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Introduction to Chris Gardner Biography
The sum of events in the life of Chris Gardner is described in his autobiography, published under the name “The Pursuit of Happyness.” In other words, his biography and the content of his work are one and the same until a specific date.
Below we leave a very brief summary of these events, then describe the facts that occurred in the author’s life until today.
Chris Gardner Life Sum Up
The events in Chris Gardner’s life are very remarkable. Chris, who had a tough start in life thanks to his birth in 1954 and his mother’s single parenting, overcame a lot. Chris’s mother remarried an abusive man, forcing him into foster care, where he was repeatedly abused.
Chris joined the Navy and became a medical research assistant instead of letting his tragic childhood events define him. During this time, he was greatly influenced to pursue a career in finance by a stockbroker.
Still, he had an arduous voyage. While he was a single parent, he struggled with debt and homelessness, but he never let that stop him from following his dreams. After getting into Dean Witter’s stockbroker apprenticeship program, he worked relentlessly to improve their lives. For a whole year, they bounced about from place to place while Chris worked various jobs to make ends meet.
Chris Gardner, however, was able to fulfill his goals because of his dogged persistence and drive. He is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an example to others who have experienced hardship.
To read his entire career in his own words, it’s best to read the summary of his autobiographical book “The Pursuit of Happyness,” where you’ll find out all the key points of his journey up to 1987.
From Then till Now
Chris Gardner’s Story Beyond the End of the Book
In 1987, Chris Gardner founded the institutional brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in executing transactions for large institutions, public pension plans, and unions, including debt, equity, and derivative products.
In 2006, after selling his portion of Gardner Rich for a multi-million dollar sum, he established Christopher Gardner International Holdings as CEO and founder.
Publishing of the Book “The Pursuit of Happyness”
On May 15th of the same year, he published the book “The Pursuit of Happyness,” an autobiography, which has been summarized here.
When this post was written, the book reportedly sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into forty languages.
Release of the Movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”
The book’s success was so great that Chris became an associate producer on the Hollywood film of the same name as the book, which Gabriele Muccino directed. The movie was released on December 15, 2006, and the protagonists were father and son in real life, playing the roles of Gardner and his son. They were Will and Jaden Smith.
Although it won no Oscar, the film was nominated in the Best Leading Actor category at the 79th Academy Awards in Hollywood in February 2007.
It’s a fact that “happyness” is misspelled. The word is spelled happiness. Chris Gardner’s book title has this “spelling error” because when his son was in daycare, the word “HAPPYNESS” was written on the wall.
Philanthropist and Motivational Speaker
He is a philanthropist and makes donations to various educational institutions.
The foundation named after him created the “Back2School-Permission 2 Dream” program, where Chris travels to different schools nationwide to speak and inspire students. The program also includes virtual support.
Conclusion
A lot of people can find motivation in Chris Gardner’s tale. He rose from obscurity to wealth through dogged perseverance and the fruits of his labor. Chris Gardner shows that anyone can accomplish extraordinary things if they devote themselves wholeheartedly and have faith in themselves. Many people look forward to him as a role model because of his determination and courage.
Chris Gardner at Social Media
This great entrepreneur is present on social media and calls himself @ceoofhappyness.
Chris Garner on Instagram
Chris Gardner on Twitter
Chris Gardner at Facebook
Here is one of the most recent and complete ones available on Youtube that he gave at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival in 2020.
Chris Gardner Website
Books
- 2006 – “The Pursuit of Happyness”
- 2009 – “Start Where You Are”
- 2021 – “Permission to Dream.”
F.A.Q. about Chris Gardner
Who is Chris Gardner?
Chris Gardner is a successful American businessman, author, and motivational speaker known for his autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” His life story, which includes a period of homelessness while raising his young son, has been an inspiration to many.
What is “The Pursuit of Happyness” about?
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is Chris Gardner’s autobiography that narrates his struggle from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker. The book has been adapted into a highly successful movie with the same title, starring Will Smith as Gardner.
What struggles did Chris Gardner face in his life?
Chris Gardner faced numerous obstacles throughout his life. He grew up in a challenging home environment, experienced domestic violence, spent time in the foster care system, and later faced homelessness as a single father. Despite these challenges, Gardner persevered and became a successful businessman.
What is Chris Gardner’s occupation?
Chris Gardner is a successful businessman, author, and motivational speaker. He founded his stock brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, in the 1980s. After selling his minority stake in the firm, he established Christopher Gardner International Holdings, with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
How did Chris Gardner turn his life around?
Chris Gardner managed to turn his life around through sheer determination, hard work, and perseverance. Despite being homeless then, he landed a job as a trainee at a stock brokerage firm. He excelled at his job and eventually started his own successful brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co.
Chris Gardner Quotes
“As long as you have a plan for how you’ll live, don’t let jealous people turn their insecurities into yours.”
“Baby steps count, too, as long as you’re moving forward.“
“Claim ownership of your dreams.”
“I was homeless, but I wasn’t hopeless. I knew a better day was coming.”
“I am strong because I’ve been weak. I am fearless because I’ve been afraid. I am wise because I’ve been foolish.”
