On February 9, 1954, in Milawukee Wisconsin, a baby boy was born to Thomas Turner and Bettye Jean Gardner, a boy who would later become one of the most influential and successful entrepreneurs prosperous in the world. , (Gardner, 2014). Chris Gardner faced many challenges in his childhood that helped shape the man he is today. Not only did he grow up in an abusive home, but he also had to deal with the horror of him and his siblings being sent into foster care after his mother was falsely imprisoned for welfare fraud by her stepfather, then convicted of attempted murder. his father-in-law (Horsfield, 2012). Gardner was fortunate to become acquainted with the late Henry, who had a profound influence on his life as a father figure. Gardner's mother, during her periods of absence, was also a source of encouragement, inspiration and strength as she attempted to instill in him the value of self-reliance and self-confidence (Horsfield, 2012). “The cavalry is not coming. You can only count on yourself. ” was a quote from his mother that he carried throughout his childhood dealing with alcoholism, domestic violence, poverty, illiteracy, and fear (Gardner, 2014). He was determined to escape all these experiences and build a different and better future for himself. Politics and music became of great interest to Gardner in the late 1960s and 1970s. He was inspired by the works of Malcolm to name a few, and broadened his worldview by educating himself about South African historical events such as the Sharpeville massacre, apartheid and international racial issues (Horsfield, 2012). After graduating from high school, Gardner enlisted in the United States Navy, inspired by his Uncle Henry, and was an ass...... middle of paper......C. (2014). chris-gardner-biography.html. Retrieved May 17, 2014 from http://www.chrisgardnermedia.com: http://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/chris-gardner-biography.htmlGroup, TA (2014). artist/chris-gardner/. Accessed May 18, 2014 from http://www.theagencygroup.com/: http://www.theagencygroup.com/artist/chris-gardner/Horsfield, P. (2012). /chris-gardner. Accessed May 18, 2014 from www.thextraordinary.org: http://www.thextraordinary.org/chris-gardnerMagazine, S. (2013). article/chris-gardner-homeless-to-happiness. Retrieved May 18, 2014 from http://www.success.com/: http://www.success.com/article/chris-gardner-homeless-to-happynessYang, JL (September 15, 2006). magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/09/18/8386184/index.htm. Accessed May 18, 2014 from www.money.cnn.com: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/09/18/8386184/index.htm