Chris Gardner – The Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner’s life story is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, most famously portrayed in the 2006 film “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith. Born on February 9, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gardner faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty, domestic violence, and family illiteracy.
Despite these obstacles, Gardner showed an early aptitude for business and sales. He joined the Navy after high school and, upon leaving, moved to San Francisco, where he worked in medical equipment sales. His life took a significant turn when he became interested in a career in finance, despite having no experience or relevant education in the field.
Gardner’s life reached a critical point in the early 1980s. While training at a stock brokerage firm, he and his toddler son, Christopher Jr., were left homeless after a series of misfortunes. Gardner’s determination to pursue a career in finance, while also ensuring the well-being of his son, led to them spending almost a year living in shelters and even occasionally sleeping in a bathroom at a train station.
Despite these immense personal challenges, Gardner’s perseverance paid off. He passed the licensing exam to become a stockbroker and in 1987, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, in Chicago. The firm was successful, and Gardner became a multi-millionaire.
Gardner’s life story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about the importance of fatherhood, as he took full custody of his son and raised him while building his career. His autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” was published in 2006 and became a New York Times and Washington Post bestseller. It provides a more detailed and personal view of his life’s journey.
Today, Chris Gardner is an inspirational speaker and philanthropist, focusing on helping others achieve their full potential. His story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
