METRO CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Calamos Investments is pleased to announce the upcoming release of "The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream," a biography of John P. Calamos, Sr., Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner, this inspiring story chronicles John Calamos' journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary figure in the investment world. From his early days of working as a stock boy in his parent's 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 a testament to the American dream. His story highlights his vision, determination, commitment to service and dedication to philanthropy. The book will debut at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, May 4-7, 2025.
"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," 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."
Published by globally renowned John Wiley & Sons, "The Sky's the Limit" is set to be released on April 22, 2025. 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 U.S. 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
"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," 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."
Praise for the Book
- "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
- "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 Savage Truth 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 achieving success." —Mark Carlson, author and military historian
"The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream" is available for preorder through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and wherever books are sold. It will also be featured in business and investment forums.
About the Subject
John P. Calamos Sr. is 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.
Mr. 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 U.S. 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. Mr. 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 philanthropic contributions. Mr. 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.
About the Author
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," paired 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 his unique ability to bring history, culture and personal legacies to life, Garner remains a leader in the world of nonfiction. For more information, visit Wiley Books. Join the conversations on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Calamos Investments
Calamos Investments is a diversified global investment firm offering innovative investment strategies, including alternatives, multi-asset, convertible, fixed income, private credit, equity and sustainable equity. With over $40 billion in AUM, including more than $17 billion in liquid alternatives assets as of Dec. 31, 2024, the firm offers strategies through ETFs, mutual funds, closed-end funds, interval funds, and UCITS funds as well as separately managed portfolios. His global clientele includes financial advisors, wealth management platforms, pension funds, foundations and endowments and individual investors. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in New York City, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Portland (Oregon) and the Miami area. For more information, visit us on LinkedIn, Twitter @Calamos or Instagram (@calamos_investments) or at www.calamos.com.
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