Christopher Paul Gardner, born February 9, 1954, is an American businessman and motivational speaker. In the early 1980s, he faced homelessness while raising his young son. Gardner later became a stockbroker and founded Gardner Rich & Co in 1987. In 2006, he sold his stake in the firm and published a memoir, which was adapted into the film The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith.
RELATED: Jeff Bridges Net Worth: Tracing the Financial Path of The Dude
Table of Contents
Christopher Gardner Net Worth
Christopher Gardner, with a net worth of $70 million, is an American entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and investor. His life story, depicted in the film The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith, showcases his remarkable journey from homelessness to wealth.
Gardner’s rise from poverty to becoming a multi-millionaire was achieved through founding a successful brokerage firm. His inspiring transformation from “rags to riches” highlights his resilience and success.
Early life
Born in Milwaukee, Christopher Paul Gardner was the only boy of Bettye Jean Gardner, who had three daughters from different relationships. Gardner’s childhood was marred by his abusive stepfather, Freddie Triplett, and periods of foster care after his mother was imprisoned.
Despite these challenges, Gardner was positively influenced by his maternal uncle Henry, who served as a role model before dying when Gardner was nine. His mother’s encouragement and Gardner’s resolve to avoid past hardships shaped his path to success.
Career
In 1987, Christopher Gardner founded Gardner Rich & Co in Chicago, an institutional brokerage specializing in debt, equity, and derivatives for major institutions and public pension plans. He started the company from his small apartment with $10,000 and a single wooden desk. The “Rich” in the firm’s name honored commodities trader Marc Rich, whom Gardner admired.
After selling his stake in Gardner Rich in 2006, Gardner launched Christopher Gardner International Holdings, with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. During a visit to South Africa, he met Nelson Mandela to discuss a potential investment project, aiming to create jobs and boost the economy, though he has kept details confidential due to securities laws.
The Pursuit of Happyness
After a 2002 20/20 interview sparked Hollywood interest, Christopher Gardner published his autobiography on May 23, 2006, and became an associate producer of The Pursuit of Happyness. Released on December 15, 2006, the film starred Will Smith and was inspired by Gardner’s struggle with homelessness.
Grossing over $300 million worldwide, it earned Smith an Academy Award nomination. Despite some creative liberties, Gardner praised Smith’s performance, though he initially had reservations. Gardner appeared in a cameo in the film and chose to speak at a Christmas event rather than attend the premiere.
Is Chris Gardner a vegan?
Chris Gardner is not a billionaire; he has a net worth of $70 million. Personally, he has been following a plant-based diet for over 25 years. Gardner describes his diet as plant-based rather than vegetarian. His family also adheres to this diet: his wife, Melissa, a political scientist at Menlo College, and their four children, aged 19, 16, 5, and 2, all follow a plant-based diet.
Conclusion
Christopher Gardner’s remarkable journey from homelessness to millionaire status is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and resilience. His story continues to inspire people around the world to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.
RELATED: Drake Bell Net Worth: The Financial Ups and Downs of the Nickelodeon Star
FAQs about Christopher Gardner Net Worth
- What is Christopher Gardner’s net worth? Christopher Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be $70 million.
- What is Christopher Gardner’s background? Gardner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and faced a challenging upbringing marked by an abusive stepfather and time in foster care.
- How did Christopher Gardner become a millionaire? Gardner transitioned from a career in medical research to stockbroking, overcoming numerous obstacles and eventually establishing his own successful brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co.
- Is Christopher Gardner involved in philanthropy? Yes, Gardner is closely involved with charitable ventures and has donated to organizations, including the Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco and initiatives for low-income housing.
- What is “The Pursuit of Happyness”? “The Pursuit of Happyness” is a book written by Christopher Gardner, detailing his life story. It was later adapted into a successful film starring Will Smith, with Gardner serving as an associate producer.
