Biography

Chris Gardner is a Senior Managing Director at Sutter Securities. Gardner is the CEO of Happyness and his first book, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 Bestseller that has been translated into over 40 languages including 6 dialects, and is currently being translated in Arabic for the first time.
Gardner's book inspired the critically acclaimed film of the same name, starring Will Smith playing Gardner, who received a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nomination for his performance. Gardner's second bestselling book, “Start Where You Are” was published in May of 2009 – a year into the Global Financial Crisis.

In the early 1980’s, Gardner became a working homeless Veteran with a toddler son. Without knowing the names, circumstances, social or social conditions, Gardner consciously chose to break every cycle that he was born into. Child abandonment, Child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, fear, poverty, and illiteracy. He also decided that he would become WORLD CLASS as whatever he did in his life. This decision led him to a career on Wall Street. He now has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.

A very big part of what Gardner wants to do with the rest of his life is simple; he wants to help create the next ‘Chris Gardner.’ The message is equally simple; If I can do this, than you can do that. 

Holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 27, and 53 licenses