Business
Profile: Christopher Gardner – CEO and founder Christopher Gardner International Holdings
Christopher Gardner. PHOTO/File
Christopher (Chris) Gardner is the founder and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings a financial services and brokerage company, with offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
Gardner established the company in 1987 with start up capital of approximately US$10,000.
Gardner overcame grave challenges including homelessness to become a very successful entrepreneur.
He (Gardner) is an avid motivational and aspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking poverty cycles. He is also a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.
Currently, Gardner is looking to invest in South Africa.
His life’s story was published as an autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness” in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance.