Elmore Sarles completed his early education in Prescott, Wisconsin, and furthered his studies at Gale College in Galesville, Wisconsin. He arrived in Hillsboro, North Dakota, in 1881, where he established the Traill County Bank and a lumberyard. Sarles served as the founder and president of The First National Bank of Hillsboro. He married Anna York in 1886 and had four children. Sarles transitioned from business to public service, serving as the Mayor of Hillsboro from 1900 to 1902 and later as Governor, under the motto "More business in government," leaving office with a state treasury surplus of $200,000.

Elmore Sarles's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of business acumen and fiscal conservatism. His motto, "More business in government," suggests an ideological approach that prioritizes efficiency and profitability in public administration. Sarles's tenure as mayor and governor culminated in a notable state treasury surplus, hinting at an ideologically agile approach that balances fiscal responsibility with pragmatic governance. His business background as a banker and lumberyard founder adds a unique dimension to his policy stances, revealing a calculated approach to economic management.