[[Image:Chris Gardner official photo.jpg|thumb|Chris Gardner]]
Chris Gardner (born February 9, 1954) is an American businessman, investor, stockbroker, motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist. He rose to prominence through his inspiring rags-to-riches story, which chronicled his period of homelessness with his young son while he worked to become a successful stockbroker. His life story was immortalized in his 2006 memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness, which was subsequently adapted into a critically acclaimed 2006 film starring Will Smith.
Early Life and Struggles
Gardner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bettye Jean Gardner. He faced significant challenges from an early age, growing up in poverty and experiencing periods in foster care due to an unstable home environment. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, working as a hospital corpsman. After his discharge, he moved to San Francisco, California, in the late 1970s, where he struggled to find a stable career despite having a young family.
During the early 1980s, Gardner encountered a man driving a Ferrari, which sparked his curiosity about the financial world. He eventually learned the man was a stockbroker, and this encounter inspired him to pursue a career in finance. Despite his lack of formal education in the field, he secured an entry-level position in a stockbroker training program at Dean Witter Reynolds.
Homelessness and Determination
While working at Dean Witter Reynolds, Gardner faced immense personal hardships. He became homeless with his toddler son, Christopher Jr., after a series of misfortunes, including a costly divorce and a tax issue that led to his incarceration for a short period. For approximately a year, Gardner and his son slept in various places, including park benches, homeless shelters, and even a locked bathroom at a BART station.
Despite these challenges, Gardner maintained his commitment to his training program, often working long hours and studying at night after his son was asleep. He was determined to provide a better life for his son, meticulously saving any money he earned while continuing to develop his financial skills and network.
Career in Finance and Entrepreneurship
Gardner's perseverance paid off. He successfully completed his training program and secured a full-time position as a stockbroker. In 1987, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., in Chicago, Illinois. Starting with a capital of $10,000 and working from a small apartment, Gardner Rich & Co. grew into a multi-million dollar brokerage firm specializing in institutional trading.
Gardner later sold his stake in Gardner Rich & Co. in a multi-million dollar deal, retaining ownership of his firm, Christopher Gardner International Holdings. His business ventures expanded to include investments in various sectors, including energy, real estate, and technology.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Gardner's incredible journey gained widespread recognition with the publication of his autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, in 2006. The book became a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller. Later that year, the book was adapted into a major motion picture also titled The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner and Smith's real-life son, Jaden Smith, as Christopher Jr. The film was a commercial and critical success, earning Will Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and further cementing Gardner's status as a global inspirational figure.
The title of the book and film, "Happyness," deliberately uses an archaic spelling of the word, inspired by a misspelled sign Gardner saw outside his son's day-care center during his period of homelessness.
Philanthropy and Motivational Speaking
Beyond his business success, Chris Gardner is a dedicated philanthropist and motivational speaker. He frequently travels internationally, delivering speeches on topics such as overcoming adversity, financial literacy, and achieving the "American Dream." He has supported various charitable organizations, focusing on issues related to education, homelessness, and cancer research. Gardner is a strong advocate for positive change and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
Legacy
Chris Gardner's story continues to inspire millions worldwide. He is celebrated as an embodiment of resilience, self-reliance, and the power of the human spirit to triumph over extreme adversity. His life serves as a testament to the idea that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, one can achieve extraordinary success against all odds.