There are many stories to be told of individuals rising through the classes to the top, often known as "from rags to riches". This story in particular has been made into an award winning movie in many categories, with actors Will & Jaden Smith.
This story is based on a true story of Chris Gardner and his son Christopher Jr. Gardner, Chris invests his family savings into portable bone-density scanners for doctors. This was unsuccessful and deeply affected the family financially, resulting in the mother to leave them. Chris tries to redeem himself in New York by persisting to try and sell his device. He is then recognized by a manger of Dean Witter, an American stock brokerage, by solving a Rubik's cube during a short cab ride. Chris runs away from the cab ride since he is not able to afford the ride and loses the device in the process. Chris then develops a relationship with this manager which can earn him the shot at becoming an intern stockbroker. Even after arriving late and not dressed for the occasion his is given the internship. At this point the IRS has run him dry because of unpaid taxes, he is evicted and officially homeless. Chris even had to sleep in a bathroom at a gas station with his son, while the owner tries to kick them out. From this Chris decides to go to the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, a homeless shelter, but to get a room he has to run from work everyday to try and get a room.
After a period of time Chris finds his lost bone scanner which a homeless man thought of it as a time machine. His work hours are limited and he must compete to get the one job he wants and resolves the issue by finding alternative ways to make phone sales calls more efficiently. While dealing with 19 other competitors for the job, Chris manages to keep his lowly circumstances on the down low. One day he is called to a meeting and is announced that he has acquired the job, Chris runs to his son nearly in tears.
Chris Gardner went on to form his own multi-million dollar brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co.
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ReplyDeleteThe Pursuit of happiness is one of my favorites. I love this story. Gardner was resilient through all his hardship and his wife was fickle (a.k.a. flaw.) Encourages one to keep the dream alive no matter how rough. great blog David
ReplyDeleteLove how you can accomplish anything you can put yourmind to! great blog David
ReplyDeleteGardener is truly a man to be inspired
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I never knew this was based on a true story... great job, man!
ReplyDeleteI love his story, even the movie made me cry. But for a father to go through that as well as a little kids, that's rough. Im sure he has inspired others out there!
ReplyDeleteThis movie was so inspiring. Like, sushi, I cried. It was very eye- opening. I didn't know that it was a true story. Nice pick!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Austin you can do whatever you want if you don't give up.
ReplyDeleteI love that movie. It really does send out a positive message. Great blog!
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