them to reach their potential. Now after over 50 years of personal and business development, Skip and his wife Susan have seen an enormous organization of IBOs develop and can counsel and coach as global partners with a unique perspective.

The cumulative power of the business is seen today in an organization that literally spans the globe. The small choices of Fred and Bernice Hansen, the small choices of Susan and Skip, have expanded to reach the lives of hundreds of thousands. Susan’s sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Jerry DeBlaay, joined forces and have brought their drive and belief into the legacy of a dream that is indeed, “far too big for just one.” Skip and Susan's children, Melody and Chris Farrell and Stephen and Jenni Ross, the third generation, are now bringing a fresh energy to the family business as they actively pursue their dreams and businesses.