Federal Way Public Schools Graduates of Note

Ross Shafer

Comedian, Author, Motivational Speaker

Federal Way High School Graduate
Class of 1971

Ross Shafer showed signs of his “inner entertainer” long before he became a six-time Emmy Award winner, author and motivational speaker. Early talents like forcing milk out of his nose or putting an entire deck of cards in his mouth likely were appreciated more by his young schoolmates than his teachers. 

As a senior at Federal Way High School, Ross ran for and won the position of Student Body President, but in an interview with a University of Puget Sound biographer, he says that his “only true political aspiration was to fight for the right to sing the unabridged lyrics to ‘Louie, Louie.’” This was more than a passing goal, it turns out. But more on that a little later.

An All Conference Football Player in high school, Ross earned a scholarship to play for the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, and obtained a Business Marketing degree in four years. 

From that point on, Ross’ career became a case study in originality, fueled by his talents for publicity, marketing, and comedy. Yet, Ross says, “I had trouble finding anything that I was passionate about, or that made me happy,” leading to a series of jobs, some conventional, some not, some profitable and others less so.

At the urging of a friend, he tried out and won the 1983 Showtime Comedy Laugh-Off, a Seattle comedy competition. That led directly to four years as a host, actor, and writer of “Almost Live,” a late-night comedy fixture on King 5 TV.  In an effort to generate publicity for the show, Ross proposed that the rock and roll classic “Louie, Louie” replace “Washington, My Home” as the official state song.

The publicity stunt “took on a life of its own … to the point where we had 5,000 people chanting ‘Louie, Louie’ on the capitol steps,” Shafer recalls. While the legislature declined to endorse the idea, “Almost Live” garnered substantial media and viewer attention, and Ross received a Dubious Achievement Award from Esquire magazine.

He writes on his website that his career next strayed into  “a disturbing and almost profitable pattern” of hosting game shows such as “The Match Game” and “Love Me-Love Me Not.” During this phase of his career, he toured as a stand-up comedian, as well.

He notes that being on the road as an entertainer put him in constant contact with people in the service industry, where he found that service was not particularly good.

A hotel employee who made an extra effort to get him his favorite soda inspired his latest career path as a customer service expert.   Combining a charming sense of humor with just plain good sense, he is in demand to speak around the country and earned accolades as a motivational speaker. He’s also found time to write Cook Like a Stud, and Nobody Moved Your Cheese: How to Ignore the Experts and Trust Your Gut.

The man who admittedly had trouble finding anything that he could get excited about early in his career has grown into a successful entrepreneur because he explored his passions: “As it turns out, it’s not just one thing that makes me happy,” says Shafer. “Because I’m able to wear a lot of hats, I can maintain my interest and my passion.”

Q&A

1. What are you most significant and/or recent accomplishments? 

I have been fortunate to be able to speak to 100+ business audiences a year for the past 15 years. In that time, I have met world religious leaders, politicians, celebrities, sports personalities, and a host of distasteful and infamous people. Regardless, each meeting has been a unique opportunity for me to learn something new. I was always a curious kid and my curiosity has allowed me to act like an intellectual sponge. I have absorbed their experiences and knowledge in ways that have altered my life permanently…and I am eternally grateful.

2. Describe an experience, event or individual in your public education experience that inspired or motivated you.

I will never forget my Junior High football coach, Joe Anderson. I wasn’t a good ballplayer in JR. High and figured my football career was OVER. But he was moving to Fed Way High when I was and asked me to join the team. I was shocked! I worked my tail off because of his encouragement. I was on the first team in my Junior and Senior Years. I was all conference 1st team. I played in the Shriner Cup bowl. And I played college football at Yakima Valley College and the University of Puget Sound…all because of Joe Anderson. He made me believe in myself when nobody did. I’ve often thought it was his encouragement that spurred me on to become ASB President.(and) my various careers (when I was scared to try them). I will think of Joe as long as I draw breath.

3. Do you have any advice to share with teachers and/or students in school today?

Yes. Because we have become a nation of school “test takers” we need to find time to encourage critical thinking and in depth class discussions. Students need to be able to talk to one another face to face. Argue and resolve issues face to face. Since we are fast embracing our “global economy,” commerce in any nation drives growth. The world needs communicators…not just “Internet connectors” – people who only create relationships through chat rooms, cell phones, and text messaging. Teachers and parents who can instill thought and effective use of the language will be doing a great and lifelong service to their students. Because by the time they enter the workforce, there won’t be a skill in greater demand than that. Strong communication skills change the world far faster than the ability to create spreadsheets.