The Mind Of Mitt

Bain Capital taught Romney focus, restraint and the art of the deal. How would those skills work in the White House?

Peter Hapak for TIME

The Video, A Quarter-Century Old now, catches Mitt Romney at an unguarded moment in the best-known transaction of his early investment career. Here he is, a youthful-looking 39, self-conscious in a dress shirt and tie as he steps into an unfinished commercial space in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston. Young people in jeans and boots are uncrating office supplies onto shelves for the next day's grand opening. They gather politely when summoned, and Romney begins to speak.

The ribbon cutting at this first Staples store, on May 1, 1986, will launch a notable American brand that expands into a multibillion-dollar chain....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!