At 17, I left home and joined the Navy, where I served 6 years, most of which I spent on a Staff Command in Japan, rising to the rank of Petty Officer (Sergeant). Since leaving home at 17, I have never received a dime from a relative in my life.
Following that I spent 6 years in college, where I was one of the main political forces on campus (elected VP of the Student Government, Exec Asst to the President, Forums and Lectures Chairperson, and I ran the largest political activist group on campus called Students for Peace).
After that I ended up working in corporate sales for over a decade, progressively being promoted to Branch, Regional, and eventually National Sales Manager, for computer and wide area networking companies in Silicon Valley.
Almost 15 years ago, I ventured out and started two of my own businesses, which I continue to operate to this day (a graphic design firm that has generated $200,000-$300,000 annually, with only two employees), and my adult businesses, of which I am the only full-time employee. Based upon income, I am in the top 5% of income earners in America.
Not sure how you figure that makes me a follower (remember, you were the one that voted for Obama, not me)...
I didn't inherit my Dad's company like Minte and Romney, so I guess I just have a somewhat different perspective than people like him too, since I am a real independent self-made man:
o gifs for you (the silver spoon is Minte's).
ADG