Ross was a pioneer in persuasion mail and modern political consulting. His campaign and advocacy consulting firm developed strategy for clients ranging from local to Presidential campaigns, and included advocacy work for environmental and health causes.

He began his career with Berman & D’agostino in Los Angeles, and then started his own consulting firm that evolved through time from Ross G. Bates Consulting, to BatesNeimand, to Bates & Mills, and back again to Ross G. Bates Consulting. Ross built strong professional relationships and earned a reputation as a talented, fair, humble advocate for Democratic candidates and causes.