The book “The Sky’s the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream,” which is a biography of John P. Calamos, Sr., Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments, was released on Friday, May 9th at the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank based in Santa Monica, California. Mr. Calamos himself was present to sign copies of the book.
Calamos Investments had announced the release of this inspiring story weeks earlier, written by New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner. The book chronicles John Calamos’ remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary figure in the investment world.
From his early days working as a stock boy in his parents’ grocery store on Chicago’s West Side, to flying over 400 combat missions in Vietnam, and eventually founding Calamos Investments—a global asset management firm managing over $40 billion—John Calamos is the definition of the American dream. His story highlights his vision, determination, commitment to service, and dedication to philanthropy.
“It is my hope that this book will offer a road map for anyone aspiring to be a trailblazer, chart their own path, find success and make a difference,” had said John Calamos. “I am humbled by the opportunity to share my story and hope that it inspires others to pursue their dreams with determination and a service mindset.”
The book is published by the globally renowned John Wiley & Sons.
Some of the pivotal events highlighted in his book include:
The spark of entrepreneurship: John Calamos’ discovery of stock certificates in his family’s basement as a teenager, which ignited his passion for investing.
Military service and risk management: His five years of active duty in the US Air Force included flying B-52 bombers and serving as a forward air controller in Vietnam, and 12 years in the Reserves flying A-37 jet fighters, which shaped his keen understanding of risk management.
Pioneering initiatives: The launch of one of the first convertible funds in 1985 and one of the first liquid alternative funds in 1990, showcasing his innovative approach to investment strategies.
Calamos’ groundbreaking work and passion for philanthropy
“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 his relentless pursuit of excellence that will bring the best out of anyone who reads this book,” said John Koudounis, president and CEO of Calamos Investments.
“Writing about John Calamos’ life was an incredible experience,” said Garner. “His story is a testament to the American dream and offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.”
Terry Savage, syndicated financial columnist and author of ‘The Savage Truth on Money,’ said of the book: “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!”
“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,” said C. Dean Metropoulos, private equity investor and founder, Metropoulos & Co. “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.”
‘The Sky’s the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream’ is available for purchase through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and wherever books are sold. It will also be featured in business and investment forums.
Calamos’ Biography
John P. Calamos Sr. is the founder, chairman and global chief investment officer of Calamos Investments, the firm he founded in 1977. With origins as an institutional convertible bond manager, Calamos Investments has grown into a global asset management firm with institutional and individual clients worldwide.
Calamos established research and investment processes centered around a team-based approach designed to deliver superior risk-adjusted performance over full market cycles through a range of US and global investment solutions, including equity, fixed income, convertible and alternative strategies.
As a pioneer in convertible securities, he launched one of the first convertible funds in 1985, offering a risk management strategy for clients in volatile times. He also established one of the first liquid alternative funds in 1990, reflecting his commitment to innovation that persists to this day.
Calamos has built a reputation for using investment techniques to control risk, preserve capital and build wealth for clients over the long term. With more than 50 years of industry experience, he is often quoted as an authority on risk-managed investment strategies, markets and the economy.
He is a frequent speaker at investment conferences around the world and appears regularly on Fox Business Channel, Bloomberg TV and CNBC. He has authored two books, “Investing in Convertible Securities: Your Complete Guide to the Risks and Rewards,” and “Convertible Securities: The Latest Instruments, Portfolio Strategies, and Valuation Analysis.”
In addition to receiving many awards for his accomplishments as an entrepreneur, he has been honored by various organizations for his lifetime of philanthropic contributions. Calamos was the first Vietnam veteran to be recognized by the Washington Oxi Day Foundation; in his honor, the foundation established the Calamos Service Award to specifically recognize a Vietnam veteran every year.
Related: A Greek American Veteran’s Story: John Calamos
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