Christopher Paul Gardner is an American businessman and motivational speaker. In the early 1980s, Gardner was facing homelessness while raising his young son.
Despite these difficult circumstances, Gardner persevered and eventually found success in the financial industry. In the mid-1980s, Gardner became a stockbroker and used his strong work ethic and determination to build a career on Wall Street.
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- Full name: Christopher Paul Gardner
- Stage name: Christopher Gardner
- Date of Birth: February 9, 1954
- Age: 70
- Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Businessman and motivational speaker
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Thomas Turner and Bettye Jean Gardner
- Siblings: Kimberly Triplett and Sharon Triplett
- Spouse: Shirley Dyson (married 1977-1986)
- Children: Bettye Jean Triplett and Thomas Turner
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net worth: $60-70 million
Early life and education
Christopher Paul Gardner was born on February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Thomas Turner and Betty Jean Gardner. He is Betty Jean’s second child and only son. His half-sister Ophelia was born to him from a previous marriage, and his sisters Sharon and Kimberly were born to his mother and Freddie Triplett.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Colgate University, Gardner spent two years completing additional undergraduate science courses at UC Davis and UC Berkeley. This was done to qualify for a master’s degree program.
Profession
Christopher Gardner’s road to success was one of perseverance and tenacity. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1974, Gardner transitioned to civilian life as a medical research assistant. However, this job did not provide enough income for his family. To improve his financial situation, Gardner became a medical equipment salesman and doubled his income.
In 1981, Gardner entered Dean Witter Reynolds’ stockbroker training program and began his journey to becoming a successful stockbroker. During this time, Gardner went through a very difficult time raising his young son while struggling with homelessness. Despite the hardships, Gardner used his determination to stay in the training program.
Gardner’s persistence paid off when he landed a stockbroker position at Bear Stearns in 1983. He built on that momentum and founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., in 1987.
In 2006, Gardner sold his stake in the company and has since become a motivational speaker and author. His memoir When Happiness Knocks on the Doorwhich details his struggles and ultimate success, was later adapted into a hit movie.
Social Media
- Instagram account: @ceoofhappyness
- Facebook account: Chris Gardner
- Twitter: @GardnerPhD
Personal life
On June 18, 1977, Chris Gardner married Sherry Dyson, a native Virginia math education expert.
However, his relationship with Shirley was described as distant. After three years of marriage to Shirley, in 1980, Gardner left her and moved in with Jackie to prepare to become a father.
In 1986, Gardner and Shirley officially divorced. Nine years later, they had a son, Christopher Jarrett Gardner Jr., who was born on January 28, 1981.
After the marriage broke down, Gardner was reportedly dating a woman named Jackie Media. However, it is not known to the public whether the two were officially married. Gardner and Jackie Media had a daughter named Jacintha Darlene Gardner.
net worth
As of 2024, Christopher Gardner’s net worth is estimated to be between $60 million and $70 million. This huge fortune is mainly derived from his successful career in the financial industry, including founding his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co.
Additionally, Gardner earns a sizable income from his sought-after motivational speaking engagements.
