Jim Rohn September 17, 1930 is an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. His work has been influential in launching or furthering the careers of many others in the personal development industry, including Anthony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Brian Tracy, and Jack Canfield. Born to an Idaho farming family in the mid 1900s, Mr. Rohn began his early adulthood without acclaim, leaving college after his first year, starting a family, and trying to get by as best he could as a salaried worker. By age 25, according to his accounts, he was in a personal rut familiar to many middle class families - in debt, unable to see a way that would lead to his personal ambitions. Around this time, he was introduced to John Earl Shoaff, an entrepreneur who impressed Mr. Rohn with his wealth, business accomplishments, charisma, and life philosophy. Mr. Rohn joined Mr. Shoaff's direct sales organization and began a process of personal development that culminated in his becoming a millionaire by age 31. It was a source of sorrow to Mr. Rohn that Mr. Shoaff, who had challenged him to reach for this goal, died one year before he achieved it. In the years that followed, Mr. Rohn discovered a demand from people outside his industry to hear his rags to riches story and the personal development philosophy that he felt had led to his accomplishments. His seminars have a span of over 40 years. He has addressed over 6,000 audiences and 4 million people worldwide. He was the recipient of the 1985 National Speakers Association CPAE Award and is the author of 17 different books, audio and video programs.