The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream - Hardcover

by Joe Garner (Author), John P. Calamos (Author)

USA Today Bestseller

Stories and lessons from John P. Calamos Sr., a rags-to-riches self-made American billionaire

Sky's the Limit: Lessons in service, Entrepreneurship and Achieving the American Dream tells the inspirational tale of John P. Calamos Sr., an American trailblazer, self-made success story, and living legend in the world of investing. Each chapter contains stories and business lessons he learned along the way. From a stock boy in his parents' grocery store in Chicago's west side, to 400+ combat missions in Vietnam, to launching his own firm which now has upwards of $35 billion in assets, John's career and the extreme success he's enjoyed through that career have been built on taking risks and being resilient. Some of the events detailed in this book include:

• Teenage John's discovery of stock certificates in his family's basement ignites a passion for investing
• Major Calamos' time in the Air Force, including five years of active duty flying B-52 bombers and twelve years in the Reserves flying A-37 jet fighters
• Pioneering initiatives to launch one of the first convertible funds in 1985 and one of the first liquid alternative funds in 1990

Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship and Achieving the American Dream earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of all individuals seeking to mirror the success of a man who is a living embodiment of the quintessential rags-to-riches American dream.

Front Jacket

In The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream, distinguished Air Force pilot and Founder of Calamos Investments, John P. Calamos, Sr., delivers an inspirational and energizing collection of business lessons and stories gathered from his long and illustrious careers in the Armed Forces and investment industry.

New York Times bestselling author, Joe Garner, explores Calamos' extraordinary success, from a stock boy in his parents' grocery store on Chicago's west side, to his 400+ combat missions in Vietnam, to launching his own investment firm and growing it to over $40 billion in assets. The book also discusses the foundations of that success: intelligent risk management and resilience, with each chapter framed as a compelling story combined with a proven business lesson.

The Sky's the Limit examines John's life story of his discovery of stock certificates in his family's basement as a teenager, which resulted in a lifelong passion for investing. It also covers his time in the Air Force, including five years of active duty flying B-52 bombers and twelve years in the Reserves flying A-37 fighter jets. Finally, the book explores Calamos' pioneering initiatives to launch one of the first convertible funds in 1985 and one of the first liquid alternative funds in 1990.

Perfect for everyone who hopes to replicate Calamos' rags-to-riches journey through the American Dream, The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream is an invigorating and refreshing account of a life well-spent and the lessons we can all take from it.

Back Jacket

PRAISE FOR
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

"The American Dream holds that anyone, regardless of background and circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a life of service, success, and meaning. Few people embody those ideals as much as John Calamos, and his journey showcases what's possible when determination and talent meet opportunity."
--MICHAEL MILKEN, Chairman, Milken Institute

"What John Calamos has done for the investment industry has been groundbreaking, but it's his experiences outside the investment world, his passion for philanthropy, and relentless pursuit of excellence that will bring the best out of anyone who reads this book."
--JOHN S. KOUDOUNIS, President and CEO, Calamos Investments

"John Calamos changed the investment landscape when he started his firm just as the Chicago options and futures markets gained national attention. His focus on risk mitigation through convertible securities taught my television audience--and me--the difference between calculated investing and wild speculation. Today he is living proof of the long-term value of his strategies!"
--TERRY SAVAGE, Syndicated Financial Columnist and Author of The SavageTruth on Money

"John Calamos embodies the attributes of our proud Hellenic American heritage--humility, courage, family, philanthropy, ambition, and hard work--while always remaining rooted to the values that define the best in us as individuals and humanity. Throughout his life, John has 'made his own luck' and his story is a guide for how to accomplish great things by living a purposeful life characterized by service, moderation, and empathy."
--C. DEAN METROPOULOS, Private Equity Investor and Founder, Metropoulos & Co.

"John's courage and commitment to serving our country are an inspiration. Rarely does a story embody the best of what America stands for, delivered with principles for a life well lived."
--MARK CARLSON, Author and Military Historian

Author Biography

JOHN P. CALAMOS, SR. is Founder, Chairman, and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments. He is a pioneer in the fields of convertible securities and liquid alternative investments, as well as a Vietnam veteran who has flown over 400 missions as a combat pilot and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

JOE GARNER, deemed the "Ken Burns of the written and recorded word" by talk show legend Larry King, is a six-time New York Times bestselling author renowned for his innovative storytelling and multimedia approach. His groundbreaking New York Times bestselling debut, We Interrupt This Broadcast, pairs pivotal historical moments with authentic news broadcasts and features forewords by Walter Cronkite and Brian Williams. Garner has collaborated with celebrated figures across industries, including Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman, sports broadcast icon Bob Costas, comedy greats Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner, and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. With a unique ability to bring history, culture, and personal legacies to life, Garner remains a leader in the world of nonfiction.