Chris Gardner Net Worth: From Homelessness To Multi-Millionaire

Chris Gardner, the American entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and investor, has an estimated net worth of $70 million. His inspiring life story, marked by resilience and determination, was popularized through the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness, in which Will Smith portrayed him. From experiencing homelessness to founding a successful brokerage firm, Gardner’s journey is a true testament to perseverance.

Chris Gardner Net Worth	$70 Million
Date of Birth	February 9, 1954
Place of Birth	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nationality	American
Profession	Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker, And Investor

Table of Contents

Early Life

Christopher Paul Gardner was born on February 9, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His childhood was far from easy—he was raised alongside three sisters by an abusive stepfather, and due to family instability, he spent time in foster care. Despite these hardships, Gardner found inspiration in his maternal uncles, who encouraged him to aim higher in life.

Military Service

After graduating, Gardner joined the U.S. Navy, following in the footsteps of one of his uncles. Upon completing his service, he worked as a hospital corpsman and later as a research assistant at the University of California, where he became highly skilled in medical procedures. However, realizing that a medical career would require years of study with uncertain financial prospects, he pivoted to sales, initially selling medical equipment.

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His life took a dramatic turn when he met a stockbroker driving a Ferrari. Intrigued by the profession, Gardner sought opportunities in the financial sector, eventually securing an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm. However, financial struggles soon left him homeless, living in shelters and public restrooms while caring for his young son.

Breaking Through

Despite his hardships, Gardner remained focused on success. He set a goal of making 200 cold calls per day and eventually secured a full-time job as a stockbroker. By 1987, he had saved enough to launch his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., with just $10,000 in startup capital. His firm thrived, and in 2006, he sold his stake for a six-figure sum, later founding Christopher Gardner Holdings, which operates in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Philanthropy

Having experienced homelessness firsthand, Gardner has committed himself to charitable causes. He has made significant donations to the Glide Memorial Methodist Church in San Francisco, which once provided him and his son with shelter. Additionally, he has invested $50 million into affordable housing initiatives.

The Pursuit of Happyness

In 2006, Gardner published his memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness, which became a New York Times bestseller. The book was later adapted into a blockbuster film, grossing over $300 million worldwide, with Will Smith earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Gardner.