Calamos is pleased to announce the upcoming book release of The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship, and Achieving the American Dream, a biography of John P. Calamos, Sr., our Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner, this inspiring story chronicles John P. Calamos, Sr.’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary figure in the investment world.

John Calamos has built a reputation for using investment techniques to control risk, preserve capital, and build wealth for clients over the long term. As a pioneer in convertible securities, Calamos launched one of the first convertible funds in 1985 as a way to manage risk for clients in volatile times. He also established one of the first liquid alternative funds in 1990, reflecting a focus on innovation that continues to this day.

From 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 $40 billion, Calamos' career is a testament to the American Dream. The Sky's the Limit highlights John's vision, determination, patriotism, and philanthropy.

The book will debut at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on May 4–7, 2025.

The Spark of Entrepreneurship
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 time in the United States Air Force, where he developed a keen understanding of risk management.
Pioneering
Initiatives
Multiple fund launches showcasing his innovative approach to investment strategies.

I’m truly grateful to have played a part in chronicling John Calamos’ remarkable journey. His story is one of perseverance, courage, and patriotism, alongside a relentless pursuit of the American Dream. Through his experiences, John shows the power of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to one's values. His life is not just inspiring—it's a testament to what can be achieved when you dare to follow your vision and remain dedicated to making a difference. It’s been an honor to bring his story to life, and I hope it serves as an inspiration to others, just as John’s life has inspired so many.

– Joe Garner, author of The Sky's the Limit: Lessons in Service, Entrepreneurship and Achieving the American Dream

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