#104 – Paul McEnroe: Man Behind the Barcode

Paul McEnroe has the most beautiful story. He’s been on a journey from an orphan to a guy who led a team that developed the barcode.

‘The Barcode: How a Team Created One of the World’s Most Ubiquitous Technologies’

Get the book: https://a.co/d/gDHPoWj

Tennessee Ernie Ford, ’16 Tons’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIfu2A0ezq0

Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/

Topics:

• [02:38] Introduction to background and upbringing.

• [03:06] Early life and family in Ohio.

• [03:33] Education, move to California, and involvement with IBM.

• [04:00] Introduction to the cowboy way of life.

• [07:00] Adoption by a loving family.

• [11:00] Introduction to involvement in rodeo competitions.

• [14:36] The role of debate and communication skills in life.

• [15:21] Journey from education to IBM.

• [20:00] The perspective of cowboys in various aspects of life.

• [22:29] Introduction to Tina, wife.

• [27:24] The humility and learning attitude shared by cowboys.

• [30:10] The Path to Wealth 

• [32:00] The Role of Starting Your Own Business 

• [32:08] Focusing on Money vs. Other Values 

• [32:30] Contributing to Society and Helping Others 

• [33:13] The Impact of Real Happiness 

• [34:00] The Invention and Development of Barcodes 

• [37:46] Social Challenges Faced in Barcode Adoption 

• [44:12] The Transition to QR Codes 

• [45:32] Being Prepared for Unexpected Challenges 

• [52:31] Western and English Saddle Preferences 

• [54:55] Coping with Personal Loss and Finding Love Again